The POEM–KHCC Regional Pediatric Oncology Training and Capacity-Building Program

POEM-KHCC Regional Pediatric Oncology and Affiliated Specialties Training and Capacity Building Program represents a landmark initiative launched in 2016 by the Pediatric Oncology East and Mediterranean (POEM) Group in partnership with the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The program was established to respond to an urgent and growing gap in specialized expertise in pediatric hematology/oncology and affiliated specialties across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially in fragile and conflict-affected settings across the Eastern Mediterranean region.

Based at KHCC – a Joint Commission International (JCI)-accredited center of excellence – the program delivers structured, competency-based training across the full spectrum of childhood cancer care. This includes pediatric hematology/oncology, hematopoietic cell transplantation and cell therapy, pediatric palliative care, pediatric intensive care, pediatric pharmacy and nutrition, hematopathology, pediatric infection control, diagnostics, pediatric surgical subspecialties and pediatric research.

Training is tailored to meet each trainee’s professional goals, combining supervised clinical immersion, didactic teaching, mentorship, research exposure, and participation in institutional quality improvement. Trainees also benefit from cross-border south-south rotations and mentorship across POEM’s regional network of over 110 institutions in 28 countries.

To date, the program has trained more than 40 pediatric oncology professionals from over 10 countries, contributing to the expansion of national cancer services, the re-establishment of transplant and palliative care programs, and the enhancement of pediatric cancer outcomes across the region.

Rooted in values of equity, excellence, and innovation, POEM–KHCC Programs are both building human resource capacity and fostering a new generation of regional leaders who are reshaping the landscape of pediatric cancer care.