Pediatric Vascular Anomalies Fellowship

Vascular anomalies include a heterogeneous group of rare tumors, malformations, and associated syndromes that require a multidisciplinary approach to optimize patient care. While these are not new diseases, our knowledge about these disorders and our approach to treating them has rapidly evolved with advances in genomics over the last few decades. The same medications that target specific mutations or pathways in some cancers are now being used to treat many vascular anomalies.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Division of Oncology in the Department of Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania offers a one-year Pediatric Vascular Anomalies Fellowship for qualified physicians who wish to pursue further training in the emerging field of vascular anomalies. This is a one-year position with a focus on clinical care as well as clinical and translational research.

Candidates will join the Comprehensive Vascular Anomalies Program (CVAP) at CHOP, which cares for a very large volume of patients afflicted by an immense variety of vascular anomalies.  We utilize the amazing resources available at CHOP to provide multidisciplinary care for our patients that involves experts from all pediatric specialties and subspecialties. We also work to better our understanding of these diseases and discover novel therapies through basic science, translational, and clinical research that is being undertaken through the state-of-the-art facilities at our institution.

Our curriculum offers a broad exposure to the multidisciplinary care necessary to optimize the treatment of patients with vascular anomalies. Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of clinical experiences that will be tailored to each trainee’s career goals, which can include:

• Inpatient CVAP consultative rounds
• Outpatient multidisciplinary clinic (patients see multiple providers at same visit)
• Outpatient oncology clinic (patients see only the CVAP provider)
• Observation of surgical and interventional radiology procedures
• Observation of procedures performed within the Jill and Mark Fishman Center for Lymphatic Disorders
• Participation in didactic and conference experiences, including CVAP-specific clinical case conferences, tumor boards, M&M discussions, research conferences, and more
• Rotations with Pathology, Interventional Radiology, Diagnostic Radiology, Lymphatics, Dermatology, etc.

Additionally, fellows will have protected research time and are expected to complete a scholarly project during their training. Opportunities for scholarship at CHOP are seemingly endless and include:

• The Center for Applied Genomics (CAG), which offers cutting-edge research services in the field of genomics in order to diagnose and treat children affected by rare and complex medical disorders.
• The Consortium of iNvestigators of Vascular AnomalieS (CaNVAS), a multi-institutional research consortium chaired by Dr. Denise Adams (Director of CVAP).
• Participation in one of the many clinical trials in which members of our team take part.

Applicants for the Pediatric Vascular Anomalies Fellowship must have completed three (3) years of pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship training in the United States or Canada upon matriculation. They should be board certified in general pediatrics, and board certified or eligible in pediatric hematology/oncology. They must be able to obtain an unrestricted medical license within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

We seek candidates who embrace and reflect diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences in the broadest sense. Interested applicants should email the following information to Ms. Alex Welch, the Fellowship Program Coordinator:

• CHOP Common Graduate Medical Education Application Form
• Three (3) current letters of recommendation
• Dean’s Letter/Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
• Medical school transcript
• Curriculum vitae
• Personal statement describing qualifications and career goals
• Photograph (optional)
• USMLE scores (Step 1, 2 CK and CS, and 3), or COMLEX (Level 1, 2 CE and PE, and 3), or MCCQE (Exams 1 and 2)
• ECFMG certification (if applicable)
• Copy of visa documentation (if applicable)

To carry out its mission, it is of critical importance for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to keep our patients, families and workforce safe and healthy and to support the health of our global community. In keeping with this, CHOP has mandated all workforce members (including trainees) on site at any CHOP location for any portion of their time be vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition of employment.

This mandate also applies to workforce members or trainees performing work for CHOP at non-CHOP locations. Additionally, all workforce members based in or regularly scheduled to work at any New Jersey location are mandated to be both vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19, with booster timing consistent with applicable guidelines. The CHOP COVID-19 vaccine mandate is in alignment with applicable local, state and federal mandates. CHOP also requires all workforce members and trainees who work in patient care buildings or who provide patient care to receive an annual influenza vaccine. Employees may request exemption consideration for CHOP vaccine requirements for valid religious and medical reasons. Please note start dates may be delayed until candidates are fully immunized or valid exemption requests are reviewed. In addition, candidates other than those in positions with regularly scheduled hours in New Jersey, must attest to not using tobacco products.

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected category. CHOP is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor seeking priority referrals for protected veterans.

CHOP is committed to building an inclusive culture where employees feel a sense of belonging, connection, and community within their workplace. We are a team dedicated to fostering an environment that allows for all to be their authentic selves. We are focused on attracting, cultivating, and retaining diverse talent who can help us deliver on our mission to be a world leader in the advancement of healthcare for children.

We strongly encourage all candidates of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

Prospective fellows are encouraged to contact us with any questions regarding the program or application process:

Pediatric Vascular Anomalies Fellowship Program Coordinator
Alex Welch
welchan@chop.edu

Pediatric Vascular Anomalies Fellowship Assistant Program Coordinator
Bessy Joseph
josephbm@chop.edu

Pediatric Vascular Anomalies Fellowship Program Director
Michael D. Fox, MD, MEd
foxmd@chop.edu

Pediatric Vascular Anomalies Fellowship Assistant Program Director
Sally J. Cohen-Cutler, MD, MS
cohencutls@chop.edu

Director, Comprehensive Vascular Anomalies Program
Denise Adams, MD
adamsdm@chop.edu