ASPO Abstracts
Reducing Cancer Health Disparities by Engaging Underrepresented Researchers (UR) in Cancer Research: Strategies Utilized for Recruitment and Retention in the Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP) Region 4
Category: Cancer Health Disparities
Conference Year: 2019
Abstract Body:
Purpose: The Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP), initiated 2009, is a national program funded by the National Cancer Institute's Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD). GMaP Region 4 is a thirteen state region utilizing a multipronged engagement approach to increase recruitment and retention of diverse investigators, and to strengthen professional development of a diverse cancer workforce. Methods: Data was collected via two surveys addressing the effectiveness of this network approach. A survey to diversity training awardees on barriers to application and strategies for support yielded 42 responses. A survey to travel awardees yielded 22 out of 37 responses, a 59% response rate, to gain understanding of how GMaP can support early stage investigators (ESI) in their cancer research development, with a focus on how support for travel to national meetings connects to research success. Summary of Results: Travel scholars ranked via Likert scale the following services as “Most Beneficial.” Travel Scholarships — (21, 95.5%); Pilot Funds (for feasibility data collection to support ongoing research) — (17, 77.3%); E-blast with job/funding/training resources — (12, 54.5%); Grant Review - (11, 50.0%); and Introductions to CRCHD Program Officers in Training Navigation - (10, 47.6%). Since their award, the following grant applications have been submitted: K01 - (1, 6.7%), R03 (3, 20.0%), R34 (1, 6.7%), F31 (4, 26.7%), R21 (5, 33.3%), R01 (1, 6.7%), other award: (8, 53.3%). Respondents gave open-ended responses on barriers to applying for diversity awards (28 responses) including Identification of appropriate mentors, Low awareness at their home institution, and Culture of Institution - lack of support persons of diverse backgrounds. These data further inform and enhance specific GMaP Region 4 offerings.Recommendations: Strategies utilized by GMaP Region 4 have resulted in over 800+ cancer focused students and researchers. A combined approach of career development support via Expert Grant Review, Pilot Funding, Travel Scholarships, mentor and networking opportunities, and tailored communications has been key in the development of this network, and helped more than 100 potential diverse trainees move toward grant application
Keywords: workforce diversity career development disparities