Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Established
After many years of planning and anticipation, the Hematology Oncology Fellowship program, approved by the American Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) at The University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine (UTGSM), officially launched on July 1, 2022. The Hematology Oncology Fellowship will set the cornerstone for future fellowships in oncology. Timothy J. Panella, MD, is the Fellowship Director for the three- year training program. In July 2022, Dr. James Davidson and Dr. Heidi Worth became the program’s first fellows. The program will recruit two new fellows annually for a maximum of six fellows. The Hematology Oncology Fellowship will provide education and training in both hematology and medical oncology. Fellows will also have opportunities to enhance their research skills during the three-year program. The Cancer Institute (CI), the largest provider of cancer care in the region, offers the broadest spectrum of cancer specialties, treatments, procedures, and services to train tomorrow’s hematologists/medical oncologists. The comprehensive cancer program includes the region’s only Transplant and Cellular Therapy program, as
Pictured Left to Right - Stephen & Brenda Coleman, Eric Berry (former UT football player), Max Coleman with parents Landon & Kristin Coleman, and Dr. Bell.
the educational and research outputs of the UTGSM and the medical center. Dr. Panella stated, “The UTMC Cancer Institute has garnered regional eminence for the specialized care we provide to patients with cancer and blood disorders. We now can teach this knowledge and care to new physicians. What an honor.” Medical Oncology and honors Stephen, who fought his illness with perseverance, courage, determination, and dignity. The fellowship is fully funded through the Stephen Y. Coleman Endowed Fellowship in Medical Oncology. Stephen Y. Coleman lost his courageous battle with brain cancer in 2011. The nonprofit Tailgating Against Cancer (“TAC”) was formed by Stephen’s family to ensure Stephen’s legacy and help support other patients with cancer as well as the families and physicians who work together to improve outcomes. TAC is dedicated to raising funds for the Coleman Endowed Fellowship in
well as state-of-the art diagnostic and therapeutic services, oncology
pharmacists, and certified oncology nurses. Supportive
programs and professionals such as dietitians, social workers, and integrative health services are also available. Physicians selected for the fellowship will work with all members of the cancer team and will also participate in teaching residents and medical students. The fellowship supports the educational missions of both the UTGSM and The University of Tennessee Medical Center while helping address the projected shortage of hematologists and medical oncologists. The American Society of Clinical Oncologists projects a national shortage of more than 2200 oncologists by 2025 while the demand for cancer treatment is expected to grow by 40% as the American population ages. The presence of the Hematology Oncology Fellowship program will serve to both enhance cancer care at the CI and strengthen
20 - Cancer Institute Annual Report 2022
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