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Marin LP, Presley JH, Noori K, McKinstry D, Dawson B, Sexton K, Peterson E, Harrington SE, Gardner JM, Nagalo BM, Montzavi-Karbassi B, Post SR, Nicholas RW, Kelly T. Partnership in Cancer Research (PCAR) Program Increases Medical Student Knowledge and Confidence to Perform Cancer Research. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2024; 39:111-117. [PMID: 37957501 PMCID: PMC10995089 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-023-02383-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Arkansas has a high cancer burden, and a pressing need exists for more medical students to pursue oncology as a career. The Partnership in Cancer Research (PCAR) program provides a summer research experience at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences for 12 medical students who have completed their first year of medical training. A majority of participants spend time pursuing cancer research in basic science, clinical, or community-based research. Students report on their research progress in an interactive "Live from the Lab!" series and assemble a final poster presentation describing their findings. Other activities include participation in a moderated, cancer-patient support group online, lecture series on cancer topics, medical simulations, palliative care clinic visit, "Death Over Dinner" event, and an entrepreneurship competition. Students completed surveys over PCAR's first 2 years in operation to evaluate all aspects of the program. Surveys reveal that students enthusiastically embraced the program in its entirety. This was especially true of the medical simulations which received the highest evaluations. Most significantly, surveys revealed that the program increased cancer knowledge and participant confidence to perform cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis P Marin
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest Regional Campus, 1125 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR, 72703, USA
| | - Jessica H Presley
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest Regional Campus, 1125 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR, 72703, USA
| | - Katerina Noori
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest Regional Campus, 1125 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR, 72703, USA
| | - Diane McKinstry
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Brandi Dawson
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Kevin Sexton
- Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Eric Peterson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Sarah Elizabeth Harrington
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Jerad M Gardner
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Dermatology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Bolni Marius Nagalo
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St, Slot 845, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Behjatolah Montzavi-Karbassi
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St, Slot 845, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Steven R Post
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St, Slot 845, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Richard W Nicholas
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Thomas Kelly
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St, Slot 845, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
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Desmond RA, Padilla LA, Daniel CL, Prickett CT, Venkatesh R, Brooks CM, Waterbor JW. Career Outcomes of Graduates of R25E Short-Term Cancer Research Training Programs. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2016; 31:93-100. [PMID: 25604064 PMCID: PMC4511721 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-014-0786-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of short-term cancer research educational programs in meeting its immediate goals and long-term cancer research career objectives has not been well studied. The purpose of this report is to describe the immediate impact on, and the long-term career outcomes of, 499 medical students and graduate students who completed the Cancer Research Experiences for Students (CaRES) program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) from 1999 to 2013. In summer 2014, all 499 program alumni were located and 96.4 % (481 of 499) agreed to complete a longitudinal tracking survey. About 23 % of CaRES alumni (110 of 499) have published at least one cancer-related paper. Overall 238 cancer-related papers have been published by CaRES alumni, one third of this number being first-authored publications. Nearly 15 % (71 of 481 respondents) reported that their current professional activities include cancer research, primarily clinical research and outcomes research. Of these 71 individuals, 27 (38 %) have completed their training and 44 (62 %) remain in training. Of all respondents, 58 % reported that they administered care to cancer patients and 30 % reported other cancer-related professional responsibilities such as working with a health department or community group on cancer control activities. Of the 410 respondents not currently engaged in cancer research, 118 (29 %) stated intentions to conduct cancer research in the next few years. Nearly all respondents (99.6 %) recommended CaRES to today's students. Challenging short-term educational cancer research programs for medical students and graduate health professional students can help them refine and solidify their career plans, with many program alumni choosing cancer research careers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee A Desmond
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Luz A Padilla
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0022, USA
| | - Casey L Daniel
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charles T Prickett
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0022, USA
| | - Raam Venkatesh
- School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - C Michael Brooks
- School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - John W Waterbor
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0022, USA.
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Allen-Ramdial SAA, Campbell AG. Reimagining the Pipeline: Advancing STEM Diversity, Persistence, and Success. Bioscience 2014; 64:612-618. [PMID: 25561747 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biu076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Achieving trainee diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is rapidly becoming a challenge faced by many nations. Success in this area ensures the availability of a workforce capable of engaging in scientific practices that will promote increased production capacity and creativity and will preserve global scientific competitiveness. The near-term vision of achieving this goal is within reach and will capitalize on the growing numbers of underrepresented minority groups in the population. Although many nations have had remarkable histories as leaders in science and technology, few have simultaneously struggled with the challenge of meeting the educational and training needs of underrepresented groups. In this article, we share strategies for building the agency of the scientific community to achieve greater diversity by highlighting four key action areas: (1) aligning institutional culture and climate; (2) building interinstitutional partnerships; (3) building and sustaining critical mass; and (4) ensuring, rewarding, and maximizing faculty involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy-Ann A Allen-Ramdial
- Stacy-Ann A. Allen-Ramdial recently received her PhD in molecular virology from Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island, and served as the program coordinator for the Maximizing Access to Research Careers program (formerly, Minority Access to Research Careers program). She is interested in shaping domestic and international science policy that improves scientific research and education. Andrew G. Campbell is an associate professor of medical science in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Brown University and director of the Minority Access to Research Careers Program and the Initiative to Maximize Student Development Program. His work is focused on STEM training program development and education
| | - Andrew G Campbell
- Stacy-Ann A. Allen-Ramdial recently received her PhD in molecular virology from Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island, and served as the program coordinator for the Maximizing Access to Research Careers program (formerly, Minority Access to Research Careers program). She is interested in shaping domestic and international science policy that improves scientific research and education. Andrew G. Campbell is an associate professor of medical science in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Brown University and director of the Minority Access to Research Careers Program and the Initiative to Maximize Student Development Program. His work is focused on STEM training program development and education
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Newhauser WD, Scheurer ME, Faupel-Badger JM, Clague J, Weitzel J, Woods KV. The future workforce in cancer prevention: advancing discovery, research, and technology. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2012; 27:S128-35. [PMID: 22314794 PMCID: PMC3349779 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-012-0328-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
As part of a 2-day conference on October 15 and 16, 2009, a nine-member task force composed of scientists, clinicians, educators, administrators, and students from across the USA was formed to discuss research, discovery, and technology obstacles to progress in cancer prevention and control, specifically those related to the cancer prevention workforce. This article summarizes the task force's findings on the current state of the cancer prevention workforce in this area and its needs for the future. The task force identified two types of barriers impeding the current cancer prevention workforce in research, discovery, and technology from reaching its fullest potential: (1) limited cross-disciplinary research opportunities with underutilization of some disciplines is hampering discovery and research in cancer prevention, and (2) new research avenues are not being investigated because technology development and implementation are lagging. Examples of impediments and desired outcomes are provided in each of these areas. Recommended solutions to these problems are based on the goals of enhancing the current cancer prevention workforce and accelerating the pace of discovery and clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne D Newhauser
- Department of Radiation Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 1202, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Rios-Velazquez C, Williamson LL, Cloud-Hansen KA, Allen HK, McMahon MD, Sabree ZL, Donato JJ, Handelsman J. Summer workshop in metagenomics: one week plus eight students equals gigabases of cloned DNA. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOLOGY EDUCATION 2011; 12:120-126. [PMID: 23653755 PMCID: PMC3577266 DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.v12i2.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We designed a week-long laboratory workshop in metagenomics for a cohort of undergraduate student researchers. During this course, students learned and utilized molecular biology and microbiology techniques to construct a metagenomic library from Puerto Rican soil. Pre-and postworkshop assessments indicated student learning gains in technical knowledge, skills, and confidence in a research environment. Postworkshop construction of additional libraries demonstrated retention of research techniques by the students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Rios-Velazquez
- Biology Department, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, 00681
| | - Lynn L. Williamson
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, 53706
| | | | - Heather K. Allen
- Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Ames, IA, 50010
| | - Mathew D. McMahon
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, 53706
| | - Zakee L. Sabree
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06516
| | - Justin J. Donato
- Department of Chemistry, University of St. Thomas, Saint Paul, MN, 55105
| | - Jo Handelsman
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University New Haven, CT, 06511
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Shuster M, Peterson K. Development, implementation, and assessment of a lecture course on cancer for undergraduates. CBE LIFE SCIENCES EDUCATION 2009; 8:193-202. [PMID: 19723814 PMCID: PMC2736023 DOI: 10.1187/cbe.09-03-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2009] [Revised: 04/27/2009] [Accepted: 05/04/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The war on cancer has been waged for nearly 40 years, yet the cancer burden remains high, especially among minority and underserved populations. One strategy to make strides in the war on cancer and its disparate impacts is to increase the diversity of the cancer research workforce. We describe an approach to recruit a diverse population of future cancer researchers from an undergraduate student population at a minority-serving land-grant institution. Specifically, we have addressed the following questions: Given the dearth of published reports of undergraduate cancer courses, is it possible for undergraduates at a land-grant institution (rather than a research or medical institution) to successfully learn cancer biology from a lecture-based course? Can we develop a template that has the potential to be used by others to develop and implement an undergraduate cancer course? Can such a course stimulate interest in careers in cancer research? Based on a learning gains analysis, students were able to learn cancer content and related skills, and based on student surveys, students' interest in cancer research was stimulated by course participation. We have identified aspects of our course development process that were critical for the successful development, implementation, and assessment of the course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michèle Shuster
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA.
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