Impact of Osteopathic Scholars in Cancer Program Promoting Interest in Cancer Research and Health Disparities Among the DO/PhD Students at the University of North Texas Health Science Center
Introduction
There is an urgent need to increase the number of clinical scientists with an understanding of cancer and health disparities. Limited interest in DO/PhD dual degree program and lack of strategies to attract the students in a focus area of research making it difficult to increase the number of clinical scientists in cancer and health disparities. Here, we are elucidating the impact of Osteopathic Scholars in Cancer Research (OSCR) program supported by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). The primary objective of OSCR is to raise awareness and attract DO/PhD students to engage in cutting-edge research in the fields of cancer and health disparities. By offering specialized support and opportunities, this program aims to promote highly talented and motivated individuals with the expertise in the areas of cancer and health disparities.
Methods
DO/PhD dual degree enrollment data from 2011 was used to compare the number of students pursuing research in the area of cancer and health disparities. The information on the students enrollment in each year and their primary area of research was compared between the enrolled students prior to the inception of the Osteopathic Scholars in Cancer Research (OSCR) program and the enrolled students four years after the program received CPRIT’s funding. Statistical analysis was performed by Students t-test. Additionally, to assess the benefits of the OSCR program, surveys were obtained from both the OSCR scholars and their mentors. These surveys aimed to gather valuable feedback and insights regarding the effectiveness of the program. The productivity of the OSCR scholars was assessed by the number of presentations and publications.
Results
The average number of students conducting research in the areas of cancer (p=0.00018) or health disparities (p=0.011) was consistently and significantly increased and the number of students in other research areas was significantly decreased (p=0067) since the OSCR program introduced. Interestingly, the enrollment during these periods was similar and not significantly different (p=0.164). Both the students and their mentors strongly agreed that the CPRIT’s support (OSCR program) was very helpful for them to conduct research in the areas of cancer and health disparities. Especially, most of the participants mentioned that they were not aware of the availability of such funding programs. We also noticed that OSCR scholars demonstrated productivity through their publications and presentations.
Conclusion
OSCR program significantly increased the number of DO/PhD students pursuing career in the areas of cancer and health disparities. Since all DO/PhD students were supported by the institution to cover tuition and stipend during their research years at our institution, providing financial support is not the sole reason for the students to choose their research topics and mentors to conduct the research in cancer and health disparities. Alongside financial support, offering a robust curriculum and promoting the awareness may help the students in Osteopathic Medicine to attract to conduct research in a focus area.