
Thomas C. Fisher-Heath, DO, MS
PGY 6
Purdue University
Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Peyton Manning Children's Hospital, Ascension St. Vincent
Hobbies: Spending time with my wife and kids (Children's museum, zoo, parks), recreational soccer, music
Research/quality improvement (QI) interests: My primary clinical research is focused on utilization of point-of-care ultrasound in diagnosis of acute chest syndrome in patients with sickle cell disease. My QI research is focused on improving medical education for residents and medical students in pediatric hematology/oncology.
Why pediatric hematology/oncology? I really enjoy the mix of continuity and acuity in caring for patients in pediatric hematology/oncology. We get to work with a lot of amazing patients and colleagues.
Why IU School of Medicine and Riley Hospital? The people and the support. It felt like I was a member of the team from day one. Riley Hospital is an excellent place to be a learner, and the pediatric hematology/oncology division specifically does an amazing job of ensuring fellow education is a top priority.

Iris C. Navarro Mendez, MD
PGY 6
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica
Medical School: Universidad Latina de Costa Rica
Residency: Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia PA
Hobbies: I love finding new adventures with my husband and our almost 2-year-old, running, and reading (I’ll read just about anything — from historical fiction to romantasy to a good mystery)
Research/QI interests: I’m passionate about understanding how social factors affect how quickly children with cancer are diagnosed and begin treatment, and I hope to expand this work to underdeveloped countries. I’m also interested in improving how we give vaccines to children after stem cell transplant.
Why pediatric hematology/oncology? I chose hematology/oncology because I love the patients and the science — and because, let’s be real, cancer sucks. This specialty allows me to combine meaningful relationships with families, complex clinical care and opportunities to make a difference through research and quality improvement.
Why IU School of Medicine and Riley Hospital? IU School of Medicine and Riley Hospital felt like the perfect fit. I was drawn to the balance of excellent clinical training, a strong educational environment and a community that truly values supporting fellows. I knew this was where I wanted to train.

Christina M. Ebenroth, DO, MS
PGY 4
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Masters: Cellular and Integrative Physiology at IU Indianapolis
Residency: Indiana University School of Medicine
Hobbies: Outside of work, I love spending quality time with my husband and our dog, Nova. I am an avid reader and love a range of different genres. I also find joy in gardening and exploring new restaurants. My favorite restaurant in Indianapolis is Bodhi!
Research/QI improvement: I have a strong interest focused on fertility preservation and long-term survivorship care in childhood cancer. As outcomes continue to improve, I believe it is essential to address the quality of life and future health of survivors. I am passionate about contributing to initiatives that ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care beyond treatment.
Why pediatric hematology/oncology? I was drawn to pediatric hematology/oncology because of the resilience, courage and spirits of the patients and their families. This patient population continually inspires me and it's a privilege to walk alongside them through their journeys. I am also fascinated by the complexity and constantly evolving nature of the field, from cutting edge treatments to innovative research which allows for continuous learning and growth as a physician.
Why IU School of Medicine and Riley Hospital? After completing residency at IU School of Medicine, choosing to stay for fellowship was an easy decision! The culture here is incredibly supportive and the faculty are not only leaders in their fields but also invested in teaching and mentorship. Riley Hospital fosters a collaborative and nurturing environment that challenges trainees while providing the support needed to thrive both personally and professionally.

Cassandra S. Prather, MD
PGY 4
Indiana University School of Medicine
Hobbies: Staying active (swimming, nightly walks with family) and spending time with family and friends.
Research/QI interests: I am interested in the intersection of oncology, infectious disease and immunology. My research objectives are focused on identifying risk factors for, decreasing the incidence of, and improving outcomes associated with infectious complications and other immunologic sequelae in pediatric cancer patients.
Why pediatric hematology/oncology? Pediatric hematology/oncology combines everything I love about pediatric medicine — resilient patients, kind and supportive co-workers, opportunities for inpatient and outpatient care, longitudinal relationships with patients and their families, interesting pathophysiology and nearly endless opportunities for research in the field.
Why IU School of Medicine and Riley Hospital? The people! I appreciate the supportive atmosphere and community cultivated here.

Hannah Staats-Ciotola, MD
PGY 4
University of Toledo College of Medicine
Medical School: University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH
Residency: Indiana University School of Medicine
Hobbies: Cheering on my fav sports teams including the Buckeyes, Fever and Pacers, USWNT, Blue Jackets, Reds and Colts. Reading on my back patio with my pit bull, Tobin. Traveling and attending concerts with my husband, Nick. Spending time with my nephews and niece. Competing in bar trivia.
Research/QI interests: Molecular targeted therapy for pediatric oncology.
Why pediatric hematology/oncology? I chose pediatric hematology/oncology for the longitudinal relationships with families and patients of a variety of ages, the combination of inpatient and outpatient medicine for a spectrum of clinical status (stable to critically ill), and the highly collaborative culture amongst pediatric hematology/oncology docs at pediatric institutions. Additionally, the relationships between physicians and patients/families are embedded in resilience and teamwork.
Why IU School of Medicine and Riley Hospital? The culture at Riley Hospital is really great for trainees. They are used to having fellows and teaching but also comfortable functioning without them if needed. There is a wide array of patient presentations from common to exceedingly rare with encouragement of fellows to be involved. Everyone is very supportive while also building space for you to take ownership of patients and decision making.