How Fellows Can Leverage Mentorship to Maximize Research Opportunities

Although entering the world of cancer research can be intimidating for fellows, finding a proper mentor and a research project that is a good fit for their interests and goals can help make this process smoother, according to Christine Ann Garcia, MD, MPH. “Finding the right mentor in fellowship is a critical step for success,” Garcia said in an interview with Oncology Fellows. “It’s important that your mentor’s mentoring style and your learning style are compatible. It's also vital that your research interests align with the project itself, and that the project itself is realistic in scope and timeline. A great mentor can open doors, but a strong professional network is also essential. Attending conferences and meeting other faculty members and collaborators who share your research interests can help you find additional support and potential future opportunities.”

Garcia is an assistant professor of medicine, the director of the Hematology and Oncology Fellowship Program, the director of Oncology Quality and Patient Safety, and associate vice chair of Quality and Patient Safety for the Department of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, as well as an assistant attending physician at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, both in New York, New York.

In the interview, Garcia discussed how she approaches helping fellows find the right research projects for them, the importance of research mentors, and tips for fellows who are new to the research aspect of oncology.

Oncology Fellows: How do you approach helping fellows identify research opportunities?

Garcia: As a fellowship director, I spend a lot of time making sure that our fellows have adequate resources and are able to reach out to physician-scientists for research. The first thing is trying to figure out what the fellows are interested in. Are they interested in a specific tumor type? Do they have prior research that they want to continue in fellowship? The way that we have structured this at Weill Cornell is that we try to have our fellows meet with various researchers in our area.

This year, we have developed a list of all our physician-scientists and potential mentors. We are also surveying to keep a track record of the mentees. Every topic can seem exciting, but we ask our fellows to make sure they explore what projects might be of interest, as they might find that another potential mentor has another interesting project that may better align with their research goals.

What are some common challenges fellows face when first entering the research space?

Starting a hematology and oncology fellowship is tough, especially since much of internal medicine focuses on inpatient care. Arguably, heme/onc can feel like learning a different language completely. Plus, many have to take medicine boards while starting up fellowship. The first few months are a whirlwind of new information as you transition from general medicine to a highly specialized field. This is normal, and the process can feel overwhelming for fellows. It can be particularly challenging if the fellow is tumor agnostic, or not quite sure what research they are interested in. This makes it even more important for our fellows to meet with several potential mentors to explore opportunities that they may not have thought of.

What’s the biggest piece of advice you would give to fellows who want to pursue research opportunities?

The most important step for a fellow is to self-reflect. You have to be honest with yourself about your goals, interests, and motivations. Before you commit to a research path, ask yourself some important questions:

1. Why do I want to do this? Is it for a career in academia, a particular project you’re passionate about, or to check a box for your CV?

2. What kind of work do I enjoy? Are you energized by time at the bench, or do you prefer patient-facing responsibilities?

3. What are my long-term goals? Will a research fellowship truly get you where you want to be?

4. Am I prepared for the challenges? Research is demanding and can be a long road. Are you ready for the potential setbacks, long hours, and pressure to publish?

Your answers will guide you toward the right opportunities and help ensure that you find a mentor whose goals and work align with your own. Before you commit to a mentor, look up their track record. See what kind of research they've done and whether they've successfully mentored other fellows. Reach out to current or former fellows who have worked with them to get a sense of their mentorship style and the type of projects they oversee. This will help you find a mentor who is the right fit for you.

What are some tips for a fellow who is presenting their research at a conference or meeting for the first time?

For first-time presenters, and even seasoned ones, preparation is key. Once your presentation is prepared, rehearse it several times. It’s important to practice not only what you're going to say, but also to get a feel for the timing. Doing so will help you confidently deliver your presentation without going over or under time. For first-time presenters, and even seasoned ones, preparation is key. Here’s a quick guide to help you get ready. Before you present, have your mentor review your slides. Seek out honest feedback from colleagues and peers on both your slides and your delivery. Their insights can help ensure that your slides are clear and concise, and that the information you're presenting is engaging and easy to understand.

What is the importance of mentorship in terms of finding research opportunities?

Mentorship is a cornerstone of a successful research career, and provides a crucial foundation for fellows to find their footing and launch into their chosen field. Finding the right mentor is important. The right mentor won't just guide you, they will also help you be productive and successful. It's important to consider the mentor's style of guidance and set expectations. Maybe you need weekly meetings, or perhaps you thrive with less frequent check-ins. Before you being working with a mentor, take time to discuss what each of expects from the other. This ensures that you're both on the same page, setting the stage for a productive and rewarding partnership.