Training Program in Cancer Biology
The goal of this program is to train the next generation of medical, pediatric, surgical, and radiation oncologists in the basic methods and concepts of cancer research, strengthening the ties between the laboratory and clinic. The program is multi-specialty and multidisciplinary in its orientation and governance, and includes laboratories and mentors that represent all of the clinical subspecialties of cancer and a broad array of research interests. The program emphasizes the importance of translating new findings in the fields of cancer biology, genetics, experimental therapeutics, immunology, molecular imaging, and epidemiology into useful clinical application.
The pool of outstanding candidates is derived primarily from the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) clinical residency and fellowship programs in medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, and orthopedic oncology. The mentors are similarly outstanding, contributing the highest quality research and teaching. The mentors are based mainly at the MGH Cancer Center, but are also from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and member institutions of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center. Mentors interact extensively through their research collaborations and participation in the cancer center.
This training program and the cancer center are built on the cornerstone of laboratory, clinical, and population science research integration through disease-based programs which have been established for each type of cancer. The program provides both project-oriented research experience and complementary didactic education for trainees. A high priority is placed on careful monitoring of trainees’ progress by the program director and co-director, the executive committee, and individual mentors, including regular written reports from the trainees and mentors. The program actively recruits women and minority candidates, and new mechanisms have been implemented to enhance these efforts.
Levels of training: Postdoctoral for MDs or MD/PhDs
Length of training program: Minimum of 2 years
Eligibility:
1. Applicants must have completed a minimum of three years in clinical training. Applicants must also be willing to commit to a minimum of two years in biomedical research. Rare exceptions will be made for candidates with less clinical training.
2. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents.
3. Applicants must have an MD or MD and PhD degree to be considered.
4. Applicants must hold the title of a Research and/or Clinical Fellow as of the time of appointment.
5. Prior research experience is highly preferred, although not required.
Application Deadline: June 15
Application Components:
Application Coversheet:
Title of research project
Applicant’s name, institutional address, phone number, fax number and email address
Name of mentor(s)
Copy of applicant’s CV and bibliography.
Brief description of planned research project (maximum of 2 pages).
Plan for didactic coursework and mentorship. This section should also include a statement indicating the trainee’s plans to attend the Design and Conduct of Clinical Trials course.
Mentor’s current and/or future plan in their own research programs to attract postdoctoral (and predoctoral) trainees from underrepresented minorities.
Signed statement of support from the trainee’s mentor(s).
Letter of reference from the applicant’s Chief of Service.
Stipend: Recipients will receive a stipend in-line with the fiscal year 2007 NIH NRSA stipend guidelines for postdoctoral fellows and additional funds for tuition/fees and travel to a scientific meetings(s).
Contact: Kenneth Tanabe
Massachusetts General Hospital
55 Fruit Street
Boston, MA, 02114
Mailstop: Cox Bldg, Rm 626
Phone: 617.724.3868
Fax: 617.724.3895
ktanabe@partners.org
