History

Cancer is a rapidly growing problem in LMIC. Outcomes for cancer patients are poor.   MSKCC’s Global Cancer Disparities Initiatives (GCDI) program partners with physicians and scientists across multiple disciplines in LMIC to improve outcomes for cancer patients.  GCDI is primarily centered around a longstanding collaboration in Nigeria with Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) and the African Research Group for Oncology (ARGO), a collaborative consortium co-founded by MSKCC-GCDI and OAUTHC. The consortium now includes 30 institutions across Nigeria.  This one-year research opportunity will be offered to physicians enrolled in or recent graduates of North American residency programs in surgery, medicine, radiology, pathology, psychiatry, or gynecology who are interested in a career that incorporates global oncology research. PhD students or those recently completing a PhD program are also eligible to apply.

Goal

Create a new generation of trainees that have the research skills to help address global cancer disparities in low and middle-income countries (LMIC).

To train current or recently graduated US or Canadian residents or PhD students in global oncology research. A strong foundation in clinical research is vital for generating appropriate global cancer research questions.  This one-year research training opportunity will link new US and Nigerian investigators and expand collaborative research opportunities while encouraging career paths in global oncology research in North America.

Duration

1 Year

Eligibility

Enrolled in or within two years of completing a residency training program or PhD program in the U.S. or Canada

Program Structure

This is a one-year research training opportunity intended to coincide with the academic year (July 1 -June 30). Start date may be flexible at the discretion of the program director. Fellows will spend three months working with MSK faculty and staff (a combination of remote and in person work) followed by nine months in Nigeria assisting with field work of on-going studies relevant to the resident’s area of training and interest. While at MSK the Fellow will receive mentored training (with a physician from the appropriate field/discipline) relevant to conducting field research, including research ethics in global health, cultural humility, survey design, unbiased interviewing techniques, data collection, and biological sample collection, processing and storage. Additional mentorship will also be provided focusing on cancer epidemiologic evaluation of risk factors, such as diet, exercise, and family history.  Fellows will be assigned a mentorship committee with both a Nigerian and non-Nigerian mentor.

How to Apply

Please submit the following by March 1st:

Material should be submitted via email to: randolpk@mskcc.org. 

Global Cancer Disparities Initiatives (GCDI) Program
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10065

T. Peter Kingham, MD, FACS-Program Director
kinghamp@mskcc.org  

Victoria Mango, MD, FSBI – Assistant Program Director
mangov@mskcc.org

Kate Randolph, GCDI Program Manager
randolpk@mskcc.org