Institutional Training Grants
The UVA Cancer Center currently houses two NCI T32 institutional training grants with UVA Cancer Center members serving as PI. These are NCI-funded programs that are focused on the professional and research development of trainees conducting research in the fields of molecular biology and surgical oncology. If you are interested in applying to these training programs, please contact the program directors for more information.
Cancer Research Training Program
The Cancer Research Training Program (CRTP) at UVA brings together faculty and trainees with a common interest in cancer biology to participate in an integrated program of cancer research and discovery. It is supported by a long-standing T32 training grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). CRTP’s overall objective is to develop a generation of cancer researchers who:
- Are adept in the newest techniques in cancer research
- Have a broad-based knowledge of cancer genomics and molecular drivers of cancer
- Appreciate the tumor cell extrinsic, microenvironmental and immunological interactions that contribute to tumor growth and metastasis
In addition, our training program aims to develop trainees who are adept in partnering with basic scientists, translational researchers, clinical trial specialists, and physicians to promote discovery and improved outcomes in cancer care.
For more information about this training program, please contact Drs. Andrew Dudley at acd2g@virginia.edu or Melanie Rutkowski at mr2ee@virginia.edu.
Postdoctoral Training Grant for MDs in Surgical Oncology
The number of physicians trained to perform surgical oncology research is inadequate considering that most patients with solid tumors undergo surgery as part of their clinical management. It is critical that more surgeons are involved in patient-oriented research and that other physicians be trained in oncology research related to the surgical management of cancer patients. This innovative training program supports surgical residents through a T32 program funded in part through the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This program strives to:
- Increase the number of well-trained surgeons and affiliated physicians who perform patient-oriented cancer research
- Enhance the depth of research training of surgeons by offering advanced degrees during their research training
- Increase the number of minority and female surgeons in the academic practice of surgical oncology
Trainees are enrolled in one of three research tracks: Translational Laboratory Science (TLS), Health Services and Outcomes Research (HSO), and Oncology Clinical Trials (OCT). These tracks include associated curriculum and appropriate mentors, though there is flexibility to include training in other research areas and in other research-related skills to augment the trainees’ educational experiences. Surgical residents with a minimum of two years of clinical training will be admitted to the program, and other non-surgical, yet oncological-related MD/DO trainees may be admitted as well.