Research

The program offers a dedicated 6-month block of protected time for resident research. Residents have multiple opportunities to develop ideas for clinical research prior to this time block, including interaction with cancer center faculty, “Science Friday” gatherings where faculty present current projects in an informal environment, and statistical “Boot Camp” sessions run by the West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute (WVCTSI), which help to familiarize trainees with appropriate statistical models.  The WVCTSI also provides guidance in research design and statistical analysis of clinical research projects. For residents with a basic science background, the WVU cancer institute houses 80 faculty scientists involved in cancer biology research. Those interested in working on interdisciplinary projects can submit a proposal to work with any qualified faculty member in the WVU system, including faculty in engineering, basic sciences, and the school of medicine. Residents are encouraged to submit abstracts to national and regional meetings, and there is dedicated funding and time (in addition to leave/vacation) to present these results. Residents are expected to submit at least one manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal during their training.