Clinical and Laboratory Research Training for Surgical Oncologists

SUMMARY
The current rapid pace of scientific discovery in cancer research, particularly in the areas of cancer genetics,
tumor biology, immunology and tumor microenvironment, offers unprecedented opportunities for rapid clinical
application of basic scientific findings. This progress will be optimized by providing rigorous basic and clinical
research training to a select group of surgical oncology trainees who are already directed towards academic
leadership. The Specific Aim of this program is to provide formal training in scientific thought and technique to
this highly select group of individuals. A total of six training slots are competitively awarded to trainees pursuing
highly sought-after subspecialty fellowship training in surgical oncology, as well as general surgery
residents committed to careers in cancer research. For this renewal application, six “faculty participating units”
will be formed and each is focused on the research training in one malignant disease field. The participating
unit is formed by a multidisciplinary group of senior faculty preceptors together with clinical faculty members
who will serve as co-mentors for our trainees. This structure is designed to position trainees to engage in
“team science”. In the current era of specialization in highly sophisticated areas of research, the optimal
structure for impactful contributions by surgeon scientists is through a team approach. The trainee selection
process is an interactive process involving both candidates of trainees and faculty members and will match the
most qualified applicants with the most suitable faculty members. Both internal and external candidates are
equally considered. Trainees will elect to enter either the Laboratory Research Track or the Clinical Research
Track. The training period is uninterrupted by clinical duties and includes formal training in research ethics as
well as additional mandatory course work tailored to individual interests and capabilities. The participating units
will guide each trainee in their units to form an Individual Advisory Committee, which will meet regularly to
critique the trainee's research, monitor their long-term progress towards an independent investigative career,
and aid in the selection of appropriate course work. In addition, training in the basic science research,
leadership, and grant writing will be required. The program has achieved outstanding success in the
recruitment of underrepresented minorities, owing to outstanding role models and broad representation of
women and minorities among our clinical trainees, as well as additional strategies outlined in this proposal.
Moreover, a formal evaluation of faculty and the program by trainees is implemented. Thus, in the renewal
application, the program is further strengthened to nourish a highly selected group of academic surgical
oncologists who will develop original and significant research programs and provide strong leadership within
the cancer research community.

Grant Number: 5T32CA126607-15
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: ANDREW CAMERON