T32 Cancer Prevention and Control Training Program Addressing Health Disparities

项目总结/文摘

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) T32 Cancer Prevention and Control Training Program Addressing Health Disparities is designed to advance the independent careers of diverse scientists. The program benefits from the success of training nine postdoctoral Fellows during the first T32 grant period, all of whom are from underserved populations (including 5 Hispanic/Latino and 2 Native American scientists), access to the diverse population in Arizona who suffer significant cancer disparities, and on the 23-year history of UACC preparing outstanding cancer prevention and control (CPC) scientists. This T32 Program will support the training of four postdoctoral positions annually with a maximum of 10 postdoctoral trainees supported over five years. The program’s primary goal is to train a diverse workforce of independent CPC scientists working to reduce cancer health disparities. Our aims include: 1) Recruit outstanding and diverse applicants committed to careers in cancer prevention and control research with an emphasis on cancer health disparities; 2) Engage Fellows in a high quality, comprehensive training program that establishes their independence as cancer prevention and control scientists; and 3) Evaluate the program regularly and actively respond to program enhancement opportunities. The Program includes a structured curriculum in CPC and health disparities sciences while supporting individualized career development plans. The training program design supports trainee outcomes including independence in research and high productivity in academically relevant metrics of success (grants, manuscripts and scientific presentations). The Program is based on strong mentorship from a faculty representing diverse disciplines and deep experience working in diverse populations. Program evaluation is operationalized throughout the training to assure ongoing quality improvement. Specific fellowship activities of the training plan include: 1) Completion of required elements of the core curriculum and elective curriculum elements tailored to meet each postdoctoral Fellow’s training and professional goals; 2) Participation in mentored research experiences; 3) Submission and publication of peer-reviewed journal articles; 4) Presentation of work at scientific conferences; and 5) Preparation and submission of a research proposal for funding. This proposed training program aligns with the University of Arizona’s strategic plan and addresses the needs of our State’s unique population, including high numbers of Hispanic and American Indian residents, rural and border communities, aging population, and areas of persisting poverty. This distinctive geographic location along with our strong community ties, university partnerships, CPC postdoctoral training history, and university infrastructure and resources uniquely position us to continue to expand the next generation of diverse CPC researchers focused on reducing health disparities and working with underserved communities.