Creating Tomorrow's Leaders in Cancer Prevention: A Novel Interdisciplinary Career Development Program in Cancer Genetics Research

To prepare oncology, genetics and molecular medicine professionals for basic, translational and epidemiological cancer genetics research through advanced training in a novel specialized cancer genetics career development program (CGCDP).Established in 2001, the City of Hope CGCDP is the only program in the NCI R25T portfolio focused on interdisciplinary training of oncologists and geneticists as cancer genetics and cancer prevention research program leaders. Program infrastructure, curriculum, recruitment strategies, implementation, evaluation and outcome are described.During the initial four-year period, twelve highly qualified health care professionals were recruited for cancer genetics academic, experiential, and research training. All trainees presented abstracts, published peer-reviewed journal articles, and/or were awarded cancer genetics research grants. Most are now in academic/research venues, following a cancer genetics research career trajectory.The CGCDP is an NIH-funded program that has successfully trained doctoral and mid-level professionals in cancer genetics research. Program graduates are addressing the burden of cancer by translating cancer genetics investigations into individual risk assessment tools and effective cancer screening and prevention interventions.