Cancer Care Quality Training Program

Evaluation and improvement of cancer care delivery is of growing interest nationally, with a pressing need for research to support decisions by policy makers, hospital systems, payers, clinicians, and patients. Yet, there are a limited number of investigators with appropriate training to conduct rigorous research in this field. To address this need, the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center seeks to renew its T32 Cancer Care Quality Training Program (CCQTP). During the next five years, the CCQTP proposes to support pre- and postdoctoral fellows yearly and train them for careers in multidisciplinary and collaborative research focused on quality of cancer care delivery. Led by two co-directors, Dr. Ethan Basch and Dr. Stephanie Wheeler, an internal Steering Committee, and an interdisciplinary External Advisory Board, the CCQTP trains a variety of fellows, including health services researchers, epidemiologists, and physicians in relevant disciplines. The CCQTP has four objectives for our trainees: 1) to master a content area and demonstrate competence in pertinent research methods; 2) to develop collaborative capability by learning the basic principles of complementary content areas; 3) to gain mentored research expertise with the guidance of multidisciplinary preceptors; and 4) to develop professional skills required for a successful research career, including presenting research findings, writing for publication, and securing research funding. The flexible training is tailored to suit each fellow's needs and includes three basic elements: a) a specialized core curriculum that includes coursework, iterative didactics (seminars, special workshops, journal clubs, etc.) and training in the responsible conduct of research; b) hands-on research experience directed by teams of experienced faculty preceptors; and c) professional development, including experience in grant writing. Training generally lasts for two years, with salaries and research/development allowances designed to be consistent with other training programs at UNC. The outstanding research environment at UNC includes well-funded and nationally recognized programs in Cancer Health Policy and Management; Epidemiology; Pharmacoeconomics; and Clinical Medicine. The CCQTP enjoys close collaborations with the nationally recognized UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and makes use of core facilities in each. Our 20 Preceptors and 20 Affiliates have been selected for their strong records of scholarship, funding, and mentorship. CCQTP trainees have cumulatively produced 1,495 publications and most alumni are in academic research positions.