Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination

University Of Chicago, Chicago IL

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT - CANCER RESEARCH TRAINING AND EDUCATION COORDINATION (CRTEC) A central mission of the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC) is to support the career development of aspiring and experienced cancer researchers, physicians, and professionals. The Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) component of the UCCCC plays a critical role in integrating and centralizing cancer-focused educational and professional development activities across the institution. The aims of CRTEC are aligned with the stages of the cancer research career continuum, and our CRTEC initiatives seek specifically to engage trainees at the high school, undergraduate, graduate/medical school, postgraduate/postdoctoral, and faculty levels. We are particularly committed to supporting the career ambitions of individuals from populations underrepresented in biomedicine, a focus that is especially important given the communities we serve throughout our catchment area. To extend our reach and the success of our efforts, we have engaged in productive partnerships within the UCCCC, across the University, and with local schools, institutions, and community organizations. To coordinate cancer-based training and mentoring at all levels across the University, CRTEC leverages existing infrastructure to develop and integrate a wide range of activities. Specific strengths and unique aspects of CRTEC initiatives include: (1) a multifaceted approach to supporting researchers across their career trajectories; (2) strong partnerships with key institutions across Chicago (with particular focus on our neighboring South Side communities), including institutions of higher learning and diverse high schools; (3) an exceptional leadership and mentoring team of highly dedicated and experienced individuals to execute our portfolio of programs; and (4) ongoing and expanding integration with the Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) and the Plan to Enhance Diversity (PED) components of the UCCCC. During the current funding period, the UCCCC invested significant resources to: (1) integrate institutional cancer-focused training and mentoring activities across the career continuum; (2) develop new pathway programs for high school and college students interested in cancer research careers; (3) enhance multidisciplinary, specialized training opportunities for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows; (4) focus career enhancement activities toward greater diversity in the cancer research workforce; and (5) broaden professional development opportunities for senior fellows and faculty. Our long-term goal, consistent with the UCCCC Strategic Plan, is the development and integration of innovative career enhancement activities to nurture the cancer-focused career ambitions of trainees at all levels and to grow a skilled and diverse cancer research workforce.