Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination

University Of Rochester, Rochester NY

Investigators

Abstract

CANCER RESEARCH TRAINING AND EDUCATION COORDINATION: PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Wilmot Cancer Institute (Wilmot) Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) aims to provide the highest quality of cancer research education and training across the learning continuum, from high school students to faculty. Ruth O’Regan, MD (ZY), leads CRTEC as Wilmot’s Associate Director for Education and Career Development, with support from Carla Casulo, MD (ZY), Assistant Director of Education and Career Development. CRTEC coordinates all UR cancer research and education efforts to foster a love of discovery and science that supports career development. CRTEC addresses these priorities through three specific aims: 1) Coordinate and support cancer-related education and training activities at UR and throughout the Wilmot catchment area by providing grant writing assistance, creating an infrastructure, and leveraging innovative collaborations with UR leadership, research programs, and education initiatives 2) Continue to support and expand cancer research training, career enrichment, and professional development opportunities across the learner continuum 3) Synergize with the Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) Office to create a welcoming training environment for cancer-focused trainees and junior faculty members. CRTEC adds value to the Rochester community by strengthening the pipeline of new scientists, clinicians, and educators in the cancer research workforce through unique educational programming and professional development opportunities and connecting trainees with meaningful mentorship. Led by the Wilmot strategic plan, CRTEC has instituted several key initiatives that have expanded Wilmot’s educational portfolio. This includes the American Society of Clinical Oncology Summer Internship program, which provides training, shadowing, and networking opportunities for second-year medical students. Wilmot also hosts an annual summer internship program for high school students from the Rochester School for the Deaf, which has grown in enrollment each year since its inception. In addition, CRTEC spearheaded an initiative to establish a new Cancer Biology PhD Concentration in 2021, with 22 students enrolled to date. Wilmot’s longstanding educational programs include the National Cancer Institute (NCI) T32 program focused on Cancer Control Research Training (T32CA102618) and the Wilmot Physician Scientist Research Fellowship program, which have been the springboard for several successful academic faculty careers. CRTEC continues to work with the COE Office to develop initiatives focused on career development for trainees and faculty in oncology.