Examining Inclusivity Thoroughly: Interview with Ruth O'Regan

The Wilmot Cancer Institute, located in Rochester, is making strides in its commitment to diversity and education in the field of cancer research. Inspired by the ambition and engagement of the students they work with, the team is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the broader community.

Recently, the team at the Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) program, led by Associate Director Dr. Ruth O'Regan, successfully obtained the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) summer internship grant. This funding will continue to support the Institute's educational initiatives, even after ASCO ceases sponsorship.

In an effort to address the prevailing issue of a lack of diversity among faculty in the cancer field, not just in the Rochester region but nationwide, the Institute is putting resources into recruiting a diverse population for their academic cancer research programs. Dr. O'Regan is developing a new curriculum with a cancer biology focus to bring new students into an academic cancer research career. The new curriculum will aim to support students who have hurdles to climb in their careers, and will focus on recruiting a diverse population.

To further strengthen their diversity efforts, the Institute is reaching out to community oncologists, including educational sessions and speakers from other area institutions such as Roswell Park. The team is also working with the state medical society to build relationships with other oncologists and spread the word about what they're doing at Wilmot Cancer Institute.

The Institute's dedication to diversity extends beyond its faculty. Wilmot Cancer Institute has a postdoctoral fellowship program, and a Deaf internship program for high school students. This unique program includes time with cancer physicians and a week in a lab for a science perspective, providing an inspiring opportunity for students to extract DNA and gain a better understanding of the cancer field.

In addition to these initiatives, the Institute is planning educational sessions with speakers from other area institutions. These sessions will provide valuable learning opportunities for students and help to further the Institute's mission of excellence in cancer research and education.

The team at Wilmot Cancer Institute looks forward to steering their education initiatives into the future, with a focus on supporting students from diverse backgrounds in their careers and promoting diversity among faculty in the cancer field. By demonstrating a strong effort in terms of diversity among trainees, the Institute hopes to be taken seriously when applying for grants such as T32 grants, which are crucial for providing protected research time and salary funding for early-stage faculty and PhDs.