Diversity and Equity in Oncology - Application Deadlines Approaching!
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation are working to increase diversity in the cancer care field and ensure equitable cancer care for all patients. The oncology workforce struggles with adequate representation of racial and ethnic minorities, with only 2.3% practicing oncologists self-identified as Black or African American and 5.8% practicing oncologists self-identified as Hispanic1.
ASCO President, Lori J. Pierce, MD, FASTRO, FASCO, has brought health equity to the forefront of her Presidential term with her Presidential Theme, “Equity: Every Patient. Every Day. Everywhere.” In keeping with this theme, Conquer Cancer has introduced several new Grants & Awards that focus on diversity and equity, in addition to the diversity focused awards that have been in the portfolio for the past 11 years. The following Grants & Awards aim to provide support and funding to populations underrepresented in medicine at various stages of their careers, as well as address issues of health equity and disparate outcomes in cancer care.
For Trainees and Students
Young Investigator Award for Diversity, Inclusion and Breast Cancer Disparities
Provides funding to 1) promising investigators who are members of racial and/or ethnic groups historically underrepresented in academic medicine with a focus on breast cancer, or 2) promising investigators of any race and/or ethnic background to encourage and promote quality research in clinical oncology with a focus on breast cancer disparities. The purpose of this award is to fund physicians during the transition from a fellowship program to a faculty appointment as they seek to build a career in clinical cancer research. Application Deadline: October 29, 2020
Medical Student Rotation (MSR) for Underrepresented Populations
Provides financial support for U.S. medical students from underrepresented populations in medicine to complete a clinical or clinical research oncology rotation. Application Deadline: November 12, 2020
Resident Travel Award (RTA) for Underrepresented Populations
Provides financial support for residents from underrepresented populations in medicine to attend the 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting, where they will have the opportunity to meet oncologists and to learn more about the career possibilities in oncology. Application Deadline: November 12, 2020
For Early- and Mid-Career Investigators
Advanced Clinical Research Award (ACRA) for Diversity and Inclusion - Apply by October 15!
Provides funding to mid-career investigator who is a member of racial and/or ethnic group historically underrepresented in academic medicine and wishes to conduct original breast cancer research not currently funded. Letters of Intent Deadline: October 15, 2020
Career Development Award for Diversity, Inclusion and Breast Cancer Disparities
Provides funding to clinical investigators who have received their initial faculty appointment and 1) identify as members of racial and/or ethnic groups historically underrepresented in academic medicine with a focus on breast cancer, or 2) promising investigators of any racial and/or ethnic background pursuing a career in breast cancer disparities to establish an independent clinical cancer research program. Application Deadline: October 29, 2020
Conquer Cancer encourages those who are underrepresented in medicine to apply for any of our various grants and awards and to share these opportunities with colleagues, trainees, and students.