# Surgical Oncology Training Grant

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2022 · $303,695

## Abstract

The Department of Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco is one of the leading surgical
departments in the world and has a rich history of scientific, educational, and clinical advancements. We are
proposing an innovative new training program to encourage surgical residents to pursue clinician-scientist
careers in surgical oncology and position them for leadership roles in the field. The practice of cancer care has
changed considerably over the last 5 years with the introduction of a plethora of targeted agents and new
technologies. Now, more than ever, surgical oncologists are required to have a broad understanding of the
biological bases of cancer and its treatment, as well as training in modern clinical and translational
methodologies. To be leaders in the field and make real improvements in cancer care, however, they must also
be able to confidently navigate both the regulatory processes and the complex healthcare delivery environment
in which we work.
This program will be the first on the West Coast to explicitly support surgical residents in oncology research. It
will also be the only T32 that explicitly incorporates training in regulatory research and innovation, integrating
this with translational/clinical sciences and health services/implementation science. The core of this training
program are mentored research projects, which will focus on one of the three themes, but with the guidance of
faculty mentors, will include aspects of all three themes. Among the unique opportunities presented in this
program is the option for short-term placement at the FDA to address problems in regulatory science. Another
important aspect of the program is a series of courses and workshops designed to develop the leadership skills
necessary to evoke positive change, guide productive research projects and teams and create a diverse and
inclusive work environment. We will initially fund two positions each year for two years, which will be available to
third year surgery residents undertaking their research elective. An external advisory board of leaders in
oncology, trials, implementation science and education will advise the program.
The program is led by Dr. Laura Esserman, who has demonstrated her commitment to training throughout her
career, and who has the full and conscientious support of the department and institution for this program. The
rich research environment of UCSF Department of Surgery, the carefully selected faculty mentors and the
availability of numerous large-scale research programs provides ample opportunity for meaningful mentored
research projects that will provide strong foundations for trainees future careers as clinician-scientists.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10434765
- **Project number:** 5T32CA251070-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** LAURA J ESSERMAN
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $303,695
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-07-15 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10434765

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10434765, Surgical Oncology Training Grant (5T32CA251070-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10434765. Licensed CC0.

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