Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship

Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship

Image of Corewell health logo and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine logo
Lemmen Holton exterior building

Welcome to the Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship program. Our three-year program accepts three fellows per year and is dedicated to training compassionate, highly skilled physicians who will become leaders in hematology and medical oncology. Fellows gain robust clinical training in both inpatient and outpatient settings, with exposure to a broad range of hematologic and oncologic diseases. Our mission is to cultivate expertise through evidence-based practice, multidisciplinary collaboration, and hands-on experience — preparing graduates for successful board certification and independent practice in academic, community, or hybrid careers.

Our program, your future

Program aims
  • Provide a quality experience in the broad discipline of hematology and medical oncology so that each fellow will be prepared for independent practice, either in private or academic career of their choice, and to provide the best care for their patients and the communities they serve.
  • To train fellows to understand and become productive in clinical and translational research, and be able to publish their work
  • Prepare and encourage fellows to be champions of patient safety, quality improvement, and deliver exceptional patients' experience
  • To mentor and guide fellows to be excellent teachers for patients and staff
  • Ensure fellows’ success in obtaining board certification in hematology and medical oncology  
  • Cultivate a culture that encourages career-long maintenance of skills and competency 
Lemmen Holton Interior

Fellows will receive multidisciplinary training in medical oncology, classical and malignant hematology, including bone marrow transplantation and cellular therapies (with 100+ transplants/ cell therapies annually). Our fellows will provide compassionate care to diverse patient populations in both urban and rural settings, including five regional cancer centers and telemedicine outreach. There is an

Emphasis on clinical quality, patient safety, palliative care, and communication skills.

Our fellows will have dedicated mentorship for scholarly activity, quality improvement projects, and publication.

Graduates from our program will be prepared for dual board certification in hematology and medical oncology.

 

Program aims
  • Provide a quality experience in the broad discipline of hematology and medical oncology so that each fellow will be prepared for independent practice, either in private or academic career of their choice, and to provide the best care for their patients and the communities they serve.
  • To train fellows to understand and become productive in clinical and translational research, and be able to publish their work
  • Prepare and encourage fellows to be champions of patient safety, quality improvement, and deliver exceptional patients' experience
  • To mentor and guide fellows to be excellent teachers for patients and staff
  • Ensure fellows’ success in obtaining board certification in hematology and medical oncology  
  • Cultivate a culture that encourages career-long maintenance of skills and competency 
Lemmen Holton Interior

Fellows will receive multidisciplinary training in medical oncology, classical and malignant hematology, including bone marrow transplantation and cellular therapies (with 100+ transplants/ cell therapies annually). Our fellows will provide compassionate care to diverse patient populations in both urban and rural settings, including five regional cancer centers and telemedicine outreach. There is an

Emphasis on clinical quality, patient safety, palliative care, and communication skills.

Our fellows will have dedicated mentorship for scholarly activity, quality improvement projects, and publication.

Graduates from our program will be prepared for dual board certification in hematology and medical oncology.

 

Fellows in our program will have the opportunity to rotate through both the adult and pediatric programs, enriching their learning experience. The institution offers comprehensive training in stem cell transplant and cellular therapy, with over 150 transplants performed annually. Additionally, Corewell Health in West Michigan operates five cancer centers serving rural communities around Grand Rapids, where fellows gain valuable experience in telemedicine, providing high-quality specialty care to these populations.

  • Rotations: Adult hematology/oncology, stem cell transplant, cellular therapy, pathology, transfusion medicine, apheresis, radiation oncology, surgical oncology, gynecologic oncology, interventional radiology, and electives.
  • Didactics: Weekly core conferences, journal club, specialty lectures, and interdisciplinary teaching from pathology, infectious disease, pulmonary, GI, gynecology, and palliative care faculty.
  • Hybrid learning: All conferences are recorded and stored for on-demand review.
  • Examinations: Annual in-training exams in hematology and oncology, with structured feedback and mentoring from program leadership. 

Fellows are encouraged and supported to engage in:

  • Clinical and translational research projects with faculty mentorship
  • Tumor boards and case conferences, integrating pathology, radiology, and multidisciplinary decision-making
  • Clinical trial participation through Corewell Health Research Institute and the Cancer Research Consortium of West Michigan
  • Presentation opportunities at national meetings and support for publications

Fellows will also rotate with faculty from anatomic and hematologic pathology, transfusion medicine, apheresis and interventional radiology, enhancing their understanding of complex oncology care. Monthly clinical/pathology case conferences will provide a venue for detailed discussions on educational aspects of cases, allowing fellows to track their progress and understanding longitudinally. Furthermore, fellows will take the in-training exam in hematology and medical oncology, with performance reviews by the program director and associate program director.  

We’re accepting applications for the 2026 fellowship program year. We require the following information:

  • A completed application/profile
  • At least three letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Medical school transcript and dean’s letter
  • Personal statement describing career goals and reasons for selecting continued training in pediatric hematology oncology
  • USMLE transcript
  • All applicants must possess U.S. work authorization or be eligible for J-1 visa status
  • For international medical graduates, an Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates status report

For more information on our program, contact Jeff Denhof.

Corewell Health provides a comprehensive and very competitive benefits package for our residents, staff, and their families. In addition, our program provides educational monies to support your ongoing education. Download our salary and benefits document to learn more.

From the program director

Welcome to the Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship Program. This is a three-year, ACGME-accredited program that is designed to provide high-level training and graduate the next generation of talented specialists. The main training site is Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital (part of Grand Rapids Hospitals), located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We serve a diverse population of patients from a 16-county catchment area that includes urban, suburban, and rural locations.  

Corewell Health is the largest health care system in West Michigan. The program is embedded within the Cancer Care/Hematology service line, which oversees all hematology/oncology, bone marrow transplant and cellular therapy, surgical oncology, gynecologic oncology, and breast surgery. The service line has direct access to extensive resources and partnerships that will be at the disposal of the program’s faculty and fellows. Our system has a robust graduate medical education program with all primary residency and more than 20 ACGME-accredited fellowship programs, which offers a great opportunity for the fellows’ educational activities and learning environment.  

In addition to providing comprehensive and strong clinical training, our fellowship program also seeks to develop clinical and translational researchers through education, mentorship, and hands-on experience.   

Our program emphasizes the importance of fostering an inclusive environment, which is fundamental to our mission of improving the lives of cancer patients and their families through compassion, innovation, and breakthrough discoveries. We welcome fellows of all identities and aim to provide educational programs that promote cultural respect, reduce bias, and empower community engagement and advocacy. 

We are excited to be part of your educational endeavors and training, and looking forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely,  
Anas Al-Janadi, MD
Program director, Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship program
VP/Dept. Chief, Cancer Care Services
Associate professor, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

 

Our shared commitments

Three individuals wearing sunglasses stand together, representing a focus on wellness for residents and fellows.
Resident and Fellow Wellness
Learn more about our commitment to the holistic wellness of our residents and fellows.
Viewing lab results through a microscope
Scholarly Activity Support

Clinical research is paramount in the discovery of new treatments, therapies, and medicine.

Three individuals wearing sunglasses stand together, representing a focus on wellness for residents and fellows.
Resident and Fellow Wellness
Learn more about our commitment to the holistic wellness of our residents and fellows.
Viewing lab results through a microscope
Scholarly Activity Support

Clinical research is paramount in the discovery of new treatments, therapies, and medicine.

Three individuals wearing sunglasses stand together, representing a focus on wellness for residents and fellows.
Resident and Fellow Wellness
Learn more about our commitment to the holistic wellness of our residents and fellows.
Viewing lab results through a microscope
Scholarly Activity Support

Clinical research is paramount in the discovery of new treatments, therapies, and medicine.

Three individuals wearing sunglasses stand together, representing a focus on wellness for residents and fellows.
Resident and Fellow Wellness
Learn more about our commitment to the holistic wellness of our residents and fellows.
Viewing lab results through a microscope
Scholarly Activity Support

Clinical research is paramount in the discovery of new treatments, therapies, and medicine.

Explore West Michigan

View of Downtown Grand Rapids

Program director

Portrait of Anas Al-Janadi, MD
Anas Al-Janadi, MD
  • Fellowship: Henry Ford Cancer Institute  
  • Residency: St. Barnabas Hospital/Cornell Medical Center 
Portrait of Anas Al-Janadi, MD
Anas Al-Janadi, MD
  • Fellowship: Henry Ford Cancer Institute  
  • Residency: St. Barnabas Hospital/Cornell Medical Center 
Portrait of Anas Al-Janadi, MD
Anas Al-Janadi, MD
  • Fellowship: Henry Ford Cancer Institute  
  • Residency: St. Barnabas Hospital/Cornell Medical Center 
Portrait of Anas Al-Janadi, MD
Anas Al-Janadi, MD
  • Fellowship: Henry Ford Cancer Institute  
  • Residency: St. Barnabas Hospital/Cornell Medical Center 

Associate program director

Portrait of Rupin Shah, MD
Rupin Shah, MD
  • Fellowship:  
    • (Blood and marrow transplantation) Mayo Clinic
    • (Hematology and medical oncology) Allegheny Health System
  • Residency: Icahn School of Medicine Mt. Sinai, St. Lukes
Portrait of Rupin Shah, MD
Rupin Shah, MD
  • Fellowship:  
    • (Blood and marrow transplantation) Mayo Clinic
    • (Hematology and medical oncology) Allegheny Health System
  • Residency: Icahn School of Medicine Mt. Sinai, St. Lukes
Portrait of Rupin Shah, MD
Rupin Shah, MD
  • Fellowship:  
    • (Blood and marrow transplantation) Mayo Clinic
    • (Hematology and medical oncology) Allegheny Health System
  • Residency: Icahn School of Medicine Mt. Sinai, St. Lukes
Portrait of Rupin Shah, MD
Rupin Shah, MD
  • Fellowship:  
    • (Blood and marrow transplantation) Mayo Clinic
    • (Hematology and medical oncology) Allegheny Health System
  • Residency: Icahn School of Medicine Mt. Sinai, St. Lukes

Core faculty

Portrait of Mohammad Alhyari, MD
Mohammad Alhyari, MD
  • Fellowship: Henry Ford/Wayne State University
  • Residency: Henry Ford/Wayne State University 
Portrait of Sami Brake, MD
Sami Brake, MD
  • Fellowship: Henry Ford Health System
  • Residency: Henry Ford Health System 
Portrait of Stephanie Dublis, DO
Stephanie Dublis, DO
  • Fellowship: Loyola University Medical Center
  • Residency: Loyola University Medical Center 
Portrait of Emerson Lim, MD
Emerson Lim, MD
  • Fellowship: Columbia University
  • Residency: Columbia University 
Portrait of Zachary Pounders, DO
Zachary Pounders, DO
  • Fellowship: Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical Center
  • Residency: Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical Center 
Portrait of Zeyad Sako, MD
Zeyad Sako, MD
  • Fellowship: Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical Center
  • Residency: St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor  
Portrait of Manish Thakur, MD
Manish Thakur, MD
  • Residency: Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research 
Portrait of Mohammad Alhyari, MD
Mohammad Alhyari, MD
  • Fellowship: Henry Ford/Wayne State University
  • Residency: Henry Ford/Wayne State University 
Portrait of Sami Brake, MD
Sami Brake, MD
  • Fellowship: Henry Ford Health System
  • Residency: Henry Ford Health System 
Portrait of Stephanie Dublis, DO
Stephanie Dublis, DO
  • Fellowship: Loyola University Medical Center
  • Residency: Loyola University Medical Center 
Portrait of Emerson Lim, MD
Emerson Lim, MD
  • Fellowship: Columbia University
  • Residency: Columbia University 
Portrait of Zachary Pounders, DO
Zachary Pounders, DO
  • Fellowship: Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical Center
  • Residency: Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical Center 
Portrait of Zeyad Sako, MD
Zeyad Sako, MD
  • Fellowship: Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical Center
  • Residency: St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor  
Portrait of Manish Thakur, MD
Manish Thakur, MD
  • Residency: Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research 
Portrait of Mohammad Alhyari, MD
Mohammad Alhyari, MD
  • Fellowship: Henry Ford/Wayne State University
  • Residency: Henry Ford/Wayne State University 
Portrait of Sami Brake, MD
Sami Brake, MD
  • Fellowship: Henry Ford Health System
  • Residency: Henry Ford Health System 
Portrait of Stephanie Dublis, DO
Stephanie Dublis, DO
  • Fellowship: Loyola University Medical Center
  • Residency: Loyola University Medical Center 
Portrait of Emerson Lim, MD
Emerson Lim, MD
  • Fellowship: Columbia University
  • Residency: Columbia University 
Portrait of Zachary Pounders, DO
Zachary Pounders, DO
  • Fellowship: Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical Center
  • Residency: Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical Center 
Portrait of Zeyad Sako, MD
Zeyad Sako, MD
  • Fellowship: Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical Center
  • Residency: St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor  
Portrait of Manish Thakur, MD
Manish Thakur, MD
  • Residency: Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research 
Portrait of Mohammad Alhyari, MD
Mohammad Alhyari, MD
  • Fellowship: Henry Ford/Wayne State University
  • Residency: Henry Ford/Wayne State University 
Portrait of Sami Brake, MD
Sami Brake, MD
  • Fellowship: Henry Ford Health System
  • Residency: Henry Ford Health System 
Portrait of Stephanie Dublis, DO
Stephanie Dublis, DO
  • Fellowship: Loyola University Medical Center
  • Residency: Loyola University Medical Center 
Portrait of Emerson Lim, MD
Emerson Lim, MD
  • Fellowship: Columbia University
  • Residency: Columbia University 
Portrait of Zachary Pounders, DO
Zachary Pounders, DO
  • Fellowship: Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical Center
  • Residency: Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical Center 
Portrait of Zeyad Sako, MD
Zeyad Sako, MD
  • Fellowship: Ascension St. John Hospital and Medical Center
  • Residency: St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor  
Portrait of Manish Thakur, MD
Manish Thakur, MD
  • Residency: Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research