Opportunities for Pathology Trainees in Cancer Research

Project Summary/Abstract Pathologists are uniquely positioned to contribute to cancer research. Their familiarity with disease classifications and pathogenesis, physical manifestations of tumors in tissue, and clinical challenges in cancer care mean that these investigators can provide important perspectives in developing experimental models that recapitulate key aspects of human disease. The Opportunities for Pathology Trainees In Cancer research (OPTIC) program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (JHUSOM) supports postdoctoral trainees developing research-oriented careers in cancer pathology and is geared towards preparing them for leadership roles in academic pathology and laboratory-based cancer research. Over the first funding period, the mandate of the OPTIC program has been to attract and recruit the brightest pathology trainees interested in cancer research; to pair them with faculty mentors representing the remarkable breadth and diversity of cancer research at JHUSOM; to protect their time for an immersive experience in the research laboratory; and to involve them in a unique and program-specific educational curriculum. With four postdoctoral trainees each year, the program is overseen by internal and external oversight committees consisting of highly successful academic pathologists in cancer research. Fellows select a research mentor from participating faculty – a stellar group recruited from the full spectrum of cancer research fields at the institution. All are accomplished investigators with an expertise in experimental cancer research and strong track records of laboratory-based mentorship. In addition to pursuing a rigorous research program, trainees participate in program-specific didactics and workshops to develop skills for their independent careers, and enroll in other course work tailored to their individual interests and chosen to complement their previous experiences. Fellows create an Independent Development Plan with their mentor, each trainee convenes meetings of an Individual Progress Committee, members of which provide feedback on their progress, recommend specific near-term research goals and training activities, and are generally be available as career mentors and advocates. Fellows leave the program poised for transitions to mentored and independent faculty positions in academic pathology departments and fully prepared to conduct high impact cancer research.