The Tisch Cancer Institute

National Cancer Institute (NCI) R25 STANDOUT

The Summer Training Accelerating and Nurturing the Development of Outstanding Undergraduate Trainees (STANDOUT) Program is an immersive, hands-on, 10-week paid summer research internship, which focuses on providing trainees with research and career development training in the area of Behavioral Cancer Prevention and Control (BCPC). BCPC is an exciting discipline that provides many opportunities for advanced education, as well as a number of impactful academic and professional careers. The program is supported by a grant from the National Cancer Institute (1R25CA260125).

The Tisch Cancer Institute Summer Program Advancing Research Knowledge to Enhance Diversity (SPARKED)

SPARKED hosts eight high school students per summer to participate in a six-week immersive closely mentored cancer research experience, supplemented by an interactive curriculum. The program matches each student to a faculty principal investigator conducting cancer-related research, provides a weekly scientific enrichment curriculum as well as discussion-based wellbeing workshops led by faculty from the Center for Scientific Diversity LAB, and gives students the opportunity to present their work to peers and leadership.

For more information, email SPARKED@mssm.edu.

Knocking Out Cancer

This annual event hosts high school students from Grades 9 to 12 for a hands-on experience of cancer research. Students participate in a range of activity stations, from extracting DNA to looking at geographic information systems, that give them a sense of different types of cancer research, and inspires them to learn more about science and cancer. Students also have the opportunity to meet faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and health care professionals from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

For more information, email Layla.Fattah@mssm.edu.

Brain Awareness Fair

The Friedman Brain Institute hosts an Annual Brain Awareness Fair for elementary, middle, and high school students and East Harlem community members. Exhibits and activities included pipe cleaner neuron models, a 3D surgery simulator, a Meet the Experts booth featuring some of Mount Sinai's most prominent neuroscientists, and the world’s only portable, inflatable, walk-through brain exhibit. At the Brain Awareness Fair, attendees can meet faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai as they explore an atrium full of 30 unique brain-themed booths.

Center for Excellence in Youth Education (CEYE) Programs

The CEYE hosts over 200 students each year from grade seven through college to prepare for careers in science and health care. CEYE operates a range of school year and summer programs geared to youth belonging to groups that are underrepresented in medicine. Programs include the Biomedical Science Enrichment Program, a two-year program for juniors and seniors attending the High School for Math, Science, and Engineering, offering lab skill preparation in the field of biotechnology in the first year and clinical and laboratory internship in the second. In addition, a range of summer programs is open to any eligible NYC public or charter high school student. 

PhD in Biomedical Sciences: Cancer Biology Multidisciplinary Training Area

The PhD in Biomedical Sciences program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) is designed to equip students with the essential training and resources required for thriving as an autonomous researcher, while also preparing them for diverse career paths. A highly individualized approach enables students to tailor their educational journey by selecting a preferred multidisciplinary training area, corresponding curriculum, and thesis research preceptor. The Cancer Biology training area allows for a personalized approach to cancer biology, as students engage in team efforts to make scientific advances. Our students conduct research that is both comprehensive in scope and which addresses the practical clinical issues faced by physicians in preventing and treating cancer.

R25 The Tisch Cancer Institute Mentored Medical Student Summer Scholars (TCI-MMSSS)

The Tisch Cancer Institute Mentored Medical Student Summer Scholars (TCI-MMSSS) program is open to rising second year medical students at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The program provides summer support for original cancer research in clinical, translational, basic, epidemiological or health services disciplines, as well as providing education in cancer and research fundamentals. The program also facilitates networking opportunities with other students and trainees engaged in cancer research. Successful applicants will have identified a mentor who is a member of The Tisch Cancer Institute, with whom they are expected to form a close working relationship that we hope will extend beyond the summer research project, ideally culminating in a year-long scholarly research year between the student’s third and fourth years of medical school.

Contact Layla.Fattah@mssm.edu for details.

Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials: Clinical Investigator Pathway Program (Winn CIPP)

The Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials: Clinical Investigator Pathway Program (Winn CIPP), supported by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, is an immersive summer service-learning externship meant to build a future workforce of community-oriented clinical trial researchers who reflect the diversity of the U.S. population. Winn CIPP offers a distinctive approach to increasing diversity in clinical trials by offering medical students an intensive service-learning experience in underserved communities where underrepresented patients receive care. It is through this work that they hope to transform the clinical research landscape and ultimately improve public health through the development of new drugs, vaccines, and therapeutic products that are effective in all populations.

T32 Training Program in Cancer Biology

The T32 Training Program in Cancer Biology provides multidisciplinary training aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms responsible for initiation and progression of human cancer. Supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the pre-doctoral, T32 Cancer Biology Training Program is centered on mentored research and education in aspects of cancer biology. The program supports professional development through a Translational Oncology Seminar Series and an annual off-site cancer biology retreat. Additionally, PhD students in the Cancer Biology Training Program participate in the Clinical Encounter Training Program, which provides clinical exposure ensuring PhD students gain insight and motivation in their field of research from interactions with patients. Students also learn to communicate their research in lay-friendly language, and earn a better understanding of clinical disease context, diagnostics, manifestations, and treatment plans for the illnesses they study.

T32 Translational Immunology

This revised pre- and post-doctoral training program in Translational Immunology is open to application from pre-doctoral PhD and MD/PhD as well as post-doctoral MD, PhD, and MD/PhD candidates. The program provides a comprehensive training environment to teach students cutting-edge immunology relevant to human disease to move the field of translational immunology forward. The program is directly relevant to public health in that its goal is to train the next generation of leaders in immunology and thus be able to improve outcomes of patients with cancer, autoimmune disease, allergies, immunodeficiencies, transplanted organs, among others.

Contact Jyll.Yu@mssm.edu for details.

Postdoctoral Education and Training Programs

NYC-National Cancer Institute (NCI) Postdoctoral Scientific Symposium

The annual NYC-NCI Postdoctoral Symposium is a collaborative event bringing together the New York City-based Cancer Centers: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, The full day event provides postdocs from across these institutions with an opportunity to showcase their cancer research work to the entire community, featuring presentations, lightening talks, poster presentations, and a keynote address from a nationally recognized cancer researcher.

Contact Layla.Fattah@mssm.edu for further information. 

T32 Cancer Prevention and Control

We offer a two-year post-doctoral Research Fellowship in Cancer Prevention and Control with a focus on priority populations who are disproportionately vulnerable to develop and/or suffer from cancer. Ideal candidates are physicians who have completed an accredited clinical residency or graduates of PhD or equivalent programs in relevant fields (e.g., clinical psychology, epidemiology, health psychology, anthropology). All fellows will conduct mentored research and will be eligible to earn a Master of Science in Clinical Research through completion of a tailored curriculum integrating biological, medical, psychological, epidemiologic, behavioral, and community perspectives in cancer prevention and control. Stipend and tuition are provided along with an allowance for travel and research expenses. We seek applicants with a commitment to our program's aims who have aspirations for an academic research career.

T32 Pediatric Environmental Health Research Fellowship

The goal of this research-training program is to provide post-residency/post-doctoral research fellowship training in environmental pediatrics to a select cadre of clinically trained pediatricians and doctoral research scientists. In order to expand the scientific workforce in environmental medicine, it prepares physicians and researchers to become clinician-scientists and future academic leaders in the emerging field of environmental pediatrics. Through this fellowship, we are developing the breadth and depth of scientists’ knowledge and skills affording them the expertise necessary to confront the complexity of modern environmental health issues and diseases facing children today. We are also preparing our fellows to predict, navigate, and solve future health crises and diseases in our increasingly complex world.

T32 Training in Investigative Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Under the guidance of Saurabh Mehandru, MD, and Scott Friedman, MD, we offer a T32 research-training program titled “Training in Investigative Gastroenterology and Hepatology.” This NIH-funded program supports fellows with a strong interest in an academic research career. The program provides two years of funding along with dedicated mentorship and a core research curriculum, and supports a broad range of research endeavors including clinical, translational, and basic science research. Fellows can apply into the program during their second year of fellowship.

T32 Systems Skin Biology

The T32 Research Training Program in Systems Skin Biology is designed to educate physicians and clinically trained PhDs in constructing original research surrounding skin biology and diseases. Situated within the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, this T32 grant will help launch an intersectional science training program for both predocs and postdocs in Systems Skin Biology, effectively initiating 2+2 and 2+1 residency track programs. This program aims to advance patient care by providing expert training to future thought leaders in dermatology. Future studies through the T32 Research Training Program in Systems Skin Biology will reveal further insights about wound repair, cancer, hair loss, vitiligo, and acne. 

Fellowships and Residencies

The Tisch Cancer Institute is home to nine competitive clinical training programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the Society of Surgical Oncology. These programs include:

• Breast Surgery Fellowship
• Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship
• Head and Neck Oncology/Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship
• Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship
• Hematopathology Fellowship
• Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship
• Integrated Geriatric and Palliative Care Fellowship
• Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship
• Radiation Oncology Residency
• Surgical Oncology Fellowship

Our additional non-ACGME specialized fellowships include: 

• Bone Marrow Transplantation
• Breast Imaging
• Breast Pathology
• Liver Cancer
• Neuro-Oncology

K12 Paul Calabresi Award in Clinical Oncology (PCACOR)

The overarching goal of the proposed Paul Calabresi Award in Clinical Oncology (PCACO) K12 is to nurture and inspire the clinical and translational patient-oriented research career development of future clinically impactful transdisciplinary investigators pursuing therapeutic and biomarker innovation. Ultimately, the intent of the PCACO K12 is to launch and advance the careers of the next generation of independently funded clinical and translational researchers, armed with the methodological skills, analytical acumen, and scientific knowledge required to successfully address meaningful unmet needs in the treatment and/or prevention of cancer, which in turn will significantly impact the health and well-being of the community we serve and society at large.

Contact Layla.Fattah@mssm.edu for further information. 

Mastering the Art of Clinical Trials

This program is designed for current or future clinical trial principal investigators (PIs). Through interactive modules, case studies, and real-world examples, participants will develop the skills and knowledge to excel in their role as PIs while upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and research integrity. From understanding the fundamental principles of good clinical practice to navigating the intricate responsibilities of a PI, participants will gain insights into ensuring patient safety, data integrity, and regulatory compliance. Workshops will explore issues such as operational intricacies, ethical challenges, and best practices in clinical trial conduct. By the end of the program, participants will be equipped to ensure patient safety, maintain data integrity, uphold ethical standards, and effectively lead clinical trials from initiation to closure.

Contact fatima.nabizada-pace@mssm.edu for further information 

Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials: Career Development Award

The Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials: Career Development Award (Winn CDA), supported by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, is a two-year program designed to support the career development of early-stage investigator (as defined by NIH) physicians from diverse backgrounds, and physicians who have a demonstrated commitment to increasing diversity in clinical research, to become independent clinical trial investigators who are engaged in advancing health equity through their research and mentoring. Currently, our clinical research areas include cancer, cardiovascular disease, and immunologic disorders.

The Winn CDA offers a comprehensive and integrated approach to increasing diversity in clinical trials through workforce development and mentoring.

NCI R25 Hypnosis for Cancer Pain

The primary goal of this NCI-funded research education program is to evaluate the effectiveness of a course designed to train cancer care providers to deliver hypnosis to help patients manage cancer pain. Research shows that hypnosis is a clinically efficacious, cost-effective tool, and relaxing tool for pain management. Yet few providers receive training in evidence-based hypnosis as part of their standard professional education. This Hypnosis for Cancer Pain (HCaP) training aims to address that training gap by teaching cancer care providers the skills they need to help patients to control their cancer pain and to improve their overall quality of life. No previous training in hypnosis or pain management necessary. All who are interested in learning are welcome. This course is free of charge.

NCI R25 Sensitive Practice Training program (SPT)

The primary goal of this NCI-funded research education program is to evaluate the effectiveness of a course designed to train providers in how to work sensitively with sexual violence survivors undergoing cancer care. Research shows that for sexual violence survivors, cancer care procedures can be triggering and retraumatizing due to perceived similarities to the original abuse (e.g., both involve features like undressing and touch). This Sensitive Practice Training (SPT) program will provide health care professionals with the skills they need to help sexual violence survivors feel as safe and comfortable as possible during cancer care. No previous training in working with sexual violence or trauma is necessary. All who are interested are welcome. The course is free of charge.