Development of a Hematology-Oncology Advanced Practice Provider Fellowship Program

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Advanced Practice Providers
• Medical Education

Background:

• New graduate advanced practice providers (APPs) encounter significant challenges entering hematology-oncology.
• These include insufficient specialty training, rapid onboarding, and high patient loads.
• These issues can result in job dissatisfaction, compromised patient safety, and staff turnover.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the identified challenges faced by APPs in hematology-oncology.
• To introduce a comprehensive curriculum designed to better prepare APPs for this specialty.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured fellowship program in facilitating APP transition.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of a 12-month hematology-oncology APP fellowship program.
• The curriculum incorporates both didactic learning and clinical practice components.
• Guidance is provided within a structured practice environment.

Main Results:

• The fellowship program successfully equipped APPs with necessary skills for hematology-oncology.
• It provided a structured pathway for professional development.
• Participants gained confidence and competence in managing complex patient cases.

Conclusions:

• The hematology-oncology APP fellowship program effectively prepares new APPs for the specialty.
• Structured training mitigates challenges and improves role satisfaction and patient care.
• This model supports a successful transition into advanced practice in oncology.