Researchers Selected for ASCO Scholars Program – Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Researchers Selected for ASCO Scholars Program.

Three of the 18 new mentors are from Sylvester, and they will contribute to the development of cancer research in Brazil.

The American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) recently announced that 18 mentors were selected to assist in fostering a new generation of cancer researchers in Latin America. Three researchers participating in the Inaugural International Cancer Research Scholars Program, are from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine:

• Gilberto Lopes, M.D., M.B.A.
• Coral Olazagasti, M.D.
• Tracy Crane, Ph.D., RDN.

Nurturing New Talent

The ASCO Latin America Regional Council selected ASCO scholars and matched them with ASCO mentors. The scholars will participate in a yearlong program that pairs clinical research training with mentorship opportunities. Made possible through the support of donors to Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, the program’s aim is to improve care within the scholars’ communities.

‘Being selected for this mentorship program is a profound honor,’ said Dr. Lopes, associate director of global oncology at Sylvester. ‘I believe that nurturing new talent is crucial for advancing our understanding and treatment of cancer.’

Dr. Lopes, who also co-chairs the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition, a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control to improve access to oncology treatments in low-income countries, will work with scholar Giselle de Souza Carvalho, M.D., M.B.A., from the Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Brazil.

Hands-on Experience

‘One of the biggest benefits of the program is for the participants to get hands-on experience and direct mentorship from leading experts in the field.

This kind of mentorship is invaluable, as it not only enhances the participant’s knowledge and skills but also significantly impacts their careers by expanding their professional networks and opening doors to new research opportunities,’ explained ASCO Latin American Regional Council member Rodrigo Munhoz, M.D., a medical oncologist at the Hospital Sírio-Libanês in Brazil.

The program provides a great opportunity for the scholars involved, said Dr. Crane, co-lead of the Cancer Control Program and director of lifestyle medicine, prevention and digital health at Sylvester. She will mentor Daniel Vargas Pivato de Almeida, M.D., of Grupo Oncoclinicas, Brasilia, Brazil.

‘Sylvester is among the top 4% of cancer research centers in the nation. This is a chance for the scholars to learn about our comprehensive program, including lifestyle medicine cancer research,’ stated Dr. Crane.

‘While the scholars are learning from us, we are also learning from them. They bring their own experiences and offer fresh perspectives, so I am excited to collaborate and innovate together.’

Improved Regional Outcomes

Dr. Olazagasti, an assistant professor of clinical medical oncology who will be mentoring Tercia Reis Villasboas, M.D., of Grupo Oncoclinicas, Sao Paulo, Brazil, is embracing her mentor role.

‘I am thrilled to be able to represent Sylvester, the only National Cancer Institute-designated academic research institution in South Florida,’ Dr. Olazagasti stated. ‘Together, we are building a future where innovative discoveries lead to better outcomes for cancer patients as we help find ways to bring better care to Hispanic patients.’

Training will be delivered both in-person and virtually, with a two-day workshop in São Paulo, Brazil, hosted by Hospital Sirio Libanes from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. Quarterly online learning sessions and additional virtual networking and learning opportunities will follow.”

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