VOLT (Vanderbilt Oncology Training Program)

项目总结

PROJECT SUMMARY The overall goal of the Vanderbilt Oncology Training Program (VOLT) is to prepare hematology and oncology fellows and other trainees for careers conducting impactful cancer-related clinical, translational, and population science. The objectives of VOLT are 1) to identify and recruit trainees to become top-tier junior investigators in hematology and oncology by providing an advanced training experience, 2) to develop skills that support this career, including communication, resiliency, team building, and grant management, and 3) to educate trainees on the importance and incorporation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and community outreach and engagement (COE) into their research and clinical practice. VOLT will accomplish this by mentored clinical research in oncology and tailored didactics including Master’s degree programs. Through regular meetings with the Program Directors, peer trainees, and mentorship committees, annual retreats, as well as preparation of Individual Development Plans and structured Progress Reports, VOLT trainees gain the skill set required for a successful oncology research career. VOLT has identified a diverse group of 43 committed, experienced mentors across cancer-related disciplines. Trainees conduct mentored research in three areas: 1) molecular oncology, 2) therapeutic development, tumor immunology, and immunotherapy, and 3) bioinformatics, big data, and cancer outcomes. Trainees are recruited from medical and pediatric hematology and oncology, or other cancer-related disciplines. VOLT is led by two physician scientists, a medical oncologist who conducts translational research and a pediatric oncologist who conducts population science and clinical research. An Internal Advisory Committee representing the diversity of VOLT research evaluates prospective trainees, and monitors the progress of individual trainees and the program’s success. Metrics for trainee and program evaluation include diversity of program participants, program completion, retention in research-focused careers, funding success, publication, and impact. An External Advisory Committee, composed of four physician-scientists, provides input into the scientific direction of program, ensures it is meeting national workforce needs and cancer priorities, and monitors progress, accomplishments, and trajectory to further programmatic advancement. Ongoing program evaluation has led to improvements in trainee evaluation, minority recruitment strategies, training in DEI and COE and mentoring, and changes in advisors and mentors to reflect greater diversity. Our 10 trainees have published 28 manuscripts since their appointment to VOLT. Four have received peer-reviewed grant support, and an additional three have applications under review. Of the five trainees who have graduated, four continue in research-intensive careers. In its first cycle, VOLT has been successful in developing trainees who will lead cancer research and advance cancer care and is well poised to continue this trajectory.