Academic Requirements

Within City of Hope's Cancer Genetics Career Development Program (CGCDP), course work, seminars, workshops and lectures are designed to:
  • Broaden trainees' understanding of the full spectrum of cancer genetics, oncology and epidemiology.
  • Reinforce fundamentals of applied clinical and research methodology.
  • Establish a solid foundation for cross-disciplinary clinical and research activities.
The primary mentor and the Executive Committee monitor trainees’ academic progress and fulfillment of required course work and special projects. The academic curriculum is comprised of new courses and lecture series tailored specifically for the CGCDP and formal collaboration with established City of Hope and University of Southern California educational programs.
 
Trainees are also required to attend and complete coursework for each of the lecture series and seminars highlighted in the sample Weekly Traineeship Clinical and AcademicCalendar.
 
Each week, the CGCDP provides for:
  • Eight hours of experiential training
  • Ten hours academic coursework
  • Four hours of interdisciplinary clinical conference work weekly, with protected time for research and interdisciplinary rotations
Trainees will have a minimum of 18 hours of direct research experience or training every week. Year two curriculum centers on completion of cancer prevention and control research projects and preparation of research proposals, advanced course work and thesis requirements for obtaining a master's degree.
 

Curriculum Overview

The CGCDP curricular components are developed specifically to address the unique need for integrated multidisciplinary knowledge and skills in cancer genetics. In addition to the inter- and cross-disciplinary didactic content of these materials, the curriculum incorporates practical, hands-on synthesis of newly acquired knowledge and skills, refinement of research design and implementation skills, and ensures genetics professionals are apprised of the most current developments in this rapidly evolving field. The curriculum components include:
  • Clinical Cancer Genetics Course
  • Cancer Genetics Working Group
  • Topics in Clinical Cancer Genetics
  • Methods in Cancer Genetics Epidemiology Research
  • Clinical Investigation Training Program
  • Interdisciplinary City of Hope Educational Activities