As Kentucky’s only free-standing children’s hospital and only level I pediatric trauma center, Norton Children’s Hospital serves as the primary pediatric teaching facility for the University of Louisville School of Medicine (ULSOM). This unique partnership provides a rich learning experience for future pediatricians while delivering nationally recognized care to children and families across the region.  

At the heart of this collaboration is ULSOM’s Department of Pediatrics, home to a number of unique and impressive programs, including a comprehensive Hematology and Oncology Fellowship. Basedwithin Norton Children’s Hospital, fellows gain hands-on experience managing complex cases under faculty supervision. They serve as primary care providers in the outpatient clinic, learning to follow oncology patients through every stage of care. Beyond clinical training, fellows may pursue independent research or earn a Master’s Degree in Clinical Investigation Sciences from the School of Public Health & Information Sciences (SPHIS), creating a deeper specialization in pediatric cancer research and care.  

This dual role of physicians as educators, researchers and clinicians ensures patients benefit directly from the latest discoveries. “When physicians teach and investigate as part of their daily practice, innovation moves from the lab to the bedside more quickly, giving children access to the best possible care,” said Jeffrey Bumpous, dean of the School of Medicine.  

In addition to the clinical partnership, ULSOM and Norton Children’s research is integrated under Norton Children’s Research Institute, which unites clinical and laboratory studies, resources and staff to maximize the success of pediatric investigators. Within this structure, ULSOM faculty in the division of pediatric hematology and oncology play a leading role in the Norton Children’s Cancer Institute. 

Norton Children’s Cancer Institute is part of both the Beat Childhood Cancer research consortium, a group of more than 40 universities and children’s hospitals that offer a worldwide network of childhood cancer clinical trials andalso is a long-standing member of the Children’s Oncology Group, the world’s largest group of hospitals devoted to treating children with cancer. These affiliations give patients access to proven treatment regimens and cutting-edge clinical trials close to home.   

The impact of this work is evident. Thanks to Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, we are seeing groundbreaking advancements in pediatric cancer treatment. The late Dr. William T. Tse was well-known for his CAR T-cell research program, a groundbreaking advancement that revolutionized how we fight childhood cancers. His work continues today under the direction of Michael Ferguson,chief of the division of pediatric hematology, oncology and stem cell transplantation, and Jun Cai, associate professor of pediatrics in the pediatric research institute. Additionally, Ye Tan, associate professor of pediatrics and Carol B. McFerran Endowed Chair of Pediatric Diabetes Research is working to prevent common chemotherapy drugs from causing heart damage in pediatric cancer survivors, and Lauren R. Hayes, assistant professor of pediatrics, is working to manage pain during treatment. Together, these efforts are expanding possibilities for childhood cancer treatment and survivorship. 

“The legacies of the School of Medicine and Norton Children’s Hospital are each impressive, but together,they form an unparalleled coalition of physician-scientists redefining pediatric cancer care,” said Bumpous.  

As we recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the powerof this partnership is evident. By uniting comprehensive training, innovative research and nationally recognized clinical care,UofL’s Department of Pediatrics and Norton Children’s Hospital are shaping the future of pediatric oncology and bringing hope to children and families for generations to come.