Surgical Oncology Research Training Program

PROJECT SUMMARY Cancer remains one of the most common causes of death in the United States, second only to cardiovascular disease. Great need exists for continued research to prevent cancer and improve outcomes. Surgeon-scientists are uniquely positioned to translate research findings associated with surgical diseases to the bedside and operating room. Despite their unique expertise and effectiveness in research, the role of the surgeon-scientist has historically been threatened for the last few decades. Surgeon-scientists are submitting fewer career development awards and have lower success rates in obtaining NIH funding. There has been only small growth in the percentage of surgeons funded by NIH in the past 10 years, but surgical oncologists represent the largest group of surgeon subspecialists receiving NIH grants. It is critical that we continue to expand this pool of investigators and develop surgeon-scientists in the field of oncology. The overall program goal of the Surgical Oncology Research Training Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is to provide surgical residents who are strongly motivated toward a career in surgical oncology with a comprehensive, mentored research and training experience that prepares them for successful careers as surgeon-scientists. The program provides surgeon-scientists who intend to enter a career in academic surgery, particularly in surgical oncology, with the opportunity for basic, translational, and health services research training in a mentored, multidisciplinary, collaborative environment. The program leverages the extensive resources of the UAB Department of Surgery, UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), the UAB Heersink School of Medicine’s Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS), the Office of Postdoctoral Education (OPE), and an abundance of health services and disparities research programs and centers. The program includes a pool of outstanding extramurally funded trainers from a variety of cancer-related disciplines. Seven trainees have completed the program; 1 has obtained a faculty position with NCI funding, and 6 are continuing their clinical training in environments that will facilitate their continued success in developing independent academic careers. An additional 4 are currently appointed. Several have obtained additional degrees to advance their scientific knowledge, and several have been successful in obtaining additional funding to support their fellowship training or further career development. While this is a new program, it has already been successful in developing its first NIH-funded surgeon-scientist. It has also attracted a diverse group of trainees, including 27% African American and 82% female. Trainees have demonstrated excellent productivity as evidenced by publications and national presentations. These early markers of success are clear indicators of the program’s future ability to produce extramurally funded surgeon-scientists in the field of surgical oncology.