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Neuro-Oncology Fellowship Program

Providing a unique clinical and research experience for treating pediatric patients with challenging brain tumors

Program Overview

The Neuro-Oncology Non-Standard (NST) Fellowship Program is designed to prepare future leaders in the care and study of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors. The program provides advanced, specialized training in the etiology, biology, and treatment of CNS tumors, equipping fellows with the skills to deliver high-quality clinical care and apply innovative therapeutic approaches.

Fellows in this program will:

  • Develop advanced clinical expertise in the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of CNS tumors across pediatric and young adult populations
  • Gain proficiency in multidisciplinary care through collaboration with neurosurgery, radiology, pathology, oncology, and other specialties
  • Integrate basic science, translational research, and clinical investigation to understand tumor biology and therapeutic strategies
  • Build disease-specific knowledge through participation in conferences, lectures, and multidisciplinary team discussions

The fellowship is for 1 year, with a July 1-June 30 schedule preferred.

  1. Clinical Experience

    Fellows are actively engaged in patient care, primarily in the outpatient setting, with progressive autonomy and leadership development. The Neuro-Oncology Division is an integral part of the Brain Tumor Program. 

    Patient Care & Clinical Leadership

    • Provide outpatient care under direct faculty supervision until competency is achieved
    • Progress to leading clinical decision-making and patient/family discussions
    • Prepare for independent practice while maintaining faculty support
    • A Neuro-Oncology faculty member remains the physician of record at all times

    Clinical Training Structure

    Outpatient Clinical Experience

    • 3.5 days per week throughout the program
    • Manage and follow a panel of approximately 20–30 patients
    • Increasing responsibility in care decisions and communication
    • Perform procedures such as lumbar punctures and Ommaya reservoir taps

    Call Coverage

    • At-home call for Neuro-Oncology service (4–6 weeks annually)
    • Coordinate care with inpatient teams; no routine in-hospital requirement
    • Continuous faculty oversight

    Consult Service (6 Months)

    • Serve as consult physician for external referrals
    • Review ~4 cases per week
    • Present cases at Brain Tumor Conference
    • Communicate recommendations to referring physicians

    Elective Rotations

    • One day per week (4 days/month)
    • Tailored to individual interests
    • Options include: neuroradiology, neuropathology, radiation oncology, neurology, neurosurgery, cancer genetics, and research 

  2. Educational Curriculum

    Departmental Learning

    Brain Tumor Conference (Weekly)

    • Multidisciplinary review of complex and referral cases
      • Fellows serve as consult physician for 6 months
      • Present external cases and communicate recommendations

    Neurobiology and Brain Tumor Program (Biweekly)

    • Exposure to cutting-edge basic and translational research and clinical trial development

    Institutional Learning

    Grand Rounds (Weekly)

    • Broad educational topics across pediatric hematology/oncology

    Systems-Based Practice Seminars (Monthly)

    • Focus on quality improvement, patient safety, and healthcare systems

    Clinical Fellow Research Symposium (Annually)

    • Fellows present research for feedback and scholarly development 

  3. Research Opportunities

    Research is an integral component of the Neuro-Oncology NST Fellowship, supporting the development of clinician-scientists and academic leaders. The Brain Tumor Program works collaboratively with the Department of Developmental Neurobiology. The focus of the Brain Tumor research program is to advance innovative therapeutic interventions, including new chemotherapeutic agents. Clinical trials are developed regularly at St. Jude and in collaboration with other pediatric neuro-oncology programs, cooperative groups, and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium. Novel studies are currently ongoing in infant CNS tumors, medulloblastoma, malignant gliomas and low-grade neoplasms.

    Learn more about our Brain Tumor Clinical Trials

    Research Focus

    Fellows are encouraged to engage in:

    • Clinical research
    • Translational investigations
    • Studies focused on CNS tumor biology and therapeutic innovation

    Research Support

    • Mentorship from experienced faculty and program leadership
    • Integration with neurobiology and clinical research programs
    • Opportunities to contribute to ongoing studies and emerging therapies 

  4. Program Outcome

    Graduates of the Neuro-Oncology Fellowship are equipped to:

    • Deliver expert, patient-centered care for pediatric CNS tumors
    • Lead multidisciplinary clinical teams
    • Integrate research discoveries into clinical practice
    • Contribute to innovation in neuro-oncology
    • Transition confidently into independent academic or clinical careers 
 
 

Applying for Fellowship

Eligibility

Eligible applicants will have completed a pediatric hematology/oncology or a pediatric neurology fellowship. The Neuro-Oncology fellowship program accepts international applicants who have obtained their ECFMG certification.

Application Process

To learn more about current openings and the application process, please apply here.

A complete application will consist of: a curriculum vitae (CV), personal statement, ECFMG certificate (international fellows only), and three (3) letters of recommendation. Applicants may apply at any time. Our interview season occurs in the fall for a July 1 start.

 
 

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