Hematopathology Fellowship

As the fellows progress through the educational program, they are given increased responsibility for the consultation services. If they choose the optional second year, fellows are allowed to sign out flow cytometry, molecular hematology, bone marrows, and lymph nodes on their own, commensurate with their demonstrated expertise, using the staff for consultation on difficult cases when needed. There is ample opportunity for the fellows to develop the necessary knowledge and skills in all aspects of laboratory hematology. During the various rotations, emphasis is placed on understanding the pathogenesis of hematologic diseases, the use of specific criteria for diagnosis, the use of laboratory data for prognostic and therapeutic decision-making, as well as clinicopathologic correlations. An integrated approach to the diagnosis of disease is emphasized throughout the program, including the bringing together of clinical information and all the pertinent laboratory data to arrive at a correct diagnosis. The two-year fellowship program consists of a one-year program of structured learning, followed by a second year consisting of additional specialization, including electives and research opportunities, and clinical responsibility. Flexibility in choosing rotations is allowed to encourage the development of special interests and expertise.

The hematology laboratory rotation provides understanding and expertise in the theory, methodology, application and clinical interpretation of "wet" hematology and coagulation tests. Fellows review all abnormal blood smears and fluid cytopreparations, and interpret tests such as coagulation panels. The fellows act as a liaison between the laboratory and the clinical staff, and they investigate interesting or abnormal laboratory findings. The fellow may also participate on internal medicine consultative teams that evaluate and manage hospital hematologic and coagulation problems, attend clinical hematology conferences, and participate in selected hematology clinics (ie., Hemophilia Clinic).

Didactic/discussion group sessions and assigned reading materials on the various aspects of laboratory administration and management are provided, and fellows are involved in the day-to-day managerial and quality assurance aspects of the laboratory. The fellows attend laboratory management meetings and review quality control and quality assurance data, as well as incident reports. The hematology and coagulation laboratories are excellent facilities, with modern instruments for the study of hematologic disorders, and are approved by the College of American Pathologists. Ongoing research in hematology test development and clinical application occurs in the laboratory, with emphasis on coagulation. The medical center is a tertiary care referral center for patients with hematologic and oncologic disorders, and it provides a large volume and rich variety of material for specialist trainees.

The hematopathology rotations consist of primary responsibility for the evaluation and interpretation of tissue and cytologic specimens from bone marrow (aspirate smears, particle sections, core biopsies, etc.), lymph nodes, spleens, and other tissues involved by hematologic disorders. The fellow is expected to be proficient in the procurement of bone marrow specimens. The fellow is expected to make a preliminary diagnosis and differential diagnosis for each case evaluated. These rotations provide an understanding of the theory, methodology, clinical application, and interpretation of special techniques such as histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, cytogenetics, flow cytometry, and gene rearrangements and other molecular analyses. Fellows learn the art of clinical consultation and communication with referring pathologists and clinicians. The opportunities for investigative research are abundant in the program. The Nebraska Leukemia/Lymphoma Study Group Registry and the transplantation program at UNMC provide a wealth of material and data for both translational and basic research.

As part of the heme fellowship program, house officers will actively participate in conferences within the program and the department, as well as throughout the UNMC campus.

The hematopathology fellows may attend the Resident Didactic Conferences when the topics are pertinent. We invite our nationally recognized faculty within our department and across campus, as well as guest speakers in pathology, to share their knowledge and interact with our house officers. In addition, heme fellows participate in interdisciplinary conferences such as Lymphoma and Bone Marrow Conference.

There are other interdisciplinary conferences that fellows can participate in, such as Grand Rounds.

A full-time salary with excellent benefits will be provided. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with the level of postgraduate training. 

• $1,000 professional development allowance per fellow for the support of academic books, board examinations and continuing education
• Fellows are encouraged and supported by the department to present at scientific meetings. The department funds up to $2,500 in travel to professional meetings where the fellow presents their research.
• Weekday lunch stipend of $10 per day
• Convenient covered parking
• House officer wellness lounge
• A UNMC identified lab coat and a set of black scrubs
• Access to Immunoquery, ExpertPath and PathPrimer; ASCP-Rise study sets; WHO series; and Biorender

UNMC and Nebraska Medicine share a campus in central Omaha. More than 300 new cases of hematologic malignancy, as well as numerous benign disorders, are reviewed for the regional Nebraska Leukemia/Lymphoma Study Group each year. Most of these cases are handled according to a special protocol for obtaining tissue for immunologic, molecular and cytogenetic studies at the various contributing institutions, and then the tissues are shipped to UNMC for evaluation and classification. A detailed computerized clinical database is collected and maintained on each case for research purposes, and all reports and representative slides are kept on each case in the Study Group Registry. Over 1,100 new patients per year, and over 23,000 total patients, are enrolled in the registry. Approximately 2,700 biopsies of lymph nodes and other tissues with hematologic disorders are reviewed each year, with 54,000 total biopsies in the registry. An active bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation program at UNMC (150 cases per year) provides additional interesting material for study. Approximately 1,200 bone marrow specimens from UNMC are examined yearly, in addition to outside consultations (400 per year).

• Jeffrey "John" Cannatella, MD
• Allison Cushman-Vokoun, MD, PhD
• Neha Gupta, MBBS - Associate Director
• Safina Hafeez, MD
• Joseph Khoury, MD - Director
• Arash Ronaghy, MD
• Saber Tadros, MD
• Zhenya Tang, MD, PhD, FACMGG
• Shelly M. Williams, MD
• Shanxiang Zhang, MD, PhD

We are accepting applications for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2024.  

Details on the match process are located here: Society for Hematopathology and The Match. Only trainees who are board eligible or certified in either or both anatomic and clinical pathology are accepted into the program.

Applicants must submit a complete application package to Dani Blum. The application includes a Standardized CAP Fellowship Application Form, a curriculum vitae, a personal statement, United States Medical Licensing Examination summary sheet showing results (parts 1, 2 and 3), AP/CP board certification (if applicable), dean's letter, medical school transcript, medical school diploma and three letters of recommendation. The personal statement should include a brief overview of the applicant's interests, related prior experiences, and long-term career goals. The three letters of recommendation should include one letter from the applicant's current program director, and two from other physicians who know the applicant well, preferably one hematopathologist. International medical graduates must also submit a copy of their valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate and be eligible for a J-1 visa, if necessary.

Only complete applications are reviewed for possible interview.