Learning Through Doing: Comprehensive Programming for a Training Program in Cancer Disparities

In the United States, preparing researchers and practitioners for careers in cancer requires multiple components for success. In this reflection article, we discuss our approach to designing a comprehensive research training program in cancer disparities. We focused on elements that provide students and early career scientists a deep understanding of disparities through first-hand experiences and skills training necessary to build a research career in the area. Our Educational Program sits within the framework of an NCI P20 program, “UHAND (University of Houston/MD Anderson Cancer Center)”, jointly established by an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center and a minority-serving university as a collaborative partnership devoted to the elimination of cancer inequities among disproportionately affected racial and ethnic groups (UHAND Program to Reduce Cancer Disparities; NCI P20CA221696/ P20CA221697). The Education Program was designed to build on and enhance skills that are critical to pursuing a career in cancer disparities research at the undergraduate, doctoral, and post-doctoral levels—such as scientific communication, career planning and development, professional and community-based collaboration, and resilience in addition to solid scientific training. As such, our program integrates (1) opportunities for learning through service to community organizations providing resources to populations with documented cancer disparities, (2) a tailored curriculum of learning activities with program leadership and mentored research with scientists focused on cancer disparities and cancer prevention, (3) professional development training critical to career success in disparities research, and (4) support to address unique challenges faced by trainees from backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in research.