Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Fellowship
MD Anderson Children's Cancer Hospital's Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Fellowship Program offers training for physicians interested in specializing in the management of pediatric, teen and young adult patients with central nervous system (CNS) tumors. This intensive one-year clinical fellowship is designed to prepare physicians for careers in academic medicine. We accept one clinical fellow each year.
Fellows will develop the clinical skills and understanding necessary to become outstanding providers for pediatric patients with central nervous system (CNS) tumors requiring chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, high-dose chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hematopoietic autologous stem cell transplantation. Fellows should additionally develop research skills that will allow them to perform independently in an academic, clinical or laboratory setting. Fellows will have one day in clinic per week (or more if desired) to allow for flexibility to meet the individual fellow’s career goals.
Our Pediatric Neuro-Oncology department forms part of the largest comprehensive cancer center in the world; as such, we serve a large population of patients seeking specialized care nationally and internationally. There are also opportunities to advance in basic, translational and/or clinical research.
MD Anderson’s basic science research spans:
- Cellular and molecular biology
- Immunology
- Genetics and genomics
- Biochemistry
- Systems biology
- Physiology
The core rotations for trainees can include additional exposure to neurology, neurosurgery, neuropathology, neuroradiology, radiation oncology, endocrinology, and neuropsychology.
During this training the fellow will also complete a clinical research project, allowing them to apply their knowledge and contribute to the field. Fellows are an integral part of our care team and are given priority to ensure we can provide them with the best education possible. We welcome applicants, and we thank you for your interest in our program.
A Letter from our Program Director
I am pleased to introduce the MD Anderson Cancer Center Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Fellowship Rotation. As one of the nation’s leading institutions in oncology care and research, our goal is to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience for fellows rotating through the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology service.
During this rotation, fellows will gain exposure to the full spectrum of pediatric neuro-oncologic conditions, with an emphasis on clinical and diagnostic management, evidence-based treatment planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Fellows will work alongside experienced faculty, including Drs. Gregory K. Friedman, John Slopis, Wafik Zaky, Diana S. Osorio, and others, gaining valuable insights into patient care, medical knowledge, and systems based practices in pediatric neuro-oncology.
Our rotation is designed to ensure fellows:
- Develop advanced diagnostic and treatment planning skills for various CNS tumors, neurofibromatosis, and associated complications.
- Participate in multidisciplinary tumor board discussions to refine their understanding of collaborative approaches to care.
- Engage in scholarly activities, including case presentations and research initiatives, contributing to the advancement of neuro-oncology care.
- Enhance interpersonal and professional communication skills critical for engaging with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
At MD Anderson, we take great pride in fostering an environment that prioritizes education, innovation, and compassionate care. Our esteemed faculty are committed to mentoring and supervising fellows, ensuring they gain a robust understanding of pediatric neuro-oncology while promoting professional growth.
Thank you for considering MD Anderson as part of your training journey. Should you have any questions or need further details about the Pediatric Neuro Oncology Fellowship Rotation, please do not hesitate to contact Giesel Arnold, M.B.A., program manager, PediatricsOncologyEducation@mdanderson.org.
Meet Our Current Fellow
Jiasen He, M.D.
Dr. Jiasen He earned his medical degree from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and completed his pediatric residency at the University of Florida, Pensacola. He pursued a pediatric hematology-oncology fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center and is now co-chief fellow. Dr. He's research focuses on immunotherapy and targeted therapy for rare pediatric cancers, particularly pediatric brain tumors. He is a member of the esteemed laboratory led by Drs. Juan Fueyo and Candelaria Gomez-Manzano, where he has been actively investigating oncolytic viruses for chemotherapy-resistant pediatric cancers, including diffuse midline glioma (DMG). His work has been presented at major conferences such as SNO and SITC and has earned him the prestigious Caroline Ross Endowment Fellowship in Brain Cancer Research. Dr. He's innovative proposal combining virotherapy with CAR T cell therapy for DMG secured a fellowship grant from the ChadTough Foundation. Dr. He is also keen on leveraging big data and machine learning to address rare pediatric diseases. His research, identifying trends in neonatal mortality and rising rates of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis in hospitalized children in the USA, earned him an ASH Abstract Achievement Award and an oral presentation at ASH 2023. His publications include articles in Leukemia, Translational Pediatrics, Cancer Research Communication, IJMS, JPHO, Immuno, and Cancers. Looking ahead, Dr. He plans to extend his research at MD Anderson, focusing on immunotherapy for pediatric brain tumors and associated toxicities.
Diana S. Osorio, M.D., M.P.H.
Associate Professor, Pediatrics - Patient Care
Program Director
Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Fellowship Program
T: (713) 745-9641
E: dsosorio@mdanderson.org
Giesel M Arnold, M.B.A.
Program Manager, Pediatrics-Patient Care
T: 713-563-0183
E: gmarnold@mdanderson.org
Onetra Robinson, M.S.
Program Coordinator, Pediatrics-Patient Care
Office: 832-373-4724
E: olrobinson@mdanderson.org