UCLA Surgeon-Scientist Basic Cancer Research Training Program (UCLA Surgeon-Scientist BCRTP)

University Of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA

Investigators

Abstract

The incidence of cancer continues to rise in the United States, emphasizing the need for a transdisciplinary team-based science model. This model, which brings together expertise to advance discoveries to clinical trials accessible to all patients, has been pivotal in achieving breakthroughs in cancer care. Surgeon-scientists, often serving as Principal Investigators (PIs) or multiple PIs (MPIs) within these teams, have unique access to tissue samples and clinical insights, allowing them to identify and address critical gaps in patient care. However, a career path as a basic/translational surgeon-scientist requires comprehensive training in basic science techniques, the scientific method, responsible conduct of research, and technology transfer between academia and industry. Despite the crucial role of surgeon-scientists, there has been a significant decline in their numbers and in NIH-funded surgeon researchers over the past two to three decades. Contributing factors include the increasing complexity of basic science research, a highly competitive grant environment with lower funding rates, and insufficient financial infrastructure to support effective mentoring and training. These challenges threaten the progress of scientific research and the future of patient care, underscoring the urgent need for programs that can bridge this gap. The UCLA Surgeon-Scientist Basic Cancer Research Training Program (UCLA Surgeon-Scientist BCRTP) directly addresses these critical gaps. Its primary objective is to provide a rigorous curriculum and closely mentored, hands-on research experiences tailored to exceptional surgical residents dedicated to spending at least two years away from clinical duties. This program is the first of its kind at UCLA and the greater Los Angeles (LA) area, representing a collaboration across six surgical departments (Surgery, Head and Neck, OB/GYN, Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, and Urology). It leverages UCLA’s extensive resources, including state-of-the-art facilities, advanced research infrastructure, and a network of esteemed faculty, to deliver a personalized and structured training experience for two surgical resident trainees per year. NIH-funded faculty from both clinical and basic science fields serve as core mentors, offering longitudinal and transdisciplinary mentorship. This program uniquely integrates training pertinent for surgeon-scientists in emerging areas such as technology development. By providing an innovative approach to training, the BCRTP aims to produce leaders who will drive future advancements in cancer research, technology development, and treatment innovation. The BCRTP is distinct yet complementary to existing NIH/NCI-funded T32 training programs at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. With their in-depth understanding of the gaps in surgical cancer care, trainees of the BCRTP will be uniquely prepared to compete for transdisciplinary NIH funding, making a substantial impact on the future of cancer treatment and patient care.