Basic Medical Research Training in Oncology

University Of Chicago, Chicago IL

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

The objective of the University of Chicago Institutional T32 Training program is to provide a scientifically rigorous and intellectually stimulating interdisciplinary research training environment for physicians who have completed ACGME accredited residency training to prepare for research-intensive careers in academia, government and industry. Candidates for T32 training are nationally recruited through Residency Matching program to the Section of Hematology/Oncology within our Department of Medicine with the expectation that candidates for T32 training will complete one clinical year funded by the hospital and then have a minimum of two or three years of research training under the proposed training grant depending on whether they perform patient-oriented research or fundamental basic/translational/population research. The direction of the program – provision of multidisciplinary, structured, career development, mentoring and leadership opportunities in cancer research – has not changed since the program’s inception, but we have continued to evolve the program in response to a national need to develop and/or enhance research training opportunities for individuals interested in team science, translational research and patient-centric clinical trials to accelerate progress in cancer control and prevention. There are several unique structural elements in the research training proposed: 1) access to a large population of cancer patients in Chicagoland and Northern Indiana; 2) training under the guidance of multidisciplinary research preceptor(s) within a robust scientific environment that provides innovative scientific approaches, tools and technologies; 3) specific educational pathways in the form of course work and special seminars leading to advanced degree or certificate from any relevant unit in the University; and 4) community engagement and learning opportunities to accelerate progress in cancer care delivery science. The 33 Senior and 22 Clinical/Junior research training faculty preceptors have NIH or equivalent peer- reviewed funding, interact on several collaborative research and training efforts and are well qualified to serve as potential mentors for the six trainees per year participating in this T32 program. Our extensive inpatient and outpatient facilities across UChicago Medicine Network sites promote a comprehensive clinical training experience, while our research laboratories allow for the acquisition of basic research skills. With significant investments in new cancer programs and enhanced facilities, we have revamped our curriculum to offer coursework in emerging areas of cancer research including chemical biology, proteo-genomics, metabolomics, data science, and implementation science. Trainees have opportunities to participate in grant writing workshops, leadership development and entrepreneurship programs. With the rapid pace of scientific advances, preparing the next generation of highly competent, creative and compassionate physicians for research-intensive careers remains a wise investment for the nation. Physicians graduating from our training program are equipped to have sustained impact by conducting rigorous and reproducible research across the continuum of cancer care.