Dilip Babu

• Medical School: University of Vermont College of Medicine
• Residency: St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center (New York, NY)
• Previous fellowship: University of Alabama at Birmingham (Hospice and Palliative Medicine)

Why Did You Choose Your Field

I think Hematology/Oncology is a very meaningful field, because people with cancer are faced with some of the most difficult decisions of their lives. We have the privilege of helping people at a very vulnerable time, and trying to help them as much as we can. Also, the field is rapidly advancing which makes things exciting and intellectually stimulating as well.

Program Uniqueness

The single most unique thing about this fellowship program is the outpatient focus. Heme/Onc is a primarily outpatient and clinic-based specialty, so I found it odd that most fellowships are very much inpatient-based. In this program, the rotations are much more in line with actual practice which takes place primarily in clinic. That said, another notable aspect of the program is the nurturing environment, which is more striking than I’ve experienced at other phases of my training.

Program Recommendation

I would strongly recommend this program to anyone interesting in a career in Heme/Onc. The experience is well-rounded and focused on education and career development. “Busywork” has been reduced to a minimum.

Learned Skills

I’ve learned a huge amount about many different aspects of hematology and oncology, including a wide variety of diagnoses and presentations, and their management.  Also, patients have taught me a great deal about how cancer care actually takes place, and the important psychosocial and emotional aspects of navigating a cancer diagnosis.

Living In Rochester

It’s a very comfortable, livable place.  I find it easy to get around, and there is plenty going on.

Research Interests

I’m interested in integrating early palliative care with medical oncology, particularly for GU malignancies.

Research Projects

We are working on a pilot study of a novel intervention to try to introduce primary palliative care in GI and GU medical oncology clinics early on, for patients with metastatic or otherwise incurable disease.

Career Goals

I hope to continue on in academic medicine as a clinical investigator.

How Has This Program Prepared You For Your Future

I think I have had a lot of wonderful opportunities here. I’ve been given a great foundation clinically and been exposed to many different areas within Heme/Onc. At the same time, I’ve received valuable research and professional mentoring as I prepare to move from training to starting my career.