Frequently Asked Questions
What are the elective rotations available?
Rotations are required in neuro-pathology and neuro-radiology. Electives include: neurosurgery, palliative care, neuro-psychology, neuro-ophthalmology, and neurology.
What teaching conferences are available?
There are multiple ongoing teaching conferences every week. Neuro-oncology-specific conferences include: Monday morning patient rounds and Neuro-radiology rounds, bi-weekly multi-institutional neuro-oncology tumor board, bi-weekly Thursday didactic teaching conference, a monthly virtual tumor board with collaborators in Brazil, and monthly neuro-oncology journal club/teaching conference. In addition, pediatric grand rounds, Oncology grand rounds, and various conferences in related disciplines are available and encouraged.
Research
Research projects are expected of the fellow, with a goal of at least one publication/presentation during the year. Basic research can be accommodated, and multiple clinical projects are ongoing at any given time. Fellows will be involved in each step of clinical research in addition to their own project(s). In addition, the fellow will be supported in attending at least one conference each year.
What are the on-call responsibilities of neuro-oncology fellows?
There are no overnight or weekend call responsibilities.
What other institutions may participate in the fellowship?
Radiation oncology electives occur at our sister program in Fairfax, Virginia. Neuro-pathology electives are in conjunction with Dr Peter Burger at John's Hopkins Medical Center. Some conferences may occur in conjunction or at the NIH. All other duties occur at Children's National Health System's main campus.
Will the curriculum be different for oncology vs. neurology-based applicants?
The basic curriculum will be the same for each applicant. However, a discussion about the ideal curriculum will be conducted with each applicant to take advantage of their specific strengths, experience, and interests. For example, applicants who have not had significant chemotherapy experience will participate in some of the didactic and experiential opportunities afforded to Oncology fellows. This is also reflected in the particular proposed research projects, which may take advantage of collaborations with outside institutions.
What is the salary?
The salary scale is dependent on the year of medical education and is standardized at Children's National. In FY2013, the (annual) scale is as follows:
- PG5 - $65,957
- PG6 - $69,930
- PG7 - $74,131
- PG8 - $78,582
- PG9 - $83,283
- PG10 - $88,296
- PG11 - $93,579
Additional Supportive Materials
In addition to attending at least one national conference during their tenure, neuro-oncology fellows will receive up to $1,000 in an educational stipend. Fellows will be given a private office with a computer. Vacation/sick days will total 20 work days for the year, to be taken at the discretion of the fellow.
Recent graduates:
John Crawford
Director of Pediatric Neuro-oncology
University of California, San Diego
San Diego, CA
Amulya Rao
Director of Pediatric Neuro-oncology
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, MN
Ayman Samkari
Director of Pediatric Neuro-oncology
St. Christopher’s Hospital
Philadelphia, PA