Training Program in Cancer Prevention and Control for Priority Populations

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PROJECT ABSTRACT While cancer affects the entire US population, there are striking disparities in incidence and mortality across several `priority' populations such as racial/ethnic minorities, low-income, and older adults, reflecting differences in risk factors and access to prevention and treatments. The National Cancer Institute highlighted the interplay of multilevel factors determining cancer outcomes in priority populations and the need for its integration in cancer prevention and control (CPC) efforts. Thus, developing highly trained research scientists with a multidisciplinary `mindset' and the enthusiasm and appreciation for working across disciplines to gain new perspectives and develop innovative solutions is critical. Yet, the development pipeline for such investigators is inadequate to match the growing burden of cancer and cancer risk in priority populations. Our program has been highly successful in its first funding cycle with recruitment of a very diverse group of trainees, having 100% of graduates in full-time academic CPC research careers, and 75% having already obtained external K (or equivalent) funding. The overarching goal of the renewal of this CPC postdoctoral research training program is to continue to launch the careers of a new generation of clinical and non-clinical researchers prepared to apply this multidisciplinary approach to CPC research targeting priority populations. To successfully execute this goal, the program will continue to recruit talented early career researchers who are committed to careers in CPC research in academia, government, foundations or industry, with emphasis on priority populations; provide multidisciplinary mentorship, guidance and individualized career development plans to launch successful research careers for investigators from diverse backgrounds; foster appreciation among trainees for and ability to work as part of multidisciplinary CPC research teams; and facilitate the attainment of a research career and life skills needed to pursue and sustain long term success as independent investigators, active participants in team science, and future leaders in CPC. Our training program's strengths lie in the diverse CPC research portfolio at Mount Sinai, its integration in the NCI-accredited Tisch Cancer Institute, the network of methodologically diverse and accomplished mentors, and Mount Sinai's long history of serving the socioeconomically, racially and ethnically diverse communities that comprise its catchment area. Our program matriculates 2 candidates each year for the 2-year fellowship, training a total of 10 new investigators over 5 years. Each trainee develops a highly tailored curriculum rooted in 12 core competencies needed to start a successful career in multidisciplinary CPC research targeting priority populations. Trainees have a primary and secondary mentor(s), and their progress is carefully monitored by a Mentorship Committee. The program receives guidance from expert internal and external advisory boards, and its performance is regularly monitored through select metrics to ensure continued improvement and sustainability.