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At the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, we offer three-year pediatric hematology/oncology fellowships in collaboration with Emory University School of Medicine. Our program is one of the largest pediatric hematology/oncology training programs in the country and the premier program in the Southeast. 

Additionally, our Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program offers:

The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center provides advanced diagnostic and clinical care, educational programs, psychosocial support, and innovative treatment and research options for children and young adults.

The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center is:

  • One of the leading childhood cancer centers in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.
  • Among the largest pediatric hematology/oncology programs in the country, employing approximately 120 faculty members.
  • One of the first established National Institutes of Health (NIH) K12- and K30-sponsored clinical research training facilities.
  • An active participant in numerous Children's Oncology Group (COG) clinical trials, consortium trials, and local investigator-initiated studies providing vast options for patients to participate in state-of-the-art treatments, the Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center annually ranks among the top centers nationally for COG clinical trial enrollment.
  • A member of the COG Phase I consortium—one of only 21 centers in the country and one of three in the Southeast.
  • Generating direct costs of more than $43 million in extramural research funding, including more than $27 million from NIH in 2022.
  • The largest comprehensive pediatric sickle cell disease program in the country and among the top five hemostasis and thrombosis programs nationally.
  • The largest single-center experience in the country for matched-sibling transplants for sickle cell disease.

Population served

As one of the largest childhood cancer and blood disorders centers in the country, you’ll gain exposure to a high volume and variety of cases. We care for more than 500 newly diagnosed cancer patients each year and follow more than 2,000 patients with sickle cell disease, hemophilia and other blood disorders. In addition, we have performed more than 1,000 BMTs since our program’s inception, and we follow more than 1,600 survivors through our Cancer Survivor Program.

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

Children's and Emory historical image

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.

National Honors from U.S. News & World Report

Children’s ranks among the nation’s top pediatric hospitals on the U.S. News & World Report list of “Best Children’s Hospitals.” The report ranks hospitals for excellence in outcomes, program structure and national reputation in 10 pediatric specialty areas.

Our Awards

Why Atlanta?

In addition to our unique neighboring pediatric partners, Atlanta is full of diverse communities, walkable neighborhoods, a thriving arts and culture scene, and plenty of green spaces and sunny weather—it’s pretty easy to fall in love with our charming city.

Make Atlanta Home

Our fellowship program leaders include:

Learn more about our pediatric hematology/oncology team and their interests.

First-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
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, MD
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

Second-year Fellows

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
College: Columbia University
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine
Residency: Baylor College of Medicine
*Currently completing a year of adult hematology training at Emory Winship Cancer Center.

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

Third-year fellows

Alexandra Cathcart, MD
College: University of Pittsburgh
Medical school: Temple University
Residency: Brown University

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

Jonathan Ebelhar, MD
College: Millsaps College
Medical school: University of Mississippi
Residency: Emory University School of Medicine

Tarun Jain, MD
College: Indiana University
Medical School: Indiana University
Residency: University of Texas at Houston

Rae Jamshidi, MD, PhD
College: Austin College
Medical School: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long SOM
Residency: University of Texas at Houston

Robert Lisac, MD
College: Linfield College
Medical School: University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Residency: University of Florida at Jacksonville

Liberty Strange, MD, MPH
College: Belmont University
Medical School: E. Tennessee State
Residency: Inova Children's Hospital

Justin Yoo, MD
College: Emory University School of Medicine
Medical school: Emory University School of Medicine
Residency: Duke University

See a full list of past fellows.

“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

“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

“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 have really enjoyed my time at Emory/Aflac so far. This program meets all the criteria I was looking for in fellowship: strong training in both hematology and oncology, as well as excellent clinical and research experiences. Most importantly, everyone here is incredibly kind! The program faculty go out of their way to make sure the fellows can accomplish their career goals, and they are constantly building on improving the fellowship experience. I feel like I've already grown so much as a physician in this last year, and I look forward to the rest of my fellowship training.” –Tarun Jain, MD Class of 2024

Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Highlights

As one of the largest pediatric oncology and hematology programs in the country, the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center offers a three-year fellowship in collaboration with Emory University.

Watch Video

Why Children's?

We manage one million patient visits annually at three hospitals, Marcus Autism Center, the Center for Advanced Pediatrics, urgent care centers and neighborhood locations.

Learn more

Our goal is to train academically oriented hematologists and oncologists who will be involved in a lifetime of excellence in pediatric patient care, teaching and research. Our program sees some of the country’s largest pediatric patient volumes, exposing fellows to more educational cases and greater research opportunities.

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.

In order to be considered for our Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program, applicants must complete an accredited three-year pediatric residency in North America before the start of the program. International medical graduates are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Children’s welcomes and appreciates everyone, regardless of gender or gender identity, age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, religion, health status or family composition. Our goal is to be a place where people feel valued for their professional and personal contributions, and to be a model for standing against discrimination, and standing for diversity and inclusion.

To apply

We use the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) to process all fellowship applications.

How to apply:

  • Visit the ERAS website.
  • Select “MyERAS.”
  • Note your Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) ID and self-created password for future access.

Contact Gary Lindsay, Senior Program Coordinator, with questions.

Application requirements checklist

Applicants must submit:

  • Curriculum vitae (including academic honors, membership in organizations, research experience and extracurricular activities)
  • Three letters of recommendation, including: 
    • Faculty member from a division of hematology/oncology
    • Faculty resident advisor or residency program director
    • A professional of your choosing (if significant research involvement, letter from research mentor)
  • Copy of dean’s letter and evaluation
  • Medical school transcript
  • Personal statement, including a description of previous research and clinical experience, reason for interest in a career in pediatric hematology/oncology, and career goals
  • Copies of United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores, Step 1 and Step 2 only
  • Immigration visa copy (if applicable)
  • Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate (if applicable)
  • Passport-style photograph

View the application timeline and selection procedure.

Gary Lindsay, Senior Program Coordinator