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.

“When looking at fellowship programs, I knew that I wanted a program that provided me with strong mentors and the opportunity to truly engage in my learning and research experiences. This has definitely be the case at UVA. During my first year I applied for and won the Farrow Fellowship, which provided the funding necessary for me to design and initiate a phase 1 clinical trial at UVA.  This experience is extremely valuable for my career going forward and it would not have been possible without good mentorship.”

-Trish Millard, MD, 2018 graduate