Hematology/Oncology Fellowship

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University: A historic partnership of pediatric excellence

In 1956, the Board of Trustees for both Emory University and Egleston Hospital signed an agreement to make Egleston a first-rate teaching hospital

Children’s is one of the largest freestanding healthcare systems in the country. Emory is one of the nation’s leading research universities. Together, the two share a passion for pediatric innovation and advancements. In 1956, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Egleston Hospital and Emory University first established a pediatric teaching relationship. This relationship has developed to facilitate leading-edge pediatric research, training and innovation.

Children’s and Emory University School of Medicine partner together on pediatric residency and fellowship training programs as well as the management and execution of clinical trials. Discoveries in Emory’s research laboratories are translated into lifesaving treatments at Children’s. Emory and Children’s share a unique employment agreement; more than 400 physicians hold titles at both independent institutions.

First-year fellows

Shana Burstein, MD
College: Haverford College
Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Residency: Children’s Hospital at Montefiore

Beth Byers, MD
College: Auburn University
Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Residency: Emory University School of Medicine

Peter Carlson, MD, PhD
College: University of Washington
Medical School: University of Wisconsin
Residency: University of Washington

Marina Girgis, MD
College: University of Virginia
Medical School: Wake Forest University
Residency: Vanderbilt University

Myrto Skafida, MD
Medical School: University of Patras
Residency: SUNY Downstate

Martha Stewart, MD
College: James Madison University
Medical School: University of Virginia
Residency: UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

Second-year fellows

Ugo Agbakwuru, MD
College: University of Michigan
Medical School: Michigan State University
Residency: Washington University School of Medicine/St. Louis Children's Hospital

Akshaya Arjunan, MD
College: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Residency: UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

Toni Chanroo, MD, MPH
College: Johns Hopkins University
Medical School: University of Miami School of Medicine
Residency: Baylor College of Medicine

Sukjoo Cho, MD
Medical School: Hallym University College of Medicine (The Republic of South Korea)
Residency: University of South Florida

Zuri Hudson, DO
College: Georgia institute of Technology
Medical School: Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Children’s Mercy Hospital (Kansas City)

Nabil Saleem, MD
College: Bates College
Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine
Residency: Emory University School of Medicine

Third-year Fellows

Stefanie DiGiandomenico, MD
College: Wayne State University
Medical school: Central Michigan University College of Medicine
Residency: Medical College of Wisconsin

Erin Frost, MD
College: Cansius College
Medical School: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
Residency: Duke University

Zahra Jiwani, DO
College: Brown University
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center
Residency: Authority Health

Sadie Mason, MD
College: The University of Georgia
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
Residency: Medical College of Wisconsin

Will Mitchell, MD
College: Clemson University
Medical School: University of South Carolina School of Medicine
Residency: University of Massachusetts

Joshua Muñiz, MD
College: Columbia University
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine
Residency: Baylor College of Medicine

Jason Stevenson, MD
College: Ouachita Baptist University
Medical School: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine
Residency: Emory University School of Medicine

See a full list of past fellows.

I chose Emory because of its dedication to support diverse career paths that fellows pursue. The program has clear track records of advocating various trajectories of the fellows, including but not limited to bench research, clinical trials, bioinformatics, and survivorship. In addition, its clinical abundance in both hematology and oncology build a solid foundation for the growth of fellows. The program leadership listens with open ears and follows up diligently. They are always willing to make good changes, resulting in key changes in the program structure such as night calls. - Sukjoo Cho, MD, Class of 2026

“I knew after my interview day that Emory/Aflac would be the best place for me to train for a variety of reasons. This is one of the largest programs in the country that offers comprehensive training in both hematology and oncology which makes for an unmatched clinical learning experience. Specifically, as someone interested in hematology, learning at a center with a high volume of patients with sickle cell, bleeding/coagulation disorders, hemophilia, RBC disorders, etc has been valuable. Moreover, despite the high volume, there is an importance placed on fellow education and creating a protected learning environment which has allowed me to grow and thrive as a trainee in a stress-free manner. Faculty are committed to our career development and helping us learn, and I look forward to continuing my training surrounded by this supportive community!” - Akshaya Arjunan, MD, Class of 2026

"I chose Emory because of the balance between the the hematology and oncology training. Most programs tend to place focus on one or the other, but Emory trains world-class hematologists AND oncologists. Our unique position in the region means we see a tremendous breadth of pathology, and our research infrastructure fosters early academic success." - Will Mitchell, MD MS, Class of 2025

“Emory and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's embraces many different paths for career growth. As a former computer scientist trying to build a research niche within informatics, I was met with not only interest but also excitement. Emory University's large capacity for research, wealth of computational resources, as well as it's close collaborative ties with Georgia Tech makes this an ideal place to grow as an informaticist. It doesn't hurt either that this children's hospital is a national leader in hematology/oncology.” - Frank Chien, MD Class of 2023

“I chose Emory University for my fellowship for a variety of reasons. The clinical exposure to the full breadth of hematologic and oncologic conditions is unmatched, and there are limitless opportunities for research and academic pursuits regardless of your field of interest. Additionally, program leadership truly values and prioritizes fellow development and education, and the entire department is collegial and supportive with a strong focus on providing the highest quality care to our patients.” – Megan Brown, MD, Class of 2020

“It is important to me that I train at a large academic institution that is equally dedicated to and strong in hematology/oncology, and I have definitely found that at Emory University.” - Christina Caruso, MD, Class of 2020

“I chose Emory University because I knew it was one of the best programs in the country and would offer me a wealth of learning opportunities. Equally as important, I chose Emory University because of the people who work here. I felt like this would be a place that I could thrive, while also surrounded by people who love what they do and are always striving to provide excellent patient care. Between high patient volume, a structured learning environment with commitment to fellow education and a supportive faculty with leading experts in the field, I knew this was the right program for me.” - Amanda (MacGregor) Harrington, MD, Class of 2020

“I chose the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center for its well-rounded hematology/oncology training, as well as its dedication to excellent patient care and cutting-edge research.” - Anthony Ross, MD, Class of 2020

“I think the biggest strength of the program is the large hematology/oncology populations we have access to here. The research opportunities are outstanding, and the faculty is very friendly and welcoming.” - Jonathan Metts, MD, Class of 2015

“I chose to train at Emory University because of my interest in sickle cell disease; we serve one of the largest sickle cell disease populations in the country. I am an Atlanta native and was happy to have the opportunity to come back home.” - Margo Rollins, MD, Class of 2015

Our Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program has received full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s is affiliated with Emory University, which is ranked among the top research medical schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

There is funding for six new fellows each year to be fully supported throughout the three-year program. Tuition for the Masters of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) Program is also covered for fellows who are pursuing clinical research. Additional years of research training are available for highly qualified candidates.

The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center receives funding for its fellowship program from the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and CURE Childhood Cancer. These organizations encourage promising new medical professionals to pursue pediatric cancer research as a specialty.

First-year fellows spend a majority of their time in clinical rotations. Second- and third-year fellows primarily spend their time in various research and educational activities. Each fellow maintains a continuity clinic one day a week for the entire three years. The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center also offers an optional fourth year of fellowship to continue to hone research skills, as well as the opportunity for clinical fourth year fellowships in neuro-oncology, bone marrow transplant and survivorship. Select fellows who are trained in both pediatrics and internal medicine may pursue training in adult hematology or medical oncology through the Emory University Winship Cancer Institute and will be considered on an individual basis.

Below is a snapshot of our Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program:

Clinical rotations—first year

• Inpatient/outpatient oncology (three months)
• BMT—inpatient/outpatient (two months)
• Inpatient/outpatient hematology (three months)
• Neuro-oncology—inpatient/outpatient (one month)
• Subspecialty clinics rotation (one month)
• Research exploration (one month in total, divided into two-week blocks)
• Other experiences throughout the year, including radiation oncology, hematopathology, cytogenetics, transfusion medicine
• Outpatient/subspecialty experiences, including hemophilia clinic, vascular anomalies clinic, stroke clinic, cancer predisposition clinic, cancer survivorship clinic, developmental therapeutics clinic, bone marrow failure clinic, immunohematology clinic and women's bleeding disorder clinic

Research—second and third years

Second- and third-year fellows are offered a variety of opportunities in clinical, translational and basic research. These opportunities are available at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, throughout the Emory University system and beyond.

We are devoted to training physician-scientists seeking careers in academic pediatric hematology/oncology, whether in clinical or laboratory-based research. In addition to research opportunities within the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, fellows may collaborate with faculty at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Emory School of Public Health, Georgia Institute of Technology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

We offer a clinical research track for fellows interested in careers as clinical investigators. Fellows interested in clinical research are encouraged to apply for the Emory University MSCR Program and to gain exposure through the myriad of ongoing clinical trials available within the division.

In conjunction with the Emory University Laney Graduate School, we also offer a unique pathway for pediatric hematology/oncology fellows to pursue a PhD during the research portion of their fellowship. Opportunities for pursuing doctorate level research exist within the Cancer Biology Program of the Laney Graduate School and the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology. The goal of this unique program is to train academically oriented pediatric hematologists and oncologists to be involved in a lifetime of excellence in patient care and teaching, while also becoming research scholars with in-depth scientific training, culminating with a PhD in a biomedical discipline.

We also create an individualized scholarship oversight and mentoring committee to guide fellows through their fellowship research experience.

Research—optional fourth year

An additional year of training is strongly encouraged and available with funding to all fellows. The typical fourth year is approximately 85% devoted to expanding on a fellow’s research and allows the fellow to increase competitiveness in garnering future career development awards or other grants for young investigators. Approximately 15% of the time is allotted for clinical exposure in the fellow’s area of interest as senior associate or instructor-level faculty. Additional clinical fourth-year fellowships are also available.

On-call schedule

Night call takes place from home. Fellows occasionally return to the hospital to evaluate newly diagnosed or extremely ill patients. The frequency of night and weekend call decreases significantly throughout the three years to allow senior fellows the ability to focus on their research.

Didactic schedule

A variety of educational meetings are offered in addition to structured teaching, ethics and research overview courses throughout the year. Fellows participate in weekly tumor boards and monthly academic half days.

Additional benefits of the program

Fellows receive three weeks of vacation each year. Each fellow has an educational stipend, which may be used for meetings, journals or other educational expenses. Senior fellows attend additional scientific meetings based on research presentations.