Stipend

Stipends are paid according to National Institutes of Health Training Grant Guidelines, which during the past several years have allowed for substantial increments.  All fellows will be provided health care benefits which include Medical (UT Select), Dental (Delta Dental) and Vision (Superior Vision), based on their need for coverage of themselves and any family members. Stipends for the 2008- 2009 fellows are as follows:  First-year $51,933, Second-year $53,958, Third-year $55,652.  By department policy, remuneration is currently through a stipend, not a salary.  Therefore, the benefits provided to full-time university employees are not included. 

Vacation policy

Fellows are allowed three weeks of vacation each year.   We prefer that first-year fellows take any relatively lengthy vacations (one week or more) from outpatient rotations, although short (1- to 2-day) vacation periods during the week are acceptable at all times provided that coverage can be obtained.  This is rarely, if ever, a problem.  In May, prior to the initiation of the fellowship, first-year fellows are given the opportunity to declare periods of planned vacation or other absences, and the rotation schedule is tailored to these requests.

Other benefits

The program is extremely generous in providing support to the for the purchase of several standard textbooks, journal subscriptions, membership dues in major professional societies, personal digital assistants, and computer software.   Attendance at and participation in scientific professional meetings is an important part of the educational experience.  Therefore, registration fees and travel expenses are covered for at least one meeting during the first year and two or more meetings during the subsequent years of fellowship.  By special request and/or when the fellow is making a formal presentation at the meeting, support for additional meetings will usually be approved. Fellows are encouraged to apply for the NIH-funded Loan Repayment Program (which provides up to $35,000 annually in loan forgiveness).   Since its inception 6 years ago several of our hematology-oncology fellows have been successful in their loan repayment application.

Policies and Procedures

Policies and procedures for sick leave, pregnancy leave, misconduct, substance abuse, etc. are identical to or in line with policies existing for all employees and trainees at UT Southwestern and Children's Medical Center (see UTSW Policies)