Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination

Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester MN

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

CANCER RESEARCH TRAINING AND EDUCATION COORDINATION: ABSTRACT The Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center (MCCCC) has established a vibrant and responsive Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination Office (CRTEC) that is structured and staffed to develop the next generation of investigators and leaders in cancer research and clinical care. CRTEC develops, sustains, and coordinates educational programming that provides trainees and staff with exceptional cancer training in basic, clinical, translational, and population science research, as well as cancer patient care. By coordinating existing educational infrastructure and through partnerships with the Community Outreach and Engagement Office (COE) and MCCCC Research Programs, Clinical Trials Offices, and the Mayo Clinic Education Shield, CRTEC deepens the impact of MCCCC’s strategic and intersectional goals to recruit, educate, train, and mentor the future cancer workforce and cancer leaders. In addition, CRTEC programming is embedded in strategies that equip researchers to conduct research in clinical, laboratory, and community settings. MCCCC’s unique presence across multiple sites (Mayo Clinic in Arizona (MCA), Mayo Clinic in Florida (MCF), and Mayo Clinic in Rochester (MCR)) amplifies the national impact of CRTEC’s dynamic programming while simultaneously meeting the training and education needs of its three distinct catchment areas. Three aims support CRTEC’s mission: 1) Coordinate administrative leadership, programmatic support, and robust evaluation to promote strong cancer research training and education that emphasize collaboration among leaders, staff, and trainees; 2) Create and sustain responsive programs to foster interest and develop skills in cancer education, research, and patient care among a spectrum of learners from K-12 students through predoctoral training; and 3) Offer professional and leadership development programming to support advanced research training and education to launch the next generation of faculty, program members, and leaders. CRTEC is led by Bruce Horazdovsky, PhD (CPCS, MCR) and Audrey Elegbede, PhD both of whom have extensive experience in education program development and administration. They have assembled administrative and operational teams to ensure that programs and their delivery are effective and that outcomes are evaluated and incorporated into improvement efforts. CRTEC has formalized mentoring, professional development, and grant review processes for trainees and faculty; expanded programs and leadership opportunities across all three MCCCC sites; and integrated cancer-specific content and experiences into existing programs across the learner continuum. During the last project period, CRTEC supported 1019 trainees across career stages. The 176 MD-PhD and PhD students supported by CRTEC, and the inaugural 96 MCCCC Trainee Members, are highly representative of the communities served by Mayo Clinic. Current and future programming will be delivered under the MCCCC Cancer Discovery and Translational Science Training Program (CDTS) and CRTEC will work in close collaboration across the Center to ensure that learning pathways facilitate training in new areas of scientific opportunity.