ASH™ Clinical Research Training Institute: A Remarkable Example for Young Investigators in Any Area of Medicine
Levette Dunbar, MD, and Richard Lottenberg, MD
Dr. Dunbar is a Fellow, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, at the University of Florida.
Dr. Lottenberg is Professor of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, at the University of Florida.
The Mentee’s Perspective (Dr. Levette Dunbar)
As I reflect on my experience now, I find myself wondering how I was fortunate enough to strengthen my relationship with my current mentor and to create new relationships that I believe will be career-long. The Clinical Research Training Institute was a fulfilling experience that truly “lit a fire in my belly.” The week consisted of small group sessions for research project refinement under the direction/supervision of hematology/oncology faculty, statisticians, epidemiologists, and clinical researchers. It was a nervous first day of initially presenting research projects, but that all quickly melted away as all the program participants interacted; each trainee worked one-on-one with faculty and other trainees to refine our research projects during the week in small group sessions. I was constantly filled with the feeling that everyone involved wanted nothing but success for the trainees and their projects. At the end of the week, the trainees presented refined projects that were noticeably improved with the help of everyone involved in Clinical Research Training Institute, including other trainees.
In research, it is often easy to become so engrossed in what you are doing that you cannot see the flaws or think beyond your current plans. However, during my week at the Clinical Research Training Institute my tunnel-vision eyes were opened to aspects of clinical research that enhanced the project and made me and my project better than I would have thought possible. Not only did new and relevant ideas emerge through the conference, but so did new collaborations and mentor/mentee relationships. I already had a great relationship with my mentor — he has my same passion, a strong background in my area of interest and clinical research, and genuine willingness to help me in any way possible — but new personal examples displayed at the Clinical Research Training Institute (even by my mentor) illustrated to all the trainees how to make their research even better and stronger. There were excellent faculty lectures in areas relevant to career development and clinical research in hematology/oncology. Another extremely inspirational aspect experienced throughout the week was the faculty presentations on career perspectives. The faculty shared their personal experiences in clinical medicine, research, career development, and the balance between personal and professional life. It was amazing to hear experts in our field speak about their experiences having been where I am now. Everyone involved with the Clinical Research Training Institute wanted to be there and it showed. I could not ask for a better experience. I am so inspired by all involved in the Clinical Research Training Institute project. It is a remarkable example for young investigators in any area of medicine. I can only imagine that the ASH Clinical Research Training Institute, as well as my many mentor/mentee relationships, will simply improve with time.
The Mentor’s Perspective (Dr. Richard Lottenberg)
Throughout my academic endeavors I have had excellent mentors. This was particularly true for fellowship training, and my experiences have had a profound influence on how I provide guidance to fellows and graduate students. Participation in the ASH Clinical Research Training Institute has taken the mentoring experience to a new level, and the summer workshop has become a highlight of my professional activities. The curriculum and interactive format provide an exceptional framework for enhancing research project and career development. However, it is the synergism of a faculty dedicated to clinical research training and the talented and highly motivated trainees working together that make the mentoring process so effective for all participants. The small group sessions and one-on-one interaction with trainees are particularly rewarding because of the ability to provide individual attention and to readily obtain feedback. As the week moves along, I find my contributions are amplified by the input provided to each of us by the biostatisticians, faculty, and other trainees. It is gratifying to see the refinement of each project plan progress at such a rapid pace. The workshop is only the beginning of my involvement as a mentor. I look forward to staying in contact with members of the small group to discuss research progress, as well as getting together with all the trainees at the Clinical Research Training Institute session at the ASH annual meeting. Participation in the ongoing career development process makes it so worthwhile for me. I have certainly received more than I have given in my association with the Clinical Research Training Institute and it has been a wonderful experience.
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The Match is Back
Mark Juckett, MD
Dr. Juckett is Associate Professor at the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Wisconsin.
Not since 1987 has there been a Match for the selection of fellows in adult hematology and/or oncology. In early 2004 the Committee on Training Programs for ASH and the ASCO Training Programs Committee proposed a return to the Match, beginning with the 2006 recruiting year. The proposal was endorsed by the respective executive committees of ASH and ASCO, setting the stage for a renewal of the Match for adult hematology, oncology, and combined training programs. The driving interest in establishing the Match was to broaden the pool of applicants to each participating program and to ensure that positions are presented to applicants in the most fair and equitable fashion.
The process began in the fall of 2005 with a concerted effort by a joint ASH/ASCO task force, led by Dr. Linda Burns (ASH) and Dr. William Gradishar (ASCO), to obtain commitments from at least 75 percent of hematology and oncology programs. The efforts of the task force were successful with commitments from 94 percent of all training programs by November 1, 2005, the deadline for enrollment in the Match.
Applicants and programs submitted their final rank order list by June 7, 2006. Match day was June 21. As a result of the Match, 93 percent of all adult hematology programs and 98 percent of adult oncology and combined programs filled on Match Day.
The immediate effect of the Match was to increase the number of applicants to each program. There were 205 applicants for the eight participating hematology programs, 490 applicants for the 15 oncology programs, and 872 applicants for the 114 combined programs. Information about the applicant pool is also notable. The demographics of the applicant pool showed that a minority of applicants graduated from medical schools in the United States (approximately 41 percent overall), and male applicants were more common than female applicants by a 2:1 margin.
ASH and ASCO conducted a post-Match survey and found that the overall satisfaction rate was high. Of the responders, 100 percent plan to participate in the 2007 Fellowship Match. The success of the Match was a result of the programs being kept well informed about the process, and the majority of those surveyed felt that the applicants were well informed as well. The staff from ASH, ASCO, and the National Resident Matching Program can be commended on their diligence and hard work in assuring a smooth transition back to the Match.
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