The Future of Childhood Cancer Care: CCRF Fellowship Program 

Published on May 19, 2026.

Across the country, there’s a critical shortage of pediatric oncology specialists growing just as more children are surviving cancer and need long-term, specialized care. That’s why preparing the next generation of pediatric oncologists is more important than ever.

For more than 40 years, Children’s Cancer Research Fund has supported advanced training for graduate research fellows preparing for careers in academic medicine – combining hands-on clinic care with research studies to help more children with cancer.

Now, with a new 10-year funding commitment, these fellows at the University of Minnesota will benefit from continued resources and mentorship opportunities to help transform the future of childhood cancer care.

The Children’s Cancer Research Fund Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology Fellowship Program offers a multi-year curriculum that equips emerging clinician-researchers with hands-on experience in both patient care and research. Fellows work side-by-side faculty mentors to explore breakthrough treatments like CAR T therapy and gene therapy – innovations that are reshaping what’s possible for kids with cancer.

CCRF Fellows 2026For example, the most recent class of CCRF Fellows is exploring a wide range of research that includes bioethics, prognosis communication, clinical innovation and health equity – with one goal in mind: improve care for children with cancer.

By funding this program, our donors play a direct role in:

  • Filling the pipeline with skilled, compassionate pediatric oncologists and childhood cancer researchers.
  • Advancing research that leads to better, safer treatments.
  • Strengthening care for children today and for generations to come.

CCRF fellowship alumni continue to drive breakthroughs and shape the field of pediatric oncology nationwide. Notable former CCRF Fellows include:

Image
Smita Bhatia, MD, MPH, is a distinguished professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she established and directs the Institute for Cancer Outcomes & Survivorship. She is widely recognized as an international leader in survivorship research and clinical care. Dr. Bhatia’s first career grant was awarded by CCRF and she now serves on our Research Advisory Committee.
Image
Bruce Blazar, MD, is a Regents Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation, director of the Center for Translational Medicine, and director of the Clinical & Translational Science Institute at the University of Minnesota. He has pioneered the development of novel immune-based therapies.
Image
Stella Davies, MBBS, PhD, MRCP, is the director of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Immune Deficiency at the University of Cincinnati. Her lab works to understand the complexities following bone marrow transplantation.
Jakub Tolar
Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD, is Dean and Vice President for Clinical Affairs at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Dr. Tolar is an internationally recognized physician-researcher and was the first in the world to treat epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic disorder that can lead to skin cancer at an early age, with bone marrow transplant.
Support from the CCRF community ensures that this legacy of excellence continues – training the medical professionals and researchers who will bring hope, healing and new treatments to kids who need them most.  
Donate Today