Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship
Yes, we are recruiting for the academic year starting in 2027!
The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program is designed to train fellows for careers in academic medicine and provide training in state-of-the-art clinical care and cutting edge clinical and basic science research.
Our program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and accepts four fellows yearly through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).
Fellows participating in the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program receive exceptional instruction in the clinical care of patients and become well-prepared to make substantial contributions to our field through leadership and clinical, basic science and translational research.
Upon completion of our program, our fellows will meet the eligibility requirements for the subspecialty certification requirements of the American Board of Pediatrics. Pediatric hematology/oncology fellows from the Division of Pediatrics at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center have gone on to varied careers across the globe.
Letter from our Program Director
Fellowship Program Director,
Section Chief, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cell Therapy
I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to you on behalf of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program at Âé¶¹Ó³» MD Anderson Cancer Center. As program director, it is my privilege to introduce you to our renowned fellowship program, which stands at the forefront of pediatric cancer care, research, and education.
At UT MD Anderson, we take great pride in our commitment to providing comprehensive training that equips fellows with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become leaders in the field of pediatric hematology-oncology. Our program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and offers a rigorous yet rewarding three-year curriculum that integrates clinical care, research and scholarly activities.
One of the hallmarks of our program is our multi-pronged approach to pediatric cancer care. As part of one of the largest multidisciplinary pediatric cancer care programs in the nation, fellows will work alongside world-renowned experts in various specialties, including oncology, hematology, stem cell transplantation, neuro-oncology and more. This collaborative environment fosters a rich learning experience and ensures that fellows receive comprehensive training across the spectrum of pediatric hematological and oncological disorders.
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology fellows at MD Anderson benefit from exposure to a diverse patient population, including approximately 2,600 children treated at our institution in the last year. From the diagnosis and management of hematological diseases to the latest advancements in cancer treatment and stem cell transplantation, fellows are actively involved in every aspect of patient care, under the guidance of experienced faculty preceptors.
In addition to clinical training, our program places a strong emphasis on research and scholarly activities. Fellows have the opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research projects under the mentorship of faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields. Whether it's basic science research, translational research, or clinical trials, our fellows are encouraged to explore their interests and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in pediatric hematology-oncology.
As a fellow in our program, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, resources, and support services that are unparalleled in the field. From our dedicated pediatric oncology unit to our stem cell transplant and cell therapy program, UT MD Anderson offers a comprehensive and collaborative environment where fellows can thrive and grow both personally and professionally.
I invite you to explore all that our Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Program has to offer and to consider joining our dynamic and passionate team of clinicians, researchers, and educators. Whether your goal is to pursue a career in academic medicine, clinical practice, or research, we are committed to providing you with the training and support you need to achieve your aspirations and make a meaningful impact in the lives of pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Thank you for considering the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program at UT MD Anderson. We look forward to welcoming you to our community and embarking on this transformative journey together.
Meet our Current Fellows
Fellows in the Spotlight
Our fellows enjoy spending time together and form lifelong bonds during their education and training. Whether it's at work or wherever, they are enjoying life while achieving their dream to become pediatric oncologists.
Dr. Andrea Hayes Dixon (in blue) enjoyed meeting pediatric fellows after presenting the 2026 Sutow Lecture.
Drs. Batool Al Qander, Amanda Balch, Ana H. Botero, and Amr Elgehiny take a quick selfie during a meeting prior to sharing their research.
These fellows spend a lot of time learning lab skills and diving into their research interests.
First-Year Fellows
Francheska Nieves-Rodriguez, M.D., earned her medical degree at the Universidad Aut¨®noma de Guadalajara Facultad de Medicina in Jalisco, Mexico. She completed her pediatrics residency at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Victoria Palmer, M.D., earned her medical degree at St. George¡¯s University School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. She fulfilled pediatrics residency at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Avinash Ramkissoon, M.D., earned his medical degree at the University of the West Indies Faculty of Medical Sciences in Jamaica. He fulfilled his pediatrics residency within the Memorial Healthcare System in Hollywood, Florida.
Zainab Zulqarnain, M.D., earned her medical degree at Semmelweis University Faculty of Medicine in Budapest, Hungary. She completed his pediatrics residency at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell at Cohen Children's Medical Center Program in Hempstead, New York.
Second-Year Fellows
Batool Al Qanber, M.D., earned her medical degree from the Arabian Gulf University College of Medicine and Medical Sciences in Bahrain. She did her pediatric residency at Central Michigan University in Saginaw, Michigan.
Amanda Balch, M.D., earned her medical degree from State University of New York Upstate. Medical University College of Medicine in Syracuse, New York. She fulfilled her pediatric residency at Christiana Care/Nemours Children¡¯s Hospital in Newark, Delaware.
Ana Hernandez Botero, M.D., earned her medical degree at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia Facultad de Medicina in Bogota, Colombia. She did her pediatric residency at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut.
Emily Ward, M.D., M.S., earned her medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson, Mississippi, and a Master of Science in biomedical science from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She completed her residency at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia.?
Third-Year Fellows
Adrian Gutierrez, M.D., earned his medical degree at Âé¶¹Ó³» Medical Branch in Galveston. He did his pediatric residency at Texas Tech University Health Center in El Paso, Texas.
Alexander Hsu, M.D., earned his medical degree at the Texas A&M School of Medicine in Bryan, Texas. He fulfilled his pediatrics residency at Driscoll Children's Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Our Alumni
2022-2026
2026
Samanta Catueno, M.D., Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Amr Elgehiny, M.D., Fellow, Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Fellowship Program, Houston, Texas
Aaron Fan, Ph.D., M.D., Instructor, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Advanced Scholars Program, Houston, Texas
Maria Frost, M.D., Fellow, Phoneix Children's Hospital, Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Progarm, Phoenix, Arizona
Reeja Raj, D.O., Fellow, Texas Children's, Pediatrics Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program, Houston, Texas
2025
Elysia Cohen, M.D., Pain and Palliative Care Fellowship, University of Califiornia, Los Angeles
Ariel Nash, M.D., Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Olayinka Okeleji, M.B.B.S., M.D., Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Fellowship, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Ramya Ramakrishnan, M.D., Assistant Professor, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Oklahoma Children's Hospital, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
2024
Faraz Afridi, M.D., Fellow, Hospice and Palliatve Medicine Fellowship, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Shaikha AlQahtani, M.D., Fellow, Pediatric Transplant and Cellular Therapy (PTCT) Fellowship, Duke Children's Hospital, Durham, North Carolina
Jiasen He, M.D., Assistant Professor, Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Fellowship, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Faryal Munir, M.D., Assistant Professor, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, Arizona
2023
Jeremy Connors, M.D., Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Emily Rav, D.O., Cook Children's Hosptial, Dallas, Texas
Sanilla Sarkar, M.D., Assistant Professor, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
Irtiza Sheikh, D.O., Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
2022
Brandon Brown, M.D., Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Amber Gibson, D.O., Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Adriana Trabal, M.D. , Hematologist-Oncologist, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Hollywood, Florida
2017-2021
2021
Sumit Gupta, M.D., Hematologist/Oncologist, Cure for the Kids Foundation, Las Vegas, Nevada
Dristhi Ragoonanan, M.B.B.S., Hematologist/Oncologist, Cure for the Kids Foundation, Las Vegas, Nevada
2020
David McCall, M.D., Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Avis Harden, M.D., Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Usman Baig, M.D., Assistant Professor, Palliative Care/Neuro-Oncology, Loma Linda University Children's Health, Loma Linda, California
Sana Mohiuddin, M.B.B.S., Hematologist-Oncologist, Women & Children¡¯s, Huntsville, Alabama
2019
Nelda Itzep , M.D., Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
Brianna Murphy, D.O., Sanford Children's Hospital, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Grace Nehme, M.D., Hematology-Oncology Consultant, Clemenceau Medical Center, Dubai, UAE
Sheetal Phadnis, M.D., Instructor, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
2018
Branko Cuglievan, M.D., Associate Professor, Pediatrics, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Natalie Sloan, D.O., Pediatric Hematology-Oncologist, Norton Children's Cancer Institute, Louisville, Kentucky
Miriam Garcia, M.D., Assistant Professor, Pediatrics, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
April DePombo, D.O., Pediatric Hematology-Oncologist, Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida, Fort Meyers, Florida
2017
Ryuma Tanaka, M.D., Assistant Professor, Neuro-Oncology, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
Angela Shaw, M.D., M.S., Assistant Professor, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
Pamela Camacho, M.D., Assistant Professor, Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
Contact Information
For inquiries and questions, contact:
Priti Tewari, M.D.
Professor, Pediatrics-Patient Care
Program Director, Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology Fellowship
Section Chief, Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation & Cell Therapy, Pediatrics -Patient Care
Phone: 713-792-3497
Email: ptewari@mdanderson.org
Jeremy S. Connors, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Pediatrics-Patient Care
Associate Program Director, Hematology/Oncology Fellowship
Phone: 713-792-6624
Email: jsconners@mdanderson.org
Dawn Dean, M.H.A.
Program Coordinator, Pediatrics-Patient Care
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program
Email: dmdean@mdanderson.org
Giesel Arnold, M.B.A.
Program Manager, Pediatrics-Patient Care
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program
Email: gmarnold@mdanderson.org
Âé¶¹Ó³» MD Anderson Cancer Center
Division of Pediatrics
1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1487
Houston, TX 77030
Related Resources
MD Anderson Cancer Center is committed to encouraging good health and staying true to our mission to end cancer. If you are applying for a GME fellowship or residency program starting on or after July 1, 2016, please be advised that MD Anderson will have instituted a tobacco-free hiring process as part of its efforts to achieve these goals. If you are offered an appointment, you will be subject to a Pre-Employment Drug Screen for tobacco compounds in compliance with applicable state laws. If you do not pass the urine drug screening which includes testing for tobacco compounds, you CANNOT be appointed at MD Anderson. Should you fail to meet this contingency, MD Anderson will withdraw your offer of appointment for the academic year. You may reapply for the following academic year, but there are no guarantees that you will be offered a position as many of our programs are already filled for several years out.
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