Funded by a National Cancer Institute research training grant (1T32CA275764-01A1), the Oncology-focused Postdoctoral Training In Care Delivery and Symptom Science (OPTICS) Training Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) will mentor and train physicians and scientists with PhD/ScDs in social or quantitative sciences to conduct research focused on innovative cancer care delivery. 

The cornerstone of the OPTICS program will be a two-year mentored research experience in which trainees will conduct research aligned with one or more of four thematic areas:

• Data Science
• Risk Mitigation
• Symptom Science
• Care Delivery

The OPTICS program, led by Katherine Panageas, Deb Schrag, Jun J. Mao, and Jonine Bernstein, of the Department of Medicine and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, aims to train physicians and researchers in quantitative or social sciences in innovative cancer care delivery research that bridges the gap between the outcomes that could be achieved based on existing knowledge and the outcomes that are actually achieved in cancer care. To gain foundational knowledge in the themes mentioned above, trainees will:

• Acquire expertise in essential research methods.
• Complete an original research study aligned with one or more of these themes, with close mentorship from program faculty.
• Develop the core professional skills necessary to launch an impactful career in cancer-focused population science.

Learn more about the OPTICS Training Program

• Program Design & Training Components
  Learn about the program design and training components of the OPTICS Training Program at MSK.
   
• Program Directors & Mentors
  Meet the program directors and mentors of the OPTICS Training Program.
   
• How to Apply
  Learn about the requirements for application and how to apply to the OPTICS Training Program.
   
• Contact Us
  Contact the OPTICS Training Program.