Cancer Clinical Epidemiology Training Grant

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

PROJECT SUMMARY The Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (DBEI) and the Abramson Cancer Center (ACC), in collaboration with the Division of Hematology-Oncology of the Department of Medicine and the Division of Oncology of the Department of Pediatrics, all at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM), propose to continue an innovative, rigorous, and successful training program for investigators in cancer clinical epidemiology. Five postdoctoral positions per year are requested. This training program attracts trainees from across the country; its graduates are placed in institutions nationwide, resulting in a high impact training program. The specific aims of the training program are to: 1) train the next generation of investigators to address novel and critical cancer epidemiology questions with innovative analytic methods and transdisciplinary research collaborations; 2) provide in-depth knowledge of clinical epidemiology research methods for research questions across the cancer care continuum and lifespan; 3) provide intensive, supervised research experience resulting in first-authored publications with mentors who have active research programs in pediatric and adult cancer; and 4) promote synergies between epidemiology trainees and investigators outside of epidemiology through seminars and workshops offered at DBEI, the ACC, the pediatric and adult clinical oncology divisions, and other research centers at Penn and CHOP. Didactic training is provided through the Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology (MSCE) program and the directors of the training program receive regular feedback to optimize the progress of each fellow. The principal concepts of rigorous research are taught in courses of fundamental epidemiological methods, cancer and molecular epidemiology, and biostatistics, elective courses relevant to the trainees’ methodologic interests; journal clubs and clinical research conferences conducted by participating faculty, the DBEI, ACC, and adult and pediatric oncology divisions; independent readings; and instruction in the responsible conduct of research. Strengths of the proposed program are: 1) the history of successful research training programs in the DBEI, ACC, and adult and pediatric oncology divisions, including this training program; 2) the collaborative links among faculty with interests in clinical research in cancer; 3) the comprehensive course offerings and research programs that are available to trainees; and 4) an extensive set of experienced faculty with successful training records. In addition, numerous existing large databases that can be used for research projects and training; a broad array of specialized analytic capabilities available for clinical studies employing methods of clinical epidemiology, and commitment of faculty to collaborative research and training, combine to provide an ideal environment for this training program. Finally, the PSOM promote an academic environment in which basic and clinical research are encouraged and viewed as attractive career paths for physicians.