Clinical Translational Oncology Research

You'll select one of three areas of concentration:

• Mechanism-Based Therapeutics and Clinical Research
• Stem Cell Biology and Hematopoietic Malignancy Clinical Research
• Prevention, Aging and Cancer Genetics and Clinical Research 

Throughout our program, you'll complete 15 to 19 credit hours of training and education, including a course on responsibly conducting research, a translational cancer research class and an elective. Plus, you’ll be co-mentored by both a basic or behavioral scientist and a clinical investigator, and get support from a mentoring committee composed of faculty in your area of oncology research.

During your mentored laboratory experience, you'll develop original experiments related to disease mechanisms at a molecular or cellular level. Then, you’ll take what you learn in the lab to create and implement clinical trials to develop methods for diagnosis and test promising ideas for new therapeutic interventions.

You’ll also be prepared to present at national conferences, publish your work in peer-reviewed journals and apply for independent funding as a physician-scientist.

In addition to meeting eligibility requirements—a physician holding a MD, DO or MD/PhD degree—you must submit the following in your online application:

• A recent curriculum vitae, including previous research experience (didactic and practical);
• A personal statement describing the reason for seeking research training in clinical investigation, specific research interests, and career plans (three pages maximum);
• A hypothesis-driven research plan with specific aims (three to five pages);
• At least three letters of recommendation, including one either from the residency training director or doctoral committee chairperson/advisor; and
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (passport) or permanent residency (green card).