The number of physicians trained to perform surgical oncology research is inadequate when considering that most patients with solid tumors undergo surgery as part of their clinical management. Improving the care of these patients is in the interests of the NCI. It is critical that more surgeons are involved in patient-oriented research and that other physicians be trained in oncology research related to the surgical management of cancer patients. The three objectives of this application are 1) To increase the number of well-trained surgeons and affiliated physicians who perform patient-oriented cancer research, 2) To enhance the depth of research training of surgeons by offering advanced degrees during their research training, and 3) To increase the number of minority and female surgeons in the academic practice of surgical oncology. Trainees will be enrolled in one of three research tracks: Translational Laboratory Science (TLS), Health Services and Outcomes research (HSO), and Oncology Clinical Trials (OCT). These tracks will be structured and will include associated curriculum, and appropriate mentors. However, there will be flexibility to include training in othe research areas and in other research-related skills, which will augment the trainees' educational experiences. Surgical residents with a minimum of two years of clinical training will be admitted to the program, and other non-surgical, yet oncologically related MD/DO trainees may be admitted, but will fill no more than 25% of the trainee positions. There will be a total of six trainees at any given time. Trainees will enter a dedicated, 2-3 year training period that will include a core research project related to solid tumor oncology, plus coursework selected to match their research track, with the option for a Master's degree or PhD. Strong emphasis will be placed on learning skills required for survival in research careers combined with academic clinical practice. These will include research ethics, grant writing, research design, data analysis, budgeting, manuscript writing, and stress management. By this approach, a cohort of young, well-trained surgeons and associated physicians will be developed who will have the tools to perform high quality, ethical, translational and clinical research specifically centered o human tumor oncology.

Public Health Relevance

Only a small number of surgeons perform research aimed at improving outcomes of cancer patients by safely introducing scientific breakthroughs to their care and management. We propose to train young surgeons and associated physicians, including those from traditionally under-represented minorities, to perform this research throughout their careers and to increase the survival and quality of life of patients suffering fro cancer.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Institutional National Research Service Award (T32)
Project #
5T32CA163177-07
Application #
9303322
Study Section
Subcommittee I - Transistion to Independence (NCI)
Program Officer
Perkins, Susan N
Project Start
2016-09-01
Project End
2021-08-31
Budget Start
2017-09-01
Budget End
2018-08-31
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Virginia
Department
Surgery
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
065391526
City
Charlottesville
State
VA
Country
United States
Zip Code
22904
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