Why the Pediatric Lymphatic Fellowship Training Program?

Lymphatic disorders represent a significant and challenging aspect of human health, often overlooked and underestimated due to their complexity and need for highly specialized interdisciplinary collaboration. Despite the growing recognition of their medical relevance, there are currently no fellowship programs in existence devoted to specialized training in this field. Advanced training in lymphatic disorders is essential to bridge this gap and provide comprehensive care to patients in the region. We aim to fill this void by introducing an Advanced Fellowship Program in Lymphatic Disorders focused on clinical training and research. Graduates of this program, which will target fellows who have completed their interventional cardiology, interventional radiology, and pediatric cardiology training will be in a unique position to contribute significantly to patient care and outcomes. They will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to pioneer new treatments and interventions, enhance clinical protocols, and drive transformative research in this field.

Application requirements

• Advanced fellowship program application 
• Certification of completion for Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, or Interventional Radiology fellowship (clarify pediatrics experience) 
• Eligibility to meet and fulfill requirements of PA state board requirements 
• ECFMG certificate (if applicable)

Program goals

Clinical Expertise

he program aims to develop and improve upon fellows' clinical expertise in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of lymphatic disorders. This includes comprehensive knowledge of lymphatic anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, as well as proficiency in interpreting diagnostic tests and implementing evidence-based treatment approaches. Fellows will gain hands-on experience in managing a broad range of lymphatic disorders, including Chylous Ascites, Chylothorax, Noonan Syndrome, Plastic Bronchitis, and Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE). 

Research and innovation

The fellowship program emphasizes the importance of research and innovation in advancing the field of lymphatic disorders. Fellows will actively engage in research activities, including literature reviews, wet lab research, data analysis, and clinical trials, with the goal of contributing to the scientific knowledge base and improving patient care. The program will foster critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to translate scientific discoveries into clinical practice.

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Highlighting the need for multidisciplinary approach to care for patients with lymphatic disorders, the program aims to develop fellows' skills in collaboration and communication with healthcare professionals from various specialties. Fellows will participate in interdisciplinary clinics, devote clinical time to cases in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, case conferences, clinical outpatient time, with the goal of promoting a team-based approach to patient care. This collaborative training will ensure that fellows can effectively coordinate care, integrate different treatment modalities, and provide holistic management for patients with complex lymphatic disorders. 

Leadership and advocacy

The program seeks to cultivate future leaders and trailblazers in the field of lymphatic disorders. As the first program of its kind in the world, fellows are encouraged to be at the forefront of clinical innovation and thought leadership in the field. Fellows will develop leadership skills, including effective communication, mentoring, and advocacy. They will be encouraged to actively participate in professional organizations, present research findings at conferences, and contribute to educational initiatives, thus promoting awareness and improving access to specialized care for patients with lymphatic disorders.

Patient-Centered care

The fellowship program places a strong emphasis on providing patient-centered care. Fellows will learn to prioritize the physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of patients with lymphatic disorders. They will develop skills in patient education, self-management strategies, and the use of patient-reported outcomes to optimize treatment outcomes and enhance patient quality of life, along with other tangible clinical outcomes. 

Program leadership

Meet the team. 

For more information

If you are interested in more information on The Jill and Mark Fishman Center for Lymphatic Disorders, we encourage you to explore our website. 

You can also contact us at lympahticprogram@chop.edu. 

Other requirements

To carry out its mission, it is of critical importance for  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) onsite 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.