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Post-Residency Training Opportunity
Fellowship Program in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
Call for Applications 2025–2027
1. Purpose of the Call for Applications 
Training in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology in Spain is typically undertaken during the final year of the national Pediatric Residency Program (MIR) and lasts several months depending on the training center.
HM Hospitales Group offers the opportunity to complement this training for physicians who wish to dedicate themselves exclusively to the diagnosis and treatment of oncologic and hematologic diseases in children and adolescents.
The “Fellowship in Pediatric and Adolescent Hematology and Oncology” aims to train pediatric hematologist-oncologists capable of both curing and caring for children and adolescents (0–18 years) diagnosed with cancer and hematologic disorders, while also supporting their families.
The program also seeks to develop research, teaching, and leadership skills, enabling fellows to lead comprehensive care projects for these patients.
The program is integrated within the Clara Campal Comprehensive Cancer Center (HM-CIOCC), whose pediatric branch is the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit.
Dr. Blanca López-Ibor
Head of the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, HM Hospitales
2. Applicant Requirements
The candidate must meet the following requirements:
- Board-certified Pediatrician through the Spanish MIR system or equivalent qualification officially recognized in Spain.
- Proficiency in Spanish and English (spoken and written).
- Full-time dedication throughout the duration of the program.
- Initiation of a research project in pediatric oncology or hematology within the framework of a doctoral thesis (if not already completed), or integration into ongoing research lines of the Unit.
3. Program Characteristics
A) PROGRAM OBJECTIVE:
The primary goal of the Fellowship is comprehensive training in Pediatric and Adolescent Hematology and Oncology, both in clinical care and applied research.
This objective is achieved through a 2-year program designed to:
- Study the pathophysiology of cancer and pediatric oncologic and hematologic diseases.
- Develop competence in clinical diagnosis and therapeutic decision-making.
- Gain experience in participation in clinical trials.
- Acquire experience in translational research.
- Develop expertise in coordinating psychosocial care for critically ill and/or chronically ill pediatric patients.
- Gain knowledge and experience in pediatric and adolescent palliative care.
- Acquire knowledge in bioethics related to Pediatric Oncology.
- Learn to work within multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams.
- Develop experience in comprehensive pediatric oncology care.
Training includes both structured knowledge acquisition and practical clinical application.
The program follows a person- and family-centered medicine model grounded in current scientific evidence.
Complementary Clinical Training
- Rotation in the hematology laboratory (peripheral blood smears, bone marrow aspirates, coagulation studies, transfusion therapy management).
- Rotation in Pediatric Radiation Oncology.
- Rotation in Nuclear Medicine.
- Rotation in the HM/CIOCC Clinical Trials Unit and START (Phase I).
- Rotation in the Pathology and Therapeutic Targets Laboratory.
- Procedures related to peripheral blood stem cell apheresis, cryopreservation, thawing, and infusion.
- Rotation in the familial cancer clinic.
- Optional rotation in pediatric radiology and neuroradiology.
- Participation in Pediatric Tumor Board and Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Board meetings.
- Attendance at daily Unit planning meetings.
- Participation in biweekly Pediatric Oncology team meetings.
Theoretical Training
- Attendance at Unit-specific educational activities and those of HM Hospitales related to the specialty.
- Participation in clinical sessions in Pediatrics and HM CIOCC.
- Publication of at least one article in a medium-to-high impact journal.
- Training in management of a child- and family-centered Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit.
- Training in bioethics and data protection.
Research Training
- Participation in the development of a research project aligned with the Unit’s research lines.
B) EVALUATION MODEL
Fellow performance will be evaluated every six months by a designated tutor appointed by the Head of Department and Program Director.
Progress, knowledge acquisition, and clinical activity will be assessed. An annual review meeting will be held with the Program Director, tutor, and fellow.
An annual written evaluation outlining strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement will be provided to the fellow.
C) PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The program duration is two years. Rotations are structured annually and adapted to the fellow’s learning pace and interests. The fellow will join the Unit’s regular clinical schedule (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM).
The fellow will also perform on-call pediatric hematology-oncology duties, including weekend ward rounds as scheduled.
Achievement of program objectives will be supervised by the Head of Department.
D) TRAINING SITES
- HM Montepríncipe University Hospital
- HM Sanchinarro University Hospital / CIOCC
- HM Puerta del Sur University Hospital
- HM Rivas Hospital
E) DURATION:
The program duration is two years. Compliance with program requirements will be reviewed after the first year.
4. Required Documentation
- Curriculum Vitae: https://cvn.fecyt.es/editor/
- Certified copy of medical degree/specialist qualification.
- Certified copy of doctoral degree (if applicable).
- Letter of motivation outlining reasons for applying.
5. Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted BEFORE SEPTEMBER 10, 2025 to: secretariaoncologia@mail.hmhospitales.com with subject line: “Fellowship Program 2025–2027”.
6. Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee composed of:
* Head of Unit
* Fellowship Program Faculty
* Medical Director of HM Montepríncipe
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal interview. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.
7. Final Decision
Following the final decision of the Selection Committee, the selected candidate will be formally appointed as a Fellow of the Unit.
The selected candidate is expected to join in early October 2025.
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