The University of Chicago has long recognized the importance of clinician scientists capable of utilizinglaboratory discoveries to evolve novel therapeutic approaches and using clinical observations to inform andshape basic investigations. The Career Development Program of the Chicago Breast Cancer SPORE iscommitted to identifying and mentoring investigators interested in translational breast cancer research. Theprogram will primarily provide a tightly structured multidisciplinary mentoring for junior faculty with thegreatest potential of developing independent programs in translational breast cancer research; however,exceptional senior faculty who demonstrate strong interest in developing a program of translational researchin breast cancer may also be eligible. Investigators may come from clinical or basic science backgrounds,provided that their research aims are translational in nature. We will use a rigorous review process and workwith department Chairs to identify and recruit the most talented and promising candidates who will undergo arigorous and effective mentoring program. Programmatic leadership and individual mentoring will beprovided by a multidisciplinary mentoring committee, which must include the necessary representation fromthe basic/population sciences, clinical sciences, and biostatistics so that all disciplines are represented foroptimal mentoring of the awardee. These mentors are established cancer researchers and as members ofthe UCCRC have access to all the Cancer Center sponsored Cores. A unique aspect of this program is theinclusion of Dr. Eileen Dolan, an outstanding translational scientist who will serve as career mentor/coach forall junior faculty awardees. As Chairperson for the University of Chicago Committee on the Reappointment ofAssistant Professors (COROAP) she knows what it takes to be promoted at the University of Chicago andwill be available at regularly scheduled times to discuss career goals, activities, and aspirations forreappointment and eventual promotion with each Career Development awardee. The explicit expectation isthat the awardees will utilize the resources made available to them for the development of independentresearch programs and acquisition of independent funding in breast cancer research.
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