Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2014 Mar 6. [Epub ahead of print]

Future Directions for Postdoctoral Training in Cancer Prevention: Insights from a Panel of Experts.

Nelson DE1, Faupel-Badger J, Phillips S, Belcher B, Chang S, Abrams DB, Kramer BS, White MC, O'Malley M, Varanasi AP, Fabian CJ, Wiest JS, Colditz GA,Hall K, Shields PG, Weitzel JN.

Author information

• 1Authors' Affiliations: National Cancer Institute, Bethesda; Advancing Synergy, LLC, Baltimore, Maryland; University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; Schroeder Institute for Tobacco Research and Policy Studies, Legacy, Washington, District of Columbia; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas; Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio; and City of Hope, Duarte, California.

Abstract

Cancer prevention postdoctoral fellowships have existed since the 1970s. The National Cancer Institute facilitated a meeting by a panel of experts in April 2013 to consider four important topics for future directions for cancer prevention postdoctoral training programs: (i) future research needs; (ii) underrepresented disciplines; (iii) curriculum; and (iv) career preparation. Panelists proffered several areas needing more research or emphasis, ranging from computational science to culture. Health care providers, along with persons from nontraditional disciplines in scientific training programs such as engineers and lawyers, were among those recognized as being underrepresented in training programs. Curriculum suggestions were that fellows receive training in topics such as leadership and human relations, in addition to learning the principles of epidemiology, cancer biologic mechanisms, and behavioral science. For career preparation, there was a clear recognition of the diversity of employment options available besides academic positions, and that program leaders should do more to help fellows identify and prepare for different career paths. The major topics and strategies covered at this meeting can help form the basis for cancer prevention training program leaders to consider modifications or new directions, and keep them updated with the changing scientific and employment climate for doctoral degree recipients and postdoctoral fellows.