Scholars in Oncology Associated Research (SOAR)

University Of Chicago, Chicago IL

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

With the increasing complexity of cancer care, the rising numbers of cancer survivors in the US population, and the increasing global burden of cancer, it is critical that Pritzker School of Medicine (PSOM), one of the most research-intensive medical schools, prepare a workforce trained to meet these challenges. While the workforce for the continuum of cancer care is interdisciplinary and inter-professional, to date, medical education has remained compartmentalized. In our first funding period, we have revised our medical school curriculum and transformed our approach to training medical students at PSOM via the Scholars in Oncology Associated Research (SOAR) program. In a highly innovative 10-week intensive summer program, SOAR successfully enrolled 63 participants (51 NCI funded, 12 PSOM funded). The SOAR program successfully inspired nearly 70% of participants to continue their cancer research, leading to 52 cancer-related conference presentations and 37 cancer-related publications. SOAR participants had higher research self-efficacy and intent to enter a research career than non-SOAR peers and a deepening of their commitment to cancer research. We propose to continue SOAR to enroll 12 medical students each year, including 4 who will conduct global cancer research at UChicago Global partner sites in compliance with the US State Department and NIH/NCI policies. Each student will conduct interdisciplinary cutting-edge cancer research with strong mentorship by established investigators in the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center or the Susan and Richard Kiphart Family Center for Global Health. In addition, trainees will take part in formal instruction in responsible conduct of research, didactic lectures on the science of oncology, interdisciplinary tumor boards, journal clubs, research skill development and career planning activities as well as opportunities for career exploration, networking, and outreach that will increase their knowledge of cancer and motivate them to pursue further education and training for future careers as cancer researchers. Trainees will be supported by a tiered mentorship structure that includes Faculty Track Group Leaders who will be responsible for monitoring progress along milestones of completing their projects and lead peer mentoring sessions where they learn about each other’s research. Using didactic sessions, experiential research training in settings that represent the cancer care continuum from prevention to survivorship, and exposure to national and global leaders in oncology research, SOAR participants will have a greater appreciation for the interdisciplinary and interprofessional nature of oncology care and research. With rigorous evaluation and planning, we will continue to build on our success with SOAR and determine if SOAR participants show a greater propensity to enter cancer research/oncology careers, while tracking outcomes such as publications, grants, and entry into academic careers. SOAR will enable PSOM to maintain its tradition of excellence in preparing a highly skilled workforce to achieve the promise of precision oncology care and reduce global disparities in cancer outcomes.