Biobehavioral Oncology Training Program

ABSTRACT This new T32 resubmission application supports a postdoctoral research training program in biobehavioral oncology at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) in Milwaukee. The two-year Biobehavioral Oncology Training (BBOT) Program will support two new fellows per year for a steady state of four and total of 10 over the funding period. Our program integrates the cross cutting theme of cancer disparities from prevention to survivorship. Our preceptors are members of MCW's Cancer Center, which is on a strong trajectory toward NCI designation. The BBOT Program is an interdisciplinary program that considers the contribution of biological and behavioral factors to cancer prevention, control and treatment response through the integration of two themes: 1) the biology of stress and disparities, and 2) social determinants of health, behavior, and outcomes. It is the first training program in Wisconsin to address the biological and behavioral aspects of cancer prevention and control and the first cancer-focused training program at MCW. The primary objective of this proposal is to produce successful independent cancer research leaders who come from diverse population groups to remediate cancer health disparities by incorporating biological and behavioral aspects into their cancer research. BBOT will be supported by 20 primary mentors, all funded PIs with grants totaling $18M in annual cancer-relevant extramural support. Mentors include 13 PhDs, six MDs, and one MD/PhD appointed in 12 departments and interdepartmental programs. Additionally, six junior mentors with relevant expertise will participate in a Junior Mentoring Program, serving as associate mentors to BBOT trainees. Collectively, mentors have outstanding expertise in epidemiology, basic cancer biology, genetics, biostatistics, neuroscience, immunology, and behavioral medicine and interventions, offering research opportunities focusing on the interactions of genetic, molecular, neural, psychological, behavioral and social factors and their impact on cancer. Informed by an individualized development plan, the training program includes four components designed to prepare trainees to launch and sustain successful research careers: i) didactic learning; ii) multidisciplinary biobehavioral oncology mentored research experience; iii) career development; and iv) community engagement. Milwaukee is the fifth poorest and one of the most segregated cities in the US and is home to the majority of Wisconsin's African American, Hispanic and Hmong communities. The BBOT experience and training goals are designed to develop a diverse cadre of scientists who will dedicate their careers to ameliorating the persistent cancer disparities manifest in our city and across the nation. Internal and External Advisory Committees will provide ongoing evaluation and feedback to ensure that program goals are effectively met. BBOT has enthusiastic and robust institutional support from the Program Directors' department chairs, the MCW Cancer Center director, and the dean of the MCW School of Medicine, all of whom have allocated substantial resources to ensure its success.