Training

Rural Cancer Control Training Program
Principal Investigator: Mark Dignan, PhD
Funding Agency: National Cancer Institute

The Rural Cancer Control Training Program (also known as the Kentucky Cancer Prevention and Control Training Program) is a multidisciplinary cancer prevention and control training program for predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees. The overall goal of the program is to contribute to the preparation of the next generation of cancer control researchers.

Located in a largely rural state, the UK is ideally positioned to support rural cancer control and prevention training. The UK has traditionally strong ties to the stateÕs 51-county Appalachian region, an area marked by poverty, geographic and cultural isolation, limited access to health care, and elevated rates for many cancers. The RCCTP will, in addition to training the next generation of cancer researchers, contribute to UKÕs efforts to reduce the burden of cancer in this at-risk population.

Trainees work in highly collaborative multidisciplinary teams and receive quality training and instruction through coursework, structured interaction with mentors, and participation in supervised research experiences. Trainees choose one of the following concentration areas: cancer epidemiology, behavioral science, tobacco control, health policy.

Pre-doctoral trainees may participate in the program up to four years and post-doctoral trainees may participate up to two years. Expenses covered for trainees include: tuition and fees; travel for one professional conference or workshop annually; and research-related expenses.

Kentucky Institute of Public Health Enhancement
Principal Investigator, Raymond E. Hill, DrPH
Funding Source: UK Prevention Research Center

The Kentucky Institute of Public Health Enhancement is a collaborative training initiative between the UK College of Public Health, UK Prevention Research Center, and the Kentucky Department for Public Health. This training project is designed to enhance work force skills among employees, targeting individuals in management or leadership positions at the Kentucky Department for Public Health. Project goals include: 1) conducting a needs analysis, assessing the basic level of core competences of individuals in management and leadership positions who influence public health policy at the local level in Kentucky; 2) identifying gaps in current competency levels of these leaders; and 3) designing and delivering a curricula to address identified educational needs.