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Sabrin Albeituni, PhD, and Kim Nichols, MD

Pediatric Cancer Predisposition Fellowship

Program Overview

The Pediatric Cancer Predisposition Non-Standard Training (NST) Program is designed for physicians who have completed advanced training in pediatric hematology and/or oncology and seek to develop expertise in germline precision medicine.

This program prepares fellows to incorporate emerging discoveries in germline genomics into clinical practice to improve the care of children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer and hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes.

Fellows in this program will:

  • Develop expertise in the diagnosis and evaluation of hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes
  • Apply a multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients with inherited cancer risk
  • Integrate tumor and germline genomic data into clinical decision-making
  • Understand mechanisms of cancer risk, tumor development, and treatment implications
  • Gain foundational skills in clinical research design, including protocol development, study endpoints, and statistical considerations

This one-year program provides fellows with advanced training in cancer genetics as well as ample research opportunities focused on hereditary predisposition to cancer.

 

  1. Clinical Experience

    Fellows are actively engaged in patient care, primarily in the outpatient setting, with progressive responsibility and autonomy.

    Patient Care & Clinical Leadership

    • Provide direct patient care under faculty supervision until achieving competency (Milestone Level 4)
    • Progress to leading clinical decision-making and patient/family discussions
    • Develop independence while maintaining faculty support
    • A Pediatric Hematology/Oncology faculty member remains the physician of record at all times

    Clinical Structure

    Cancer Predisposition Clinic:

    Two full days per week throughout the program

    • Fellows evaluate and manage primary patients
    • Care delivered under direct faculty supervision

    Clinical Conferences:

    Approximately 7 hours per week of structured educational sessions

  2. Educational Curriculum

    Division-Level Conferences

    Cancer Predisposition Case Conference (Weekly)

    • Case-based discussions led by fellows, genetic counselors, and faculty

    Cancer Predisposition Didactic Series

    • Small-group faculty-led sessions covering core topics such as:
      • Clinical evaluation and genetic testing
      • Germline variant interpretation
      • Ethics of genetic testing
      • Tumor surveillance strategies
      • Board-relevant topics

    Institutional Learning

    Fellows participate in a broad range of interdisciplinary conferences:

    • Leukemia/Lymphoma/Hematology & BMTCT Conference (Weekly)
    • Solid Tumor Conference (Weekly)
    • Neuro-Oncology Conference (Weekly)
    • Bone Marrow Failure Case Conference (Weekly)
    • Grand Rounds (Weekly)
    • Systems-Based Practice Seminars (Monthly)
    • Clinical Fellow Research Symposium (Annually)

    Fellows actively contribute by presenting cases and delivering lectures throughout the program.

  3. Research Opportunities

    Research is a central component of the fellowship, with dedicated time built into the schedule.

    Research Focus

    Fellows engage in:

    • Retrospective clinical research using existing data
    • Collaborative participation in prospective studies
    • Projects aligned with cancer predisposition and germline genomics

    Research Training & Support

    • Close mentorship from the Program Director and faculty
    • Training in clinical research methodology, including:
      • Protocol and grant development
      • Data collection and interpretation
      • Statistical analysis

    Scholarly Output

    • Final presentation of research findings
    • Written report including objectives, methods, results, and discussion

    Integration of findings within the broader scientific literature 

  4. Program Outcomes

    Graduates of the program are equipped to:

    • Lead clinical care in cancer predisposition and precision oncology
    • Integrate genomic data into patient-centered treatment strategies
    • Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams
    • Contribute to academic research and innovation
    • Practice independently with confidence in complex clinical environments 
 
 

Applying for Fellowship

Eligibility

Applicants with medicine/pediatrics training who have completed fellowship training in pediatric hematology/oncology are preferred. However, exceptional applicants trained in general pediatrics, internal medicine and family medicine are also encouraged to apply. 

International applicants must be ECFMG certified.

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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