NCI Research Specialist/Clinician Scientist Award for Urologic Oncology Research

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Project Summary As a urologic oncologist, most of my peers have focused on operating as much as possible with the hope their efforts could positively effect change on an individual level. During my NCI Urologic Oncology Fellowship, I was drawn to the power of clinical discovery working alongside clinical investigators. A surgeon has limited research paths to create paradigm shifts in the field beyond the operating room, as industry often ignores many of the critical questions facing us. Fortunately, the NIH Cooperative Group network trials provide an avenue for clinical scientists to impact the field by interacting with likeminded individuals, patient advocates, translational researchers, statisticians, and operational staff. By early engagement in SWOG, I have been afforded the opportunity to participate and lead several clinical trials before taking larger roles in translational research initiatives. This cemented my passion as a clinician scientist hoping to lead new initiatives in kidney cancer. I am fortunate to have assumed Co-Chair responsibilities within SWOG’s Renal Subcommittee and the NCI Renal Task Force. These leadership roles allow me to imprint the next generation of clinical trials. This also includes my involvement with a small renal mass trial aimed at reducing overtreatment, that was developed through a Clinical Trials Planning Meeting by much of the Renal Task Force and has been prioritized within SWOG this year with plans for GU Steering Committee review later this year. Despite receiving academic and leadership recognition, my engagement in NCI clinical research throughtrial participation, administrative efforts, mentorship of SWOG investigators, protocol development, and travel for bi-annual meetings, there is limited institutional support at UCLA for these endeavors. Similarly, the NCI sponsored trials have resulted in a financial burden to staff and this investigator, as compared to industry trials. Participation has largely been a result of my passion to provide patients an opportunity for improved care. The R50 Research Specialist Award mechanism recognizes the critical role that individuals can play to advance clinical science and can significantly advance my work. In particular, the financial support associated with this Award will further my engagement in available NIH protocols, provide time for protocol development including our new Small Renal Mass Concept, provide the means to travel to SWOG and Renal Task force meetings, and allow designated protected time that SWOG and Renal Task Force leadership requires. This Award would be instrumental in my academic career development during a time where the is increasing pressure to produce clinically. I am thrilled for this opportunity and appreciate UCLA recognizing my efforts with this nomination.