Postdoctoral Training in Cancer Prevention and Control

Washington University, Saint Louis MO

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Prevention and control programs, guided by a rigorous evidence base, can accelerate progress toward reducing cancer incidence and mortality in the United States. The number of individuals affected by cancer continues to grow as the U.S. population ages. Reducing the impact of cancer requires complex, cross-disciplinary, and rigorous team science approaches. Accordingly, we need to grow a cancer prevention and control research workforce who are adept at team science. Our ongoing Cancer Prevention and Control T32 aims to train postdoctoral scholars and expand pipeline of prevention and control investigators. Housed in the Division of Public Health Sciences in the Washington University School of Medicine, and Siteman Cancer Center, we intentionally create a community of trainees from a range of public health disciplines, including behavioral sciences and epidemiology. Program Mentors have robust cancer research programs, and represent multiple departments. Our training program includes structured elements such as individual development plans, mentored research, and training in cancer prevention/control. Trainees customize other didactic training to meet individual needs and goals. Our innovative approach includes a cross-disciplinary cancer control journal club and career development seminars. Over the course of our first two cycles of funding, we demonstrated success in recruiting, retaining, and training successful researchers. Of 18 completed trainees, 15 remain in research related positions, 2 are in further training, and 1 is delivering clinical cancer care. Several trainees now have K awards (1 K99-R00, 3 K01s) and other early career or pilot awards. They are well on their way to R01 funding. Our process includes evaluation and adaptation of the program. With this renewal, we will enhance training in rigor and reproducibility, team science, and create pathways to early leadership for our trainees. We formalized mentor training requirements. We will continue to leverage institutional resources, ongoing NIH-funded research, and a close collaboration with the NCI-designated Siteman Cancer Center to sustain and improve our training and impact. Washington University School of Medicine and Siteman Cancer Center offer a rich environment for trainees, and our cross-disciplinary training in cancer prevention and control is a unique resource. This renewal (Years 11-15) allows us to continue to train PhD and MD scientists in rigorous cancer research and train the next generation of prevention and control researchers.