FY09 DOD Prostate Cancer Health Disparity Training Award

The PCRP Health Disparity Training Award mechanism was introduced in FY01. Since then, 28 applications have been received and 15 have been recommended for funding. The Health Disparity Training Award supports training opportunities focused on prostate cancer disparity for individuals in the early stages of their careers. The award funds research under the guidance of a mentor who is an experienced prostate cancer health disparity researcher. PIs may apply for predoctoral and postdoctoral traineeships through this award mechanism. Appropriate disparity areas include, but are not limited to:• Race and ethnicity• Socioeconomic status• Access to health care• Insurance status• Age• Geography• Cultural beliefsThe mentor must demonstrate a connection to, or effectiveness in working with, the affected population or community. Such connection(s) may include:• Being a member of the affected population or community with a demonstrated commitment to the affected population or community;• Having experience working with the affected population or community; or• Having interactions with and/or active membership in organizations such as the Urban League, National Medical Association, National Alliance for Hispanic Health, American Indian Health Care Association, National Rural Health Association, Patient Advocate Foundation National African American Outreach Program, or Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN).The proposal must explicitly state how the proposed research is related to a health disparity area in prostate cancer.The focus of these awards is on the PI, the mentor, and the training program and environment. These awards primarily provide salary support for the PI and require the active involvement of a mentor who is an established prostate cancer health disparity researcher, as evidenced by a demonstrated record of funding and publications in prostate cancer health disparity research. All Health Disparity Training Award proposals are to be written with appropriate direction from the mentor and signed by the trainee as the PI and author of the proposal. The PCRP seeks applications from all areas of basic, preclinical, behavioral, and epidemiological research, that are responsive to one or more of the FY09 PCRP focus areas.FY09 DOD Prostate Cancer Health Disparity Training Award 4It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator (PI) to clearly and explicitly articulate how the project addresses the following important aspect of the Health Disparity Training Award:1. Principal Investigator and Mentor: The PI must demonstrate strong qualifications for and a commitment to pursuing a career as a prostate cancer researcher or clinician addressing health disparities. Submission to this award requires a mentor, appropriate to the proposal, who has experience in prostate cancer health disparities research as demonstrated by a record of funding and publications. The selected mentor should be well-qualified to significantly contribute to the development of the PI toward a career in prostate cancer research.2. Training Program and Environment: The PI must outline an individualized training program designed to prepare him/her for an independent career in prostate cancer research or patient care. See the Program Announcement for the full Funding Opportunity Description.