The MSKCC Global Cancer Disparities Initiatives (GCDI) program provides residents and fellows at MSK the opportunity to incorporate global health education and research into their MSK training program. Trainees actively participate in GCDI sessions, complete a global health educational program and are matched with a mentor to complete a research or educational project. International field work is encouraged as permitted by the trainee’s clinical training program.

Program goals

• To provide MSK clinical trainees a way to formerly incorporate global health education, training and research into their MSK training through the GCDI program.
• To prepare MSK training program graduates to be collaborative leaders in global oncology.

Program objectives

• To understand challenges in oncology care unique to healthcare providers practicing in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC)
• To understand patient-related barriers to obtaining oncologic diagnosis and care in LMIC
• To explore multifactorial resource constraints contributing to poor cancer outcomes in LMIC as they relate to public health and government policies
• To develop skills to conduct collaborative research, education and training programs focused on oncology in LMIC

Program length

1 or 2 years to run concurrently with the clinical training program.

Applications

With MSK training program director (TPD) approval, current or incoming MSK residents or fellows may apply by June 1 for the upcoming academic year. Trainees must ensure their TPD is supportive of their application and participation in the program if accepted.

Application requirements

• Cover letter to include:
  • MSK program name, dates, length
  • MSK TPD information
• Letter of support from MSK TPD
• CV
• Personal statement describing global oncology interests and reasons for wanting to participate in the program (<500 words). Please state if you have a current global health project and/or mentor.
• One letter of recommendation attesting to global health interest and/or experience
• Interview with GCDI program leadership

Application material should be sent to GCDI Assistant Director, Victoria Mango, MD via email (mangov@mskcc.org)

Program requirements

Trainees will be required to meet attendance requirements detailed below, follow a structured curriculum and complete a research or educational project to earn a certificate of completion.

Lectures and Coursework (>75% attendance required)

• Attend GCDI monthly virtual meetings
• Attend GCDI global oncology virtual lectures
• Select one ECHO session for regular attendance
  • GCDI facilitates different monthly Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) sessions, including: Breast DMT, colorectal DMT, pathology, breast rad path, histopathology, Portuguese based pathology conference
• Completion of the “Global Oncology Enrichment Program” online course through Princess Margaret Cancer Center, a GCDI partner

Research and Educational Project Participation

• Global oncology mentor assigned through GCDI will facilitate incorporation into GCDI and help identify trainee global health goals
• Global oncology project
  • Working collaboratively with the Africa Research Group for Oncology (ARGO), and GCDI mentorship, trainees will identify either a quality improvement, educational or research project
  • Work must be approved by the trainee’s mentor and culminate in a presentation to the GCDI group prior to graduation

Field work (optional)

With approval of the TPD and GCDI leadership, trainees will have the opportunity to work with MSK’s collaborators at Obafemi Awolowo University, the hub site for ARGO in Nigeria. MSK has housing on campus and a long history of fellows working alongside ARGO collaborators. This opportunity will depend on visa requirements and duties associated with each MSK training program. Inclusion of a field work component will be decided on an individual basis for each trainee in collaboration with the trainee’s program director and GCDI leadership. Funding will need to be provided by the trainee’s department.