All fellows are required to spend their first year gaining practical experience with clinical and translational research methodology. The objective of this experience is to lay the groundwork necessary for future academic productivity and success. Each fellow assumes responsibility for a focused investigation executed under the direct supervision of an experienced mentor. Typically, incoming fellows elect to work with program faculty with laboratory-based research programs. Opportunities are available across a spectrum of molecular cancer genetics, proteogenomics, population sciences, immunobiology, clinical trial design, and molecular epidemiology. Additional options can also be considered depending on trainees’ specific interests and/or experience. 

Incoming fellows should plan to meet with program leadership as early as possible to discuss available options, so that a plan for their training can be finalized shortly after arriving on campus. It is anticipated that each fellow will have completed at least a rough draft of a manuscript suitable for subsequent use as their thesis by the conclusion of the first year. To support this goal, clinical and call responsibilities are kept to a minimum. Academic progress will be monitored via quarterly meetings with the broader program faculty. 

The Division of Gynecological Oncology maintains 1200 square feet of recently remodeled laboratory space fully equipped for modern molecular biology and translational research. This laboratory supports multiple experienced and funded investigators and creates opportunities for fellows to engage in a diverse range of projects largely focused on uterine and ovarian cancer, participate in national scientific consortia and pursue collaborative lab-based projects. Multiple other opportunities exist in externally funded laboratories at USF focused on the role of the microbiome, lipid signaling, immune responses to cancer, cancer prevention, public health and  implementation science. Success of trainee projects will be facilitated by access to unique institutional data lakes and biorepositories which routinely supply high quality tissue specimens linked to the full spectrum of clinical and demographic data contained in the shared electronic medical record for our institutions. Experienced biostatistical and bioinformatics USF faculty with interests in population health clinical trial design are available to support fellow projects. Access to experts is supported by established relationships within the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Throughout the year, the research fellow also participates in weekly didactic sessions that include a dedicated genetics tumor board, chemotherapy conference, formal didactic lectures and board review sessions.