University of Michigan Surgical Oncology Research Training Program

University Of Michigan At Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor MI

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

There is a critical need for surgical oncologists to be trained in research disciplines. The purpose of this surgical oncology research training program is to foster the development of productive and successful physician scientists. Weiping Zou, M.D., Ph.D., the Charles B. de Nancrede Professor of Pathology, Immunology, Biology, and Surgery and Jacqueline Jeruss, M.D., Ph.D., Alfred E. Chang, MD Professor of Surgical Oncology, Pathology, and Biomedical Engineering serve as Co-Directors of this program. Trainees will be surgical residents enrolled in a two-year fellowship. Specific aims of the fellowship are: 1) design, implement, analyze, and report a research project; 2) obtain instruction on fundamental research methods and clinical studies/trials; and 3) obtain instruction on fundamental cancer biology and immunology, and health research principles. The University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center provides an extensive breadth of cancer-related research laboratories and programs to the trainees. The Rogel Cancer Center is an NCI-designated Cancer Center that is among the top 7 cancer centers in terms of NIH research funding. All preceptors within this training program are members of the Rogel Cancer Center. This program benefits from the strong track record of the Department of Surgery, the top surgical residency training program in the country, to attract academically oriented surgical residents. Each trainee will be assigned a mentor(s) to implement a research project during the program. The program curriculum includes extensive instruction focused on fundamental cancer biology and immunology principles, as well as instruction directed towards academic career development. Formal instruction in the responsible conduct of research is required and provided through the University. An External Advisory Committee of internationally renowned experts in clinical cancer care and research has been enlisted to provide guidance and support for this important program. This training program has been in existence for six funding periods spanning 30 years. The program continues to be highly successful and has always been filled, having enrolled 61 trainees. According to a 2020 study, Demblowski et al. found that, as of June 2020, only 0.7% of surgeon scientists held NIH R grant funding.1 A recent survey of prior trainees revealed that 47% of respondents received external funding and 89% reported involvement in clinical trials research. Among the 45 trainees who completed the T32 fellowship and their formal clinical training, 87% are employed at academic/teaching hospitals. Narahari et al. suggested that institutions and the NIH provide increased early-career support to surgeon-scientists to assist surgeon-scientist career trajectories.2 Spanning several decades, this T32 program has been highly successful in meeting the critical objective of preparing young surgeons for highly productive and impactful academic surgical careers.