Our division consistently engages in groundbreaking investigations that push the boundaries of our understanding and treatment of pediatric cancer. With extensive expertise, the landscape of research encompasses various aspects of pediatric hematology and oncology with discoveries in cancer biology, clinical trials of novel therapeutics and patient reported outcomes. As part of this program, fellows have the opportunity to explore research opportunities within the division, the department of pediatrics and across the medical school and university to develop mentoring relationships and collaboration to launch their career.
In the first year of fellowship, the fellow proceeds with discussions with the division faculty and the program directors to determine which path the fellow wishes to pursue and what strategy is most appropriate given their background and career goals. By the conclusion of the first year of fellowship, the fellow (with the assistance of the program director and division faculty) will have identified a primary mentor, outlined a scholarly project and appointed a scholarship oversight committee (SOC).
Given the breadth and depth of research opportunities at Washington University, fellows are encouraged to consider faculty both within and outside of our division and department for their primary mentors and committee members. The primary mentor, program director and SOC (which meets at least every six months) will monitor the fellow’s progress throughout the research phase of training. Ultimately, it is expected that this phase will result in original discoveries in relevant research topics worthy of publication and the acquisition of extramural funding that will allow the fellow to further advance in his/her career.
WashU offers a variety of training grants including a dedicated pediatric hematology/oncology T32 grant.
Following this training, our fellows have gone on to successfully compete for K awards and independent funding from Hyundai Hope on Wheels, ASH Scholar Awards, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and more!
Highlights
- Department/division research: Explore our cutting-edge research in the Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology as well as the field-spanning research being conducted throughout the department. Our department holds an annual Pediatric Research Retreat, bringing together all divisions to share and celebrate their achievements throughout the year.
- Children’s Discovery Institute: The Children’s Discovery Institute (CDI) is a partnership between St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM) to find innovative, more precise and personalized treatments for a spectrum of childhood diseases. Since 2006, St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation has granted more than $93.9 million to advance CDI pediatric research
- Pedal the Cause: Pedal the Cause provides critical funding for cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital through our annual cycling challenge. It is our hope that research funded by Pedal the Cause will ultimately lead to a cure for cancer.