Opportunities for Pathology Trainees in Cancer Research

Project Summary/Abstract
Pathologists are uniquely positioned to contribute to cancer research. Their familiarity with disease classifications
and pathogenesis, physical manifestations of tumors in tissue, and clinical challenges in cancer care mean that
these investigators can provide important perspectives in developing experimental models that recapitulate key
aspects of human disease. The Opportunities for Pathology Trainees In Cancer research (OPTIC) program
at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (JHUSOM) supports postdoctoral trainees developing
research-oriented careers in cancer pathology and is geared towards preparing them for leadership roles in
academic pathology and laboratory-based cancer research. Over the first funding period, the mandate of the
OPTIC program has been to attract and recruit the brightest pathology trainees interested in cancer research; to
pair them with faculty mentors representing the remarkable breadth and diversity of cancer research at JHUSOM;
to protect their time for an immersive experience in the research laboratory; and to involve them in a unique and
program-specific educational curriculum. With four postdoctoral trainees each year, the program is overseen by
internal and external oversight committees consisting of highly successful academic pathologists in cancer
research. Fellows select a research mentor from participating faculty – a stellar group recruited from the full
spectrum of cancer research fields at the institution. All are accomplished investigators with an expertise in
experimental cancer research and strong track records of laboratory-based mentorship. In addition to pursuing
a rigorous research program, trainees participate in program-specific didactics and workshops to develop skills
for their independent careers, and enroll in other course work tailored to their individual interests and chosen to
complement their previous experiences. Fellows create an Independent Development Plan with their mentor,
each trainee convenes meetings of an Individual Progress Committee, members of which provide feedback on
their progress, recommend specific near-term research goals and training activities, and are generally be
available as career mentors and advocates. Fellows leave the program poised for transitions to mentored and
independent faculty positions in academic pathology departments and fully prepared to conduct high impact
cancer research.

Grant Number: 5T32CA193145-10
NIH Institute/Center: NIH
Principal Investigator: ROBERT ANDERS