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Training and Capacity Building
The Office of Latin American Cancer Program Development (OLACPD) promotes the development of a high-caliber work force in Latin America by providing opportunities for training and education. The overall goal is to create a cadre of basic and clinical scientists who will, over time, assume leadership for the advancement of cancer research in their respective countries. The capacity-building program strengthens sustainability for Latin American nations by facilitating the acquisition of appropriate tools, providing access to needed information, enhancing communication among investigators, and improving the research infrastructure in the region.
NCI has established a partnership with the Fogarty International Center (FIC) to implement OLACPD’s strategies for international research training. Specifically, this builds on Fogarty’s existing training programs using Fogarty’s experience to design and further expand career development programs. The training program encompasses different education and experience levels (postdoctoral, fellowship, sabbatical, visiting professorship) and is funded through different mechanisms. Current FIC programs include:
OLACPD training include three program categories which are important in addressing cancer concerns in Latin America: clinical research training, traditional postdoctoral and sabbatical training, and training in advanced methodology, technology, and technique.
These trainings will be provided both in the traditional “north–south” approach (Latin American investigators training at U.S. institutions) and in a “south–south” program type (in-country) promoted in Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, where appropriate facilities, support, and environment are accessible. Balancing these types of programs will endorse and strengthen the research infrastructures in Latin America.
The OLACPD strategy is to adapt advanced technologies and assist the Latin American countries in building in-country research capacity that can support basic, translational, and clinical cancer research through bilateral partnerships. For example, virtual tumor and biospecimen banks will be enhanced or established. The U.S.-Latin America Cancer Research Network will be encouraged to adapt established ‘best practices’ to design and maintain tissue repositories with well-annotated specimens. OLACPD will also help support the establishment of cancer registries needed to maintain valid information on cancer prevalence and mortality rates in Latin America. These actions will be performed in accordance with the cultural and legal circumstances of each respective country.
Depending on resources and opportunities, several approaches will be used to acquire application technologies to establish centers of advanced technology. Every effort will be made to leverage available resources and to develop appropriate business models ensuring future in-country support and self-sustainability.
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