Winship Preceptorship for Breast/Lung Oncologists from Latin America

Winship thoracic and breast medical oncology experts will serve as preceptors to the observers, guiding them in evaluating and caring for patients with cancer in various clinical settings. Through these and other interactions, the visiting observers will be able to adapt lessons learned to improve their local practice back home.

The preceptorship is specifically designed for early- to mid-career oncologists from Latin America. Observers are expected to be in independent oncology practice and within six years of final oncology training with an established position to return to immediately following program participation. Both academic and general community oncology practitioners are eligible for this program.

Observers will:

• Function in an observational role while shadowing physicians as they perform patient evaluations and direct treatment.
• Directly observe all aspects of medical oncology care for patients with lung and breast cancer without having any direct clinical responsibilities.
• Attend specialized tumor boards for lung cancer and breast cancer where complex cases are discussed.
• Attend various presentations at research meetings and educational seminars, including weekly research working group meetings.

The program involves a mixture of didactic lectures and hands-on observership in various clinical settings, including rotations through lung cancer and breast oncology clinics over a two-week period.

This preceptorship program is designed as a formal continuing education program that will lead to behavior and performance changes in the observers and ultimately result in system changes at home that improve the overall health of society. By participating in this program, observers are expected to:

• Become familiar with the latest systemic treatment modalities (targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and experimental cell therapy approaches) currently employed in the standard treatment of patients with advanced cancer, particularly lung and breast cancer.
• Gain exposure to advanced pathological diagnosis of cancer, including techniques such as immunohistochemistry and molecular diagnostics.
• Gain appreciation for a team-based approach to optimal cancer care through attendance at multidisciplinary clinics and tumor boards.
• Become familiar with clinical research as a key tool to advance cancer care by attending research team meetings, Winship grand rounds, invited lectures, and working group meetings.

The preceptorship is a deep immersion program over a two week period. Observers will arrive the day prior to the start of the program. Here's a sample schedule:

• Friday: Arrivals
• 1^st Saturday: Program introduction and orientation.
• 1^st Sunday: Free time
• Week 1: Monday-Friday: Clinical exposures (breast/lung) and didactics. Participants in Session 1 will attend the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology meeting on Friday, August 25.
• 2^nd Saturday: Participants in Session 1 will attend the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology meeting on Saturday, August 26 and participants in Session 2 will attend the Atlanta Lung Cancer Symposium on Saturday, October 28.
• 2^nd Sunday: Free time
• Week 2: Monday-Friday: Clinical exposures (breast/lung) and didactics; program participant interviews
• 3^rd Saturday: Departures

Accommodation expenses and round-trip travel to the United States including visa application fees will be covered by the program. Health insurance and a stipend to cover a reasonable cost of living including meals will be provided to trainees for the duration of the program. All observers will be housed at the Emory Conference Center Hotel. No charges will be imposed for participating in the program.

Application cycle for 2023 is closed. Direct inquiries to Barbara Powley, program coordinator, via email.

All observers need to also apply for credentialing providing proof of immunizations, appropriate visa documents and other requested documentation before obtaining final approval. Please complete this alongside Preceptorship application and email the completed copy to the program coordinator, Barbara Powley via email.