The Career Training in Oncology Program at the Lexington-based University of Kentucky's Markey Cancer Center prepares students from the state's traditionally underserved Appalachian community for cancer-focused careers.
Kentucky is first in the nation for overall cancer incidence and mortality, with the Appalachian region hit especially hard by the disease. The CTOP was founded in 2016 with a $200,000 grant from the National Cancer Institute. The two-year program provides students with educational, research and clinical opportunities.
"This program is focused on some of Kentucky's greatest needs," said Nathan Vanderford, PhD, assistant professor in the UK College of Medicine and director of CTOP. "With this program, we're focused on providing enhanced cancer training to our students, so that they can move forward into other higher education programs and ultimately be prepared to go into cancer-focused careers to help address the cancer disparities in the region."
Providing students with the opportunity to give back to their communities is one of the program's most prevalent themes.
"I've always been interested in working with cancer and studying it," said Kristin O'Leary, a student in the program. "The research I'm doing is giving me so many opportunities, and then the program is helping me work with my community."