Clinical Scholar Eligibility & Expectations

Eligibility & Evaluation Criteria | Program Expectations

Eligibility & Evaluation Criteria

To be eligible, the applicant must be an M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. and an assistant or recently appointed (less than two years) associate professor who treats cancer patients and wishes to focus on clinical cancer research. Previous funding from external sources such as fellowships and NIH K- or R-level awards is expected, but not required.

In addition to the strength of the research and career development plan, Clinical Scholar applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• External research funding record, including fellowships, research grant awards from the NIH, other national agencies, and industry.
• Peer-reviewed publication record.
• A mandatory letter of support from the candidate’s department chair is required to confirm that the candidate will have 20% of their time protected for research.
• All PIs are strongly encouraged to participate in fundraising efforts for the annual LOWVELO bike ride event during each year of the award.

Program Expectations

Clinical Scholars will be expected to meet the following goals for continued support beyond year one:

• Develop a career mentoring plan in collaboration with Hollings leadership within the first month of award.
• Enhance academic oncology at MUSC.
• Develop and implement at least one investigator-initiated clinical trial or non-therapeutic oncology related research study as PI.
• Submit for research funding and salary support from external agencies.
• Submit at least two first author publications in a well-respected journal before the completion of the program.
• Participate in applicable MUSC Hollings Cancer Center retreats, seminars, and program meetings, including the annual LOWVELO Trainee Research Symposium.
• Provide a research status report during the 11th month of each year of funding.