Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship Program

Thank you for your interest in the Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship Program at Scripps Clinic/Scripps Green. Our goal is to graduate outstanding clinicians who are well-prepared for careers in a variety of practice settings. Upon completion of our fellowship, you will be adept at treating a wide spectrum of diseases from classical and malignant hematology, including bone marrow transplantation to solid tumor oncology. We recognize the different paths trainees take after graduation and our program has the flexibility to tailor each fellow’s schedule to help them achieve their ultimate career goal of practicing in a community or academic setting. 

Our training is based in the outpatient setting, reflective of most careers post fellowship. Our outpatient clinics are subspecialty-based, and second- and third-year fellows have their own patient panel in the fellow clinic. Our fellows rotate through subspecialty multidisciplinary clinics where new patients are initially seen by medical oncology, radiation oncology and surgical oncology. You’ll have the opportunity to rotate through our bone marrow transplant service as well as palliative care, hematopathology and radiation oncology.

Our faculty is dedicated to the education and career development of trainees. Academic scholarship is a critical part of our program. We recognize that each fellow has different career goals and therefore offer a wide range of scholarly activities. We collaborate with each fellow on their clinical, translational, quality, health disparities and/or laboratory-based research interests.

The fellowship is based at Scripps Green Hospital and Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines, but fellows also spend significant time at Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego, near downtown. Scripps Mercy San Diego supports a large, underserved population. This provides ample opportunities for fellows to gain exposure to a different patient population, as well as trauma, obstetrics services and consultative hematology.

We strive for our fellows to work and be educated in an environment that values diversity, inclusion and equity in our trainees, faculty, staff and patients.

I look forward to meeting you and having the opportunity to discuss the Scripps Clinic Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship Program.

Kathryn Bollin, MD 

Director, Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship Program

Scripps Clinic

I’m delighted that you’re considering the Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship Program at Scripps Clinic/Scripps Green. We have a long and rich history in education, clinical and translational research and subspecialty patient care. Indeed, our focus now more than ever is on building strong subspecialty multi-disciplinary programs encompassing clinics and tumor boards. 

As such, we’re able to offer our fellows an outstanding education in hematology/oncology in every area in the field. Our faculty subspecialize and focus on such areas as breast cancer and gynecologic malignancies, thoracic and head and neck cancers, genitourinary malignancy, gastrointestinal malignancies with a special focus on pancreatic cancer, cutaneous oncology, neuro-oncology, sarcoma, benign hematology, malignant hematology, hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapy, and CAR-T.

We’re academically focused, with our faculty producing multiple publications each year. It’s the expectation that all faculty excel in teaching and engage the fellows in clinical research projects. We have active research collaborations with Scripps Research, Sanford Burnham Prebys medical research institute and others. Our main campus is located minutes away from dozens of biomedical institutes, affording ample opportunity for collaboration.

Fellows rotate through several related areas including palliative care, radiation oncology, hematopathology, bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and the acute leukemia unit. This is an academic program, which is one of the oldest and most established in the country and has a strong regional presence. For those interested, we offer a third year on the BMT unit focusing on research and clinical care and leading to accreditation in the field.

I look forward to meeting you and discussing the opportunities and strengths of our program in person.

Sincerely,

James R. Mason, MD

Division Head, Hematology and Oncology 

Scripps Clinic Medical Group

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in the Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship Program and Scripps Clinic!

When applying for fellowship myself, one of the most important factors was whether that fellowship supported the goals of its fellows and adapted to their needs throughout the program. Scripps is a wonderful program that does both. It gives ample opportunities to its fellows to pursue their individual vision of their future career as a hematologist/oncologist. 

The program offers exposure to diverse patient populations and practice settings. Fellows rotate through two main hospitals — Scripps Green Hospital in La Jolla and Scripps Mercy Hospital in downtown San Diego. Fellows also rotate through multiple outpatient clinics located in La Jolla, Hillcrest, Encinitas, Oceanside and Rancho Bernardo. 

Additionally, the program offers extensive support for those passionate about research. BERD (Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design helps fellows with IRB submissions, grants, abstracts and manuscripts. Designated faculty research mentors guide those who are interested in a particular subspeciality. Fellows are also able to pursue clinical trial opportunities with local pharmaceutical companies and are allocated protected time for these scholarly pursuits. 

Mentorship is an invaluable asset of Scripps. All first-year fellows are paired with an upper level co-fellow and an attending mentor to guide you throughout your fellowship. In fact, many of our fellows often have multiple mentors for research, clinical practice, career planning and life after fellowship. 

The Scripps program, in addition to the stellar mentorship and practice opportunities, also knows how to have fun! I am so appreciative of the support not only at work but outside of work from faculty and co-fellows. Whether it’s going to an escape room or hosting a bonfire by the ocean, our program makes space for you to form a supportive community in a great city. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out! And if you are invited for an interview, you will also get access to our program microsite, where you can learn more about the Scripps fellowship. 

Looking forward to meeting you and discussing all the opportunities our program has to offer. 

Sincerely, 

Athira Jayan, MD

Chief Fellow

Scripps Clinic

Each hematology and medical oncology fellow has 13 blocks of four-week rotations at different inpatient and outpatient settings each year. This exposes fellows to a variety of patients and educational opportunities. 

First-year fellows

• 0.25 blocks (1 week) of hematopathology
• 6 inpatient blocks at Mercy and Green
• 1 block of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) at Green
• 5.75 blocks at the hematology/oncology outpatient clinic
• ½ day a week of Continuity Clinic (6 months solid tumor oncology and 6 months benign heme clinic) each block

Second-year fellows 

• 2 blocks at BMT at Green
• 9 blocks at the hematology/oncology outpatient clinic
• 1 block of palliative care
• 1 block radiation oncology/proton therapy 
• Research time is integrated into clinical schedule

Third-year fellows 

• Time is divided between hematology/oncology outpatient clinic and research — individualized curriculum based on future career goals.

Second- and third-year fellows

• Fellow continuity clinic — one half-day per week

The fellowship program’s weekly educational series is faculty-led and covers both common and rare hematology and oncology medical conditions as well as supportive care oncology. As leaders in their respective subspecialties, our faculty offers insights on a range of lecture topics. We also have dedicated Classical Hematology/Hematopathology and Pharmacy lectures as well as board review didactics. We have dedicated lectures on QI/patient safety, wellness, bias and diversity topics. Fellows join disease specific multidisciplinary tumor and hematology planning conferences.

Fellows have the opportunity and are encouraged to participate in our GME Sub-Committees including Research, Quality Improvement/Patient Safety, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging as well as Wellness. They participate in both fellowship specific as well as GME-wide programs and initiatives.

View the Weekly Conference Schedule (PDF, 120 KB).

Our experienced team of multidisciplinary physicians are committed to sharing their knowledge and experiences to provide fellows with a rewarding, dynamic training experience. At Scripps Health, we focus on offering patients an individualized cancer care approach while using the latest technologies and treatments in hematology and oncology.

Our faculty includes:

• Sonia Ali, MD
• Munveer Bhangoo, MD
• Kathryn Bollin, MD
• Wesleigh Edwards, MD, PhD 
• Paulette Gabbai-Saldate, MD
• David Hermel, MD
• Divya Koura, MD
• James Mason, MD
• Tresa McGranahan, MD
• Emily Nagler, MD
• Farah Nasraty, MD
• Jacob New, MD, PhD
• Aditya Sarvaria, MD
• Alan Saven, MD
• Quinne Sember, MD
• Darren Sigal, MD
• Dimitrios Tzachanis, MD, PhD
• Marin Xavier, MD

Fellows in the hematology-oncology program have previously studied across the country and right here in San Diego. Their diverse backgrounds and interests are shaping the future of cancer treatment and cancer research.

View photos of the 2026 fellows. (PDF, 13 MB)

Third-year fellows

Alex Agelidis, MD, PhDMedical School: University of Illinois at ChicagoRecent Residency: Scripps Clinic/Scripps Green Hospital*Research Track

Roxanne Aleman, MDMedical School: Central Michigan University College of MedicineRecent Residency: Advocate Christ Medical Center

Danielle Brazel, MDMedical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of MedicineRecent Residency: University of California, Irvine

Tiffany Kaul, MD, PhDMedical School: Tulane University School of MedicineRecent Residency: Scripps Clinic/Scripps Green Hospital*Research Track

Catherine Weir, DOMedical School: Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine CaliforniaRecent Residency: Cook County Health and Hospital

Shane Wing, MDMedical School: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of MedicineRecent Residency: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Second-year Fellows

Shawn Ali, MDMedical School: University of California, School of MedicineRecent Residency: USC/Los Angeles General Medical Center

Athira Jayan, MDMedical School: University of Missouri Kansas City School of MedicineRecent Residency: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Bryan Pham, MDMedical School: Drexel University College of MedicineRecent Residency: Loma Linda University

Danika Scott, DOMedical School: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the PacificRecent Residency: Scripps Mercy Hospital

First-year Fellows

Arun Dang, DOMedical School: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the PacificRecent Residency: Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara

Noor Qaddour, DOMedical School: Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic MedicineRecent Residency: Scripps Clinic/Green Hospital

Jessica Sassic, MDMedical School: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of MedicineRecent Residency: Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego

Terrence Sun, DOMedical School: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the PacificRecent Residency: Scripps Mercy Hospital San Diego/ UCSD Hemostasis and Thrombosis Fellowship

After completion of the three-year program, our fellows have gone on to make significant contributions in the field of hematology and oncology — both in clinical research and in patient care. 

View a list of recent alumni. (PDF, 290 KB)

Fellows in the Scripps Clinic Hematology and Medical Oncology Program are expected to participate in research projects and contribute to medical literature. Our fellows regularly present at major conferences such as ASH and ASCO and have publications in a variety of journals every year.

Scripps Clinic/Green Hospital fellowship pay and benefits:

• PGY IV year - $100,202
• PGY V year - $104,654
• PGY VI year - $109,190
• PGY VII year - $113,688

*Including a housing stipend

Insurance

• Health and dental insurance plans are available for fellows and their dependents for a minimal cost. Fellows may participate in the Scripps Wellness program to reduce their health care premiums. Confidential counseling and psychological support services are available on request.
• Life insurance coverage, up to $1,000,000, is available for fellows and their dependents.
• Long-term disability insurance, at Scripps rates, is available for purchase. State Disability Insurance is paid by the fellow. The State of California requires this contribution.
• Fellows are covered by malpractice insurance while performing services within the scope of their training at Scripps Clinic. The liability limit is $5,000,000 per claim/$5,000,000 annually. Tail coverage is provided.

Educational expenses

Scripps provides an educational expense allowance annually to each fellow for professional meetings and conferences, books and journals, professional dues and other educational expenses.

Vacations and leave

Fellows receive 20 vacation days annually. Six paid sick days are allotted annually. Parental and other leaves of absence follow Scripps policy and California State Law. Substantial absences may necessitate additional rotations to complete training.

Other benefits

• Lab coats and scrubs are provided and laundered by Scripps
• Paid parking in the adjacent gated and covered structure is provided at no cost
• A full-service cafeteria is located in the hospital
• Night time call is a home call
• Scripps Health non-profit 501(c)(3) – Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) programs

This fellowship program accepts applications through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) in July. The deadline for completed applications is August 15. Virtual interviews will be in September and October.

• Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, an ACGME-accredited residency program.
• All licenses, ECFMG certification, and professional certifications are the applicant’s responsibility. 
• Scripps Clinic does not operate its own J-1 or H-1 visa program.
• MUST have a current California Physician’s and Surgeon’s License and DEA certificate by start date. Please see Medical Board of California requirements for licensure.  

To learn more about the Hematology and Oncology Fellowship Program at Scripps Clinic, contact Dawn Curtis at 858-554-3200 or curtis.dawn@scrippshealth.org.