University of New Mexico Undergraduate Breast Cancer Training Program: Pathway to Research Careers.

摘要

We have established a three-phase training program to motivate talented undergraduate students, especially students from under-represented Southwestern minorities, to pursue careers in breast cancer research. Phase I provides a well-rounded introduction to the theory and practice of breast cancer research. This phase includes inquiry-based tutorials that integrate key concepts in normal and cancer breast biology; visits to specialized laboratories that utilize state-of-the-art technologies for breast cancer research; structured interactions with surgeons, medical oncologists and their patients, radiologists and pathologists in settings that introduce the clinical realities of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment; seminars presented by the Program's research mentors; a weekly, journal club that introduces current issues in breast cancer research while developing presentation and critical reading skills and a research project supervised by one of the program's mentors. During phases II and III, trainees have opportunities to continue their research projects throughout their senior years, and then in graduate school, respectively. The success of the program will be evaluated in the short term by the satisfaction of the trainees and mentors, and in the longer term by the number of trainees that goes on to graduate studies in breast cancer- related programs.