# Postdoctoral Training Grant for MDs in Surgical Oncology Research

> **NIH NIH T32** · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · 2024 · $272,436

## Abstract

Project Summary / Abstract
The number of physicians trained to perform surgical oncology research is inadequate when
considering that most patients with solid tumors undergo surgery as part of their clinical
management. Improving the care of these patients is in the interests of the NCI. It is critical that
more surgeons are involved in patient-oriented research and that other physicians be trained in
oncology research related to the surgical management of cancer patients. The three objectives
of this application are 1) To increase the number of well-trained surgeons and affiliated physicians
who perform patient-oriented cancer research, 2) To enhance the depth of research training of
surgeons by offering advanced degrees during their research training, and 3) To increase the
number of minority and female surgeons in the academic practice of surgical oncology. Trainees
will be enrolled in one of two research tracks: Translational Laboratory Science (TLS), Clinical
Science in Oncology (CSO). These tracks will be structured and will include associated
curriculum, and appropriate mentors. However, there will be flexibility to include training in other
research areas and in other research-related skills, which will augment the trainees’ educational
experiences. Surgical residents with a minimum of two years of clinical training will be admitted
to the program, and other non-surgical, yet oncologically related MD/DO trainees may be admitted
but will fill no more than 25% of the trainee positions. There will be a total of four trainees at any
given time. Trainees will enter a dedicated, 2-3 year training period that will include a core
research project related to solid tumor oncology, plus coursework selected to match their research
track, with the option for a Master’s degree in Clinical Research or PhD. Strong emphasis will be
placed on learning skills required for life-long careers in research combined with academic clinical
practice. These will include research ethics, grant writing, research design, data analysis,
budgeting, manuscript writing, and stress management. By this approach, a cohort of young, well-
trained surgeons and associated physicians will be developed who will have the tools to perform
high quality, ethical, translational and clinical research specifically centered on human tumor
oncology.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10914975
- **Project number:** 5T32CA163177-14
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Shayna Lefrak Showalter
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $272,436
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2011-09-20 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10914975

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10914975, Postdoctoral Training Grant for MDs in Surgical Oncology Research (5T32CA163177-14). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10914975. Licensed CC0.

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