Improving Representation of Underrepresented Minority (URM) Students in Oncology Biomedical Research Workforce: Outcome Evaluation from the ReTOOL Program

How Does Orthopaedic Surgeon Gender Representation Vary by Career Stage, Regional Distribution, and Practice Size? A Large-Database Medicare Study

“…Recent studies examining successful gender parity initiatives in surgical fields have identified longitudinal mentoring programs and holistic reviews of residency applications as providing major benefit in attracting and retaining women surgeons [13,19]. Comprehensive learner support through funded programs such as the ReTOOL program have proven useful in increasing the representation of women in oncology over a 5-year period [28,29]. This specific program included socially sensitive recruitment, mentorship, didactic curriculum, networking, and hands-on experience in cancer research to act as career pipeline strategies at majority minority institutions [29].…”

The Race toward Equity: Increasing Racial Diversity in Cancer Research and Cancer Care

“…This program was designed to increase the capacity for scientific research in underserved areas and to increase URM representation in biomedical research. Between 2012 and 2019, 40 URM scientists were identified and followed, and ReTOOL drove both the initial interest and ultimate retention of these URMs in science (6). With these types of initiatives showing success and setting the stage, cancer centers nationwide have strong examples to follow.…”

Educating the Next Generation of Cancer Researchers: Evaluation of A Cancer Research Partnership Training Program

“…Enhancing early mentorship of emerging scientists from URM communities has been shown to increase exposure, awareness, and preparedness for graduate studies in the biomedical field and may reduce the attrition observed at later stages of the academic pipeline [8][9][10][11][12]. Data from recent studies suggest that undergraduate cancer research experiences are effective in increasing interest in cancer research and enrollment in a graduate or professional school [13,14]. For example, one study evaluating an undergraduate program designed to increase the representation of URM students in oncological research found that 69% of the participants reported graduate or professional school enrollment, with 45% having completed an oncological program.…”