Scholarship

The University of Virginia Cancer Center is the only NCI designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center, fellows have ample opportunities to work with investigators in our hematology / oncology division as well as the broader institution.

The UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center is organized into four core programs. These programs allow physicians and scientists from across the university to collaborate on innovative research projects.

• Cancer Biology Program
• Molecular Genetics and Epigenetics
• Cancer Therapeutics Program
• Cancer Prevention and Population Health Program

Fellow Research

As part of our mission to promote and develop a spirit of inquiry and discovery, fellows are introduced to research opportunities early in their 1st year. During the 1st year, fellows will have approximately 1-2 months of research time in order to identify a research mentor, and plan and design their core research project for the following two years.

All first year fellows participate in a clinical research workshop series where they practice important skills in grant writing such as LOI development, preparing aims, and designing a research strategy. Their completed application is then used to apply for internal funding mechanisms that provide fellows with resources to conduct their core research project.

Example uses of this funding include paying for support services such as Cancer Center core facility use, statistical support, conference and presentation support, and/or graduate course work.

During the remainder of fellowship beyond the first year, the amount and structure of research time depends on whether a basic science, translational, or clinical research project(s) is chosen. Fellows also participate in a longitudinal clinical research series which they learn to ask a scientific question, build a proposal, review statistical methods, and draft grant applications.

“During fellowship, I had the opportunity to work with outstanding mentors who were instrumental in shaping my professional development. UVA provided the resources, encouragement, and support that I needed to help me pursue and reach my academic goals. During my first year of fellowship, I applied for and was awarded the Farrow Award, a monetary grant provided to select UVA fellows with an interest in academic research. I also received the Weiss Family Research Award, a philanthropic grant that supports a specific academic research proposal. This funding allowed me to pursue clinical and translational research efforts, including dedicated time in a basic science lab, and ultimately develop a longitudinal research platform focused on my interest in androgen indifferent prostate cancer. This work led to presentations at national meetings, peer-reviewed manuscripts, and, most importantly, lasting relationships with experts and mentors both at UVA and at other premier academic institutions. I am confident that with the support I received during my fellowship at UVA, I am well-prepared for a successful career in academic medicine.”

-Jack Masur, MD, 2025 graduate