Reflections and Roadmaps: Career Development beyond the FDA-AACR Oncology Educational Fellowship

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Regulatory Science
• Medical Education

Background:

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Oncology Center of Excellence partnered with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) in 2020.
• A novel educational fellowship was established to address the need for understanding the oncology drug regulatory review process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the FDA-AACR Oncology Educational Fellowship.
• To highlight the fellowship's role in demystifying regulatory science for oncology professionals.
• To showcase the program's influence on diverse career trajectories within oncology.

Main Methods:

• The fellowship is a year-long program combining didactic learning with practical case studies on oncology drug approvals.
• The program targets hematology/oncology fellows, scientists, and early-career investigators.
• Alumni experiences were gathered to assess the program's outcomes.

Main Results:

• The fellowship received highly positive feedback from participants.
• Alumni reported a significant enhancement in their professional development and career paths.
• The program successfully demystified the complex regulatory landscape for oncology drug development.

Conclusions:

• The FDA-AACR Oncology Educational Fellowship is a valuable program for oncology professionals seeking regulatory expertise.
• The fellowship demonstrably benefits participants' careers in government, academia, and industry.
• Continued support and participation in such educational initiatives are crucial for advancing oncology drug development and regulatory science.