Fellowship Interviews Already?!

It seems like just yesterday Joel was applying for Pediatric residency programs, and now we're already going through the same process all over again.  He's planning on specializing in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (Blood diseases and cancer for children).  The fellowship is another three years of training - beginning a little over a year after the match date (May 2, 2012).  He had his first interview yesterday and as always we like to have fun analyzing and ranking the programs as we go along.  So here goes:

(source)

Cleveland Rainbow Babies

Initial Thoughts:

Pros: There has been a lot of positive change & forward momentum to the program.  Really enthusiastic and passionate faculty and ancillary staff.  It's a very fellow focused program (training future leaders in the specialty) with a lot of flexibility in training.  All Hem/Onc services will be localized in the hospital, and it has a strong Sickle Cell program.  Cleveland is an inexpensive city to live in, and it's closer to family (5 hours to both grandparents)

Cons: Currently the in-patient facilities are underwhelming.  There's more of a focus on science-based research instead of clinical research.  He wasn't super impressed with the fellows he met.  We'd be moving 2 1/2 hours away from the temple, and we'd have to sell our house.

Bottom Line: An up and coming program that Joel would be happy with if he matched there.

Our current rankings:
1. Rainbow Babies