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Trainee FAQs

Orientation/ID Badge
Appointment Questions
Trainee Funds, Expenses and Stipend
Trainee Brown Bags
Responsible Conduct of Research
How to Register for Courses
Topics in Cancer Prevention Course
Bio-Behavioral Research Methods in Cancer Prevention and Addiction Course
Funding Acknowledgements Format (for your presentations, manuscripts, etc.)
Trainee Forum
Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds
Request Letter of Recommendation
Manuscript / Publication Info
Trainee Exit Process
NIDA Resources for Training and Career Development (pdf) (For NIDA - Statistical Genetics of Addiction Trainees ONLY) 

Orientation / ID Badge Information

Does a classified employee transferring to a trainee position need to attend orientation?

MDACC employees changing from a classified position to a trainee position do not have to attend orientation. However, they do need to check in with Trainee and Alumni Affairs (TAA) prior to their start date.

Why don’t trainees get their ID number after completing orientation?

Trainees do not receive an ID# until they are processed in PeopleSoft, therefore it will not appear on their badges. Trainees are not entered in PeopleSoft until approximately 48 hours AFTER orientation for the following reasons:

  • It takes time to verify and ensure that each trainee has in fact attended and completed/turned in all compliance related documents.
  • TAA waits for Employee Health to confirm clearance to start.

Where do reappointed students/trainees go to obtain a new badge? 

Students/trainees need to go to Trainee and Alumni Affairs (TAA) first to get a form to take to HR to receive a new badge.

Appointment Questions

What is the minimum and maximum amount of time that a postdoctoral trainee can be appointed?

The minimum is six months. The maximum is two years and is renewed annually pending research progress and availability of funds. 

We have a trainee that was an Adjunct Faculty at another institution and wants to return to MDA as a postdoctoral fellow while waiting for his NCI K07 award. Can this trainee revert from Adjunct Faculty to postdoctoral fellow? 

Yes. As long as the department supports it.

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Trainee Funds, Expenses and Stipend

Are taxes withheld from my paycheck?

Yes, however, the amount taxed depends on the allowances you designate on your W-4 form. At New Employee Orientation, you will be asked to complete a W-4. For assistance with tax withholding calculations, visit the online IRS Withholding Calculator. 

If I register for a conference and an optional concert or other type of entertainment is being offered for an additional fee, can the R25 pay for the entertainment? 

No, this type of expense is not allowed under the R25 training grant.

Can a trainee be reimbursed for using local public transportation (i. e., the Metro Rail or Metro Buses) when traveling from the institution and back again for business purposes (attending a course / class / workshop / conference, etc. in Houston, TX)?

Metro Buses and Metro Rail are permissible; Taxis are NOT. Read more about taxi, shuttle and car services. Metro now has Q cards to pay for fares. These cards can be purchased at any rail station, or Park and Ride. These kiosks print receipts which can be used as proof of payment. If they choose to pay cash on the bus, they need to document the route taken (print map from Metro), and the amount each way. Read about Commuting and Q Cards. 

Our department submitted a new recommendation form to your office or TAA for a trainee regarding a stipend adjustment. Will the applicant receive a new appointment revised letter to reflect their stipend adjustment?

No, TAA does not revise the appointment every time a personnel action, such as a change in compensation (including moving to "uncompensated" status) occurs within an appointment period. The TAA database and Peoplesoft will reflect the change.

One of our trainees was awarded a fellowship with a stipend increased. Do I have to submit an eJDUF? 

No, only a signed recommendation form requesting a stipend adjustment is required.

How long does a trainee need to be appointed to be eligible for benefits?

Trainees appointed for 1.5 years or more are eligible for benefits.

Are GSBS students allowed to get paid more than the GSBS stipend guidelines state? 

No, GSBS GRAs are NOT allowed to work full time during the summer nor are they allowed to be paid more than the stipend mandated by GSBS, unless the student has been awarded a fellowship where the fellowship pays more than the GSBS guidelines. This does not mean supplement from what the training grant pays.

Can students or trainee’s vacation and sick leave be transferred to classified positions?

No, vacation and sick leave does not transfer to a classified position. However, for postdoctoral trainees, years as a postdoc are counted as years of service.

What is the policy to get the out-of-state tuition waived?

To be eligible for a tuition waiver, the "fellow" must be enrolled in a degree program and pursuing a degree related to the research performed.

What is the procedure when a trainee runs out of travel funds?

In the event that you have come to the limit of your annual travel from our training program funds and are considering travel to a conference, we want to help you get to the meetings that are most critical to your career development.  For meetings that are critical to your career, we will consider support on a case-by-case basis and in light of our training program funds.

To assist us in evaluating your request, please provide us with a brief explanation of the importance of this meeting to your career (a few sentences per question is fine). The explanation should consider the following questions:

  • How will attendance at the meeting directly benefit your career?
  • Have you been invited to contribute to the meeting (oral presentation? poster?) Are you named in the program? Is your contribution peer-reviewed?
  • If you are not a contributor, what key presentations do you need to attend?
  • Have you discussed with your mentor sponsoring you for the cost of your trip?

Please provide this information in an email to Shine Chang and Carrie Cameron and cc Angela Wright and  your mentor for his or her agreement regarding support for your attendance at the meeting.  Please include in your email:

  • The projected cost of attending broken into categories (e.g., registration, hotel w/tax and fees, food, airfare, total);
  • The amount that your mentors will contribute;
  • Copies of the invitation to present that you received from the meeting organizers; and
  • Any other documents that will be useful for our consideration.

Under what circumstances can a Predoc or Postdoc fellow exceed $1,000 in travel funds?

A Predoctoral or Postdoctoral fellow may exceed their travel funds if it's justified.  You can use research and educational funds for travel but you must provide justification for all expenses, every year.

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Trainee Brown Bags

Are Brown Bag Presentations required of all CPRTP fellows?

Yes. 

When am I required to give a Brown Bag?

Short Term fellows (R25E - Summer): Before your appointment end date.
Donor & R25T Predoc & Postdocs:  Annually (For example, if you have a 2 year appointment, you are required to give a Brown Bag after your first year and another before you exit.)

When and where are Brown Bags held?

Trainee Brown Bags are held during the week (usually on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesday's) between the hours of 10:00am and 3:00pm at various locations throughout UTMDACC.  CPRTP Monthly event calendars include upcoming Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds and Trainee Brown Bags.  Monthly event calendars are distributed only at Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds, Trainee Brown Bags and other events hosted by CPRTP.  Brown Bag announcements are also sent via email, one week prior to the presentation.    

How can I be added to the Brown Bag email distribution list?

Send an email to Kava Lewis and you will be added.

How do I schedule my Brown Bag?

You will receive a schedule, midway through your appointment, from Kava Lewis via email. You must confer with your mentor and reply to the email with the items listed below or your Brown Bag cannot be scheduled. Within one week, you will receive a confirmation of a selected date. 

  • 5 dates (1st, 2nd & 3rd choice) in which both you & at least, one of your mentors can attend,
  • your name as you want it to appear on your flyer,
  • your credentials,
  • names of all mentors,
  • presentation title.

What is the required length of my presentation?

R25E (Summer fellows):To Be Determined
Donor & R25T Pre & Postdoc:  30 to 40 minutes.

Are my mentors required to attend?

Yes. Your mentor will introduce you. If you have more than one mentor, please make sure at least one mentor is present. Your mentors do not need to stay for your annual or exit interview that follows your presentation.

What happens during the Brown Bag?

The Brown Bag is usually scheduled for 1 hour (30 to 40 minute talk time, the remainder of the time for questions and answers). The annual or exit interview can be scheduled immediately following your Brown Bag or at a later date.  The order of events are as follows:

  1. Trainee photograph with their mentor(s), Dr. Shine Chang and Dr. Carrie Cameron,
  2. Dr. Chang will make the introduction and CPRTP announcements, 
  3. Trainee's selected mentor will introduce the trainee, 
  4. Trainee Presentation (R25T/Donor 30-40 minutes), 
  5. Audience Q&A and speaker evaluation,
  6. Annual or Exit Interview with Drs. Chang & Cameron (this takes place after guests leave the conference room OR at a later date).

What do I need to bring to my annual or exit interview?

  1. An updated CV with accomplishments & publications for the year highlighted.
  2. Predoctoral and Postdoctoral Trainees ONLY:  You must bring your Training Plans.  Please see the training plans submitted with your original CPRTP fellowship application or use this website as a reference for writing your training plans.

My research isn't completed & I have no results, do I still need to give my Brown Bag?

Yes.  You do not need to wait to present your Brown Bag research talk until you have significant results. Present your progress-to-date during your presentation. 

How often do I need to attend the Brown Bags?

Since attendance at all Brown Bags is a part of your training, you need to attend at least 70%. Contact Kava Lewis at (713) 563-9670 or kllewis2@mdanderson.org with the reason you cannot attend.

Is there anything I need to include in my presentation?

Yes. You must include either of the two Funding Acknowledgements (below) and at least one slide discussing issues of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) relevant to your research project. (below).

Can I record my presentation?

Camtasia is available to record your presentation (audio and slides, only).  Within one week of your presentation, you will receive a web link via email.  You can use this web link to critique your presentation and also share with colleagues, family and friends.

Is recording the Brown Bag mandatory?

No, it is optional.

My Brown Bag presentation slides are on my MAC laptop computer, can I connect my MAC to the computer during my presentation?

The conference room computers have Windows operating system, however, we are more than happy to accommodate MAC users.  We can request an audio visual technician to assist you in connecting your MAC laptop.  Please be sure to contact Kava Lewis in advance at  (713) 563-9670 or kllewis2@mdanderson.org.

How many people usually attend Brown Bags?

We typically reserve a conference room using an estimate of 25 attendees.  If you anticipate more than 25 attendees for your Brown Bag, please contact Kava Lewis at (713) 563-9670 or kllewis2@mdanderson.org immediately, so that we can request additional chairs or possibly a larger room.

Can I give my talk with another trainee who is also a CPRTP fellow?

Yes! We encourage our trainees to give talks together on the same day, whether their project is within the same discipline or not.

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Acknowledgement of Support

How do I acknowledge funding in my presentation, poster, manuscript, etc?

The following are examples of acknowledgement wording. For full research or full fellowship support, omit the words "in part".

R25T Predoctoral, R25T Postdoctoral Acknowledgements (use both): 

  • The research (or project) described was supported by a cancer prevention fellowship for (insert your name here) supported by the National Cancer Institute grant R25T CA057730, Shine Chang, Ph.D., Principal Investigator. 
  • This research is supported in part by the National Institutes of Health  for (insert your name here) through MD Anderson's Cancer Center Support Grant CA016672.

 R25E (GRA, College Students, Research Interns) Acknowledgements (use both): 

  • The research (or project) described was supported by a cancer prevention fellowship for (insert your name here) supported by the National Cancer Institute grant R25E CA056452, Shine Chang, Ph.D., Principal Investigator.
  • This research is supported in part by the National Institutes of Health  for (insert your name here) through MD Anderson's Cancer Center Support Grant CA016672.

NIDA Statistical Genetics of Addictions Acknowledgement:

  • Dr. (insert your name here) was supported by Award Number R25DA026120 from the National Institute On Drug Abuse.  The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute On Drug Abuse or the National Institutes of Health.

Donor-Funded:  Halliburton Postdoctoral Acknowledgement:

  • This research (or project) was supported in part by a fellowship for (insert your name here) supported by a grant from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Halliburton Employees Fellowship in Cancer Prevention Fund.

Gordon Postdoctoral Acknowledgement:

  • This research (or project) was supported in part by a fellowship for (insert your name here) supported by a grant from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Janice Davis Gordon Memorial Postdoctoral Fellowship in Colorectal Cancer Prevention.

If you, but not your research, are supported by a grant through the Cancer Prevention Research Training Program (CPRTP), use the following acknowledgement: 

  • (Insert your name here) was supported by a cancer prevention fellowship through The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Cancer Prevention Research Training Program, funded by the National Cancer Institute grant (enter grant number for your fellowship-see above examples), Shine Chang, Ph.D., Principle Investigator.
  • This research was supported by (insert funding institution) for (insert your name here) through (insert grant or funding mechanism).

Acknowledgements in manuscripts for R25T Predocs and R25T Postdocs: 

  • The project described and (insert your name here) were supported by Award Number R25CA057730 from the National Cancer Institute. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Cancer Institute or the National Institutes of Health.
  • (Insert your name here) was supported by Award Number R25CA057730 from the National Cancer Institute. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Cancer Institute or the National Institutes of Health.

Acknowledgements in manuscripts for R25E GRAs, College Students and Research Interns: 

  • The project described and (insert your name here) were supported by Award Number R25CA056452 from the National Cancer Institute. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Cancer Institute or the National Institutes of Health.
  • (Insert your name here) was supported by Award Number R25CA056452 from the National Cancer Institute. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Cancer Institute or the National Institutes of Health.

Acknowledgements in manuscripts for NIDA Statistical Genetics of Addiction Fellows:

  • The project described and (insert your name here) were supported by Award Number R25DA026120 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes for Drug Abuse, National Cancer Institute nor the National Institutes of Health.
  • (Insert your name here) was supported by Award Number R25DA026120 from the National Cancer Institute. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes for Drug Abuse, National Cancer Institute nor the National Institutes of Health.

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Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

What is Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)?

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) is defined by the NIH as "the practice of scientific investigation with integrity." It involves the awareness and application of established professional norms and ethical principles in the performance of all activities related to scientific research. 

Why is RCR required?

NIH policy requires participation in and successful completion of instruction in Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) by individuals supported by any NIH training/research education/fellowship/career award (NOT-OD-10-019).

What are basic principles and best practices of RCR?

According to the NIH, the following principles are based on several key concepts about responsible conduct of research and best practices that have evolved over the past two decades’ experiences:

  1. Responsible conduct of research is an essential component of research training.  Therefore, instruction in responsible conduct of research is an integral part of all research training programs, and its evaluation will impact funding decisions.
  2. Active involvement in the issues of responsible conduct of research should occur throughout a scientist’s career.  Instruction in responsible conduct of research should therefore be appropriate to the career stage of the individuals receiving training.
  3. Individuals supported by individual funding opportunities such as fellowships and career development awards are encouraged to assume individual and personal responsibility for their instruction in responsible conduct of research.
  4. Research faculty of the institution should participate in instruction in responsible conduct of research in ways that allow them to serve as effective role models for their trainees, fellows, and scholars.
  5. Instruction should include face-to-face discussions by course participants and faculty; i.e., on-line instruction may be a component of instruction in responsible conduct of research but is not sufficient to meet the NIH requirement for such instruction, except in special or unusual circumstances.
  6. Instruction in responsible conduct of research must be carefully evaluated in all NIH grant applications for which it is a required component. 

Where can I find detailed information about research integrity and research misconduct?

NIH has information available on their Grants Policy webpage.

Where can I find examples of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)?

Read more about Responsible Conduct of Research .

Does MDACC host RCR seminars?

The Postdoctoral Association at MDACC has designed the RCR Seminar Series to fulfill this requirement for postdoctoral fellows and graduate students by covering several important topics. The seminar series takes place on Wednesdays, from Noon to 1pm. View the RCR Seminar Series Schedule.

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"Topics in Cancer Prevention" Course 

When is Topics in Cancer Prevention offered?

Topics in Cancer Prevention is offered annually in the Fall semester

How many credit hours?

1.0 Elective credit hours

Is there a prerequisite?

No

Does it require instructor approval?

No

What are the objectives of Topics in Cancer Prevention?

  • Provide an overview of the current scientific basis for cancer prevention and control in humans
  • Introduce current methods of determining risk factors in humans along with their subsequent alteration
  • Suggest future opportunities through integration of selected areas of basic science with classical methodological research in order to refine and quarantine risk factors
  • Current opportunities for early detection of preclinical cancer will be presented. The course will provide a foundation in cancer prevention and control for future basic science investigators.

Is Topics in Cancer Prevention required or recommended?

Topics in Cancer Prevention is a required course. Please check your Fellowship Requirement Memo submitted with your application for a list of courses required for your fellowship and review our list of recommended courses.

How do I register for Topics in Cancer Prevention?

See How to Register for Courses below.

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"Bio-Behavioral Research Methods in Cancer Prevention and Addiction" Course

When is Bio-Behavioral Research Methods in Cancer Prevention and Addiction offered?

Bio-Behavioral Research Methods in Cancer Prevention and Addiction is offered annually in the Spring semester

How many credit hours?

2.0 Elective credit hours

Is there a prerequisite?

No

Does it require instructor approval?

No

What are the objectives of Bio-Behavioral Research Methods in Cancer Prevention and Addiction?

  • Provide students with a greater understanding of new interdisciplinary bio-behavioral research methods that will allow us to determine the genetic, neurological, psychological, and environmental factors influencing behavior and individual susceptibility to disease,
  • Develop new techniques for assessing behavior; and develop behavioral interventions to protect and improve health,
  • Describe the different disciplines, historical perspectives and challenges, and barriers to bio-behavioral research progress from single-discipline approaches,
  • Identify innovative advances that have facilitated new, interdisciplinary approaches or technologies in cancer prevention and addiction research,
  • Give examples of key challenges and advances in bio-behavioral research methodology,
  • Emerging areas of future research will be identified and discussed.

Is Bio-Behavioral Research Methods in Cancer Prevention and Addiction required or recommended?

Topics in Cancer Prevention is a required course. Please check your Fellowship Requirement Memo submitted with your application for a list of courses required for your fellowship and review our list of recommended and required courses.

How do I register for Bio-Behavioral Research Methods in Cancer Prevention and Addiction?

See How to Register for Courses below.

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How to Register for Courses

(All information below relates to BOTH courses)

How do I register for Topics in Cancer Prevention or Bio-Behavioral Research Methods in Cancer Prevention and Addiction course?

Degree-seeking GSBS students: Register for classes online with the Registrar’s office, select their program and follow the instructions.

UTHealth students: who wishes to enroll at one of the following institutions listed on http://registrar.uth.tmc.edu/Registration/ConcurEnrollment.html, follow the instructions provided for enrollment. 

Non-UTHealth students and are a current student at one of the institutions listed at http://registrar.uth.tmc.edu/Registration/ConcurEnrollment.html, click on the institution name for instructions and application forms.

Non-GSBS, Postdoctoral fellows who do NOT want to receive credit: Register using the SPH Audit Only Enrollment Form or the GSBS Employee Audit Form (recommended). Using the GSBS Employee Audit form you will register as an MD Anderson employee. Do not apply to GSBS. Do not attempt to register online. **See As a Postdoctoral fellow, what other steps do I need to take to register? below for additional instructions**

Non-GSBS, Postdoctoral fellows who DO want to receive credit: Register as an MD Anderson employee using the GSBS Employee Enrollment Form for credit. Do not apply to GSBS. Do not attempt to register online. **See As a Postdoctoral fellow, what other steps do I need to take to register? below for additional instructions**

As a Postdoctoral fellow, what other steps do I take to register?

  1. Email a written request to either of the Directors of CPRTP for permission to take the course and print a copy of the emailed approval. Dr. Shine Chang, shinechang@mdanderson.org or Dr. Carrie Cameron at ccameron@mdanderson.org
  2. If you want to register for more than 1 class per term, you will need a written approval from Dean Victoria Knutson.  Email your request to Dean Knutson at Victoria.p.knutson@uth.tmc.edu  and print a copy of the emailed approval.  Include your name, classification (R25T Postdoc, R25T Predoc), Course Name, Course Number, Contact email and telephone number
  3. Complete the Residency Questionnaire.  All academic students are classified as a non-resident until the Residency Questionnaire form is completed. Be sure to read the UT Residency FAQs.
  4. Take a copy of your immunization form (the same form you submitted to UTMDACC TAA) and deliver IN-PERSON to the UT Medical School Health Services located at: UT Student Health Services Clinic; 6410 Fannin, Suite 510; Houston, TX 77030 *You will need 2 copies of your immunization, One copy to UT Student Health Services and another copy to UT Office of the registrar. (See #5 below)*
  5. Bring the items below IN-PERSON to Office of the Registrar; 7000 Fannin, Suite 2250; Houston, TX  77030; Phone:  (713) 500-3361
      1. application
      2. Printed copy of emailed permission from the directors (See #1 above)
      3. Printed copy of the emailed permission from Dr. Knutson (if taking more than 1 course per term) (See #2 above)
      4. Completed Residency Questionnaire or other residency forms that apply to you (See #3 above)
      5. Copy of your immunization (See #4 above)

As a Postdoctoral fellow, will I need to repeat these same steps (listed above) to register each semester?

Yes.

If I audit the course, will I receive credit?

No. Students auditing courses will receive a grade of “AD” which may not be changed at a later date to a letter grade for credit.

What is the difference between the SPH Audit Only Enrollment Form and the GSBS Employee Audit Form?

The GSBS Employee Enrollment Audit Form is for GSBS employees which also includes UT faculty, employees and fellows. The application fee for this form is $10.00.  The School of Public Health Non-Degree Audit Only Enrollment Form is for or regular, non-UT students and includes a $30.00 application fee. Please view the complete list of fees for auditing one course.

What is the cost for each course?

The application fee listed on the enrollment form is non-refundable and payable at the time of registration. Current Tuition and Fees are available on the UT Office of the Registrar website.  From the menu, select the current academic year.

Will CPRTP pay my application fee and tuition?

  • If you are an R25E or R25T fellow, your fees for the GSBS course can be billed to CPRTP, when a sponsorship form is submitted to UT Registrar one month prior to the start of the course. Otherwise, you will need to pay your fees and CPRTP can reimburse you.
  • If you are a Donor-Funded (Halliburton, Gordon, etc.) fellow, you will need to contact your mentor to see if he/she has funds available to cover your tuition and fees.

I am a Donor-Funded Postdoctoral fellow, will CPRTP pay or reimburse me for my required courses?

No. Please consult your mentor to see if funds are available within your department. 

Where can I obtain a sponsorship form?

  • R25E or R25T fellows:  Your tuition and fees for the GSBS course can be reimbursed or billed. In order to get your fees billed, Angela Wright, CPRTP Academic Coordinator, must submit a sponsorship form to the UT Registrar’s office one month prior to the start of the course. Contact Angela Wright at 713-745-2495 or acwright@mdanderson.org to begin the sponsorship process and provide her with your CS emplid or SIS A#.  If you are past the one month window, contact Angela Wright to see how your fees can be reimbursed by CPRTP.
  • Donor-Funded fellows:  CPRTP is not responsible for paying your tuition or fees. You will need to contact your mentor to see if funds are available within your department for billing or reimbursement. 
  • NIDA Postdoctoral and NIDA Pre-doctoral fellows: Your tuition and fees for the GSBS course can be reimbursed or billed. In order to get your fees billed, Victoria Rosella, NIDA Program Coordinator, must submit a sponsorship form to the UT Registrar’s office one month prior to the start of the course. Contact Victoria Rosella at 713-563-0640 or vrosella@mdanderson.org to begin the sponsorship process and provide her with your CS emplid or SIS A#.  If you are past the one month window, contact Ms. Rosella to see how your fees can be reimbursed by CPRTP.

Can I pay my application and tuition fees online?

  • UT and GSBS students can pay the application fee online and check the status of their application via UTLINK. For additional instructions visit UT Registrar’s FAQs.
  • Other students can contact Charlotte Scott or Lourdes "Bunny" Perez at the Registrar's Office at (713) 500-3361.

I’m not a GSBS student, do I need to apply for admission to the school?

No. See How do I register for Topics in Cancer Prevention or Bio-Behavioral Research Methods in Cancer Prevention and Addiction course? above.

The registration form is approval of my “Immediate Supervisor”, who is this?

This is your mentor.

Is there a final exam at the end of the course?

No. If you register for credit, the course is graded on a Pass/Fail system and no final exam is required. Make sure you register for the class as AUDIT if you do not need credit for this class. This prevents anyone who doesn’t need this class as credit from having an F in their record. If you do require credit, you will need to show up for every class to pass the course.

Since this is during lunch hours, can we bring a lunch?

Students are welcome to eat lunch during class. 

What happens if I miss a class?

You must make up every missed class or you will receive an "I" for incomplete. 

How do I make up missed classes?

View the presentation of the missed class on Sakai, create 3 questions related to the missed class, answer your 3 questions, submit your Q & A via email to Erica Garza at ERGarza@mdanderson.org.

Is there a maximum amount of classes that are allowed to be missed?

No. As long as you submit 3 questions with answers for every missed course, you are allowed to make them up.  

Can I bring a laptop to take notes?

We encourage students to use their laptops, notebooks ipads or any electronic tablet, as long as it’s being used for course work during class time.

Why do I need to give you my contact information?

We ask for your contact information so we can reach you in the case of an emergency, to let you know if a class has been cancelled, or any other situation where it is crucial to get in touch with you. Your information is kept confidential.

I am ill and cannot make it to today’s class. Who do I contact?

Where can I obtain a copy of the syllabus, PowerPoint slides from a class that I missed or view videos from past courses?

All class materials are posted on Sakai, including syllabus, handouts, videos and presentation slides.  If you have registered for a Topics or Bio-Behavioral course, you will be granted access to Sakai. You will receive these instructions for logging on to Sakai on the first day of class. 

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Trainee Forum

What is a Trainee Forum?

The Trainee Forum was created to help all Cancer Prevention Research Training Program trainees benefit from others’ experiences. Everyone is so busy throughout the year that we may fail to take time we need to grow. It is a time when all can get together and see what we are all working on. It is also an opportunity to meet other trainees in Cancer Prevention.

When and where do Trainee Forums take place?

Trainee Forums are usually held once every quarter at various conference rooms throughout UTMDACC.  Formal announcements are sent to the Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences and all trainees two weeks prior to the forum.  All fellows are welcome to attend.  

Is attendance required at Trainee Forum?

Yes.

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Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds

What are Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds?

To highlight the work of leaders in cancer prevention and control, the Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds seminar series was formed in 2005. The purpose of the Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds is to inform the scientific and clinical faculty, trainees and staff at MD Anderson of emerging areas of research, new methods used in the field, and recent findings that inform the work conducted here.

Is Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds accredited?

The Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds are accredited for continuing medical education, which is an attractive feature to our clinical audience. However, the seminars are open to the public as well and are widely advertised throughout the Texas Medical Center.

How do I get credit for attending?

The Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds are accredited for continuing medical education, which is an attractive feature to our clinical audience. However, the seminars are open to the public as well and are widely advertised throughout the Texas Medical Center. When you arrive, you will be asked to show your I.D. badge to be scanned.  That information is uploaded and reported to CME where you will receive credit for attending.

What if I have forgotten my MDACC employee I.D. badge? or I'm not a student, faculty or staff of UT MD Anderson?

If you have forgotten your ID badge, please provide your employee ID number to the CPGR attendant. The attendant will key in your employee number to record your attendance and that information will be uploaded to CME.

What if I'm not a student, faculty or staff of MDACC (MD Anderson Cancer Center)?

We have manual sign in sheets available for those who are visiting from another institution or who are guests not affiliated with any institution outside of MDACC.  If you plan to attend CPGR on a regular basis, you can provide a 6 digit ID of your choice on the sign in sheet and provide the same 6 digit ID to the CPGR attendant each time you attend CPGR thereafter. Your 6 digit ID will be loaded into the CME system under your name and institution, which will allow you to receive credit for attending CPGR. 

When and where do Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds take place?

The schedule for Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds follows an academic calendar (September through June) and typically features on average 2-4 speakers each month. The lectures are held at different locations on the MD Anderson campus on Thursday mornings at 8:00 am for an hour.  They are followed by a series of scheduled meetings with trainees and faculty appointments for individual and group consultations with the speaker until departure for the airport. Beginning January 17, 2013, Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds will be moved to Thursday's at 8 am.

When and where do Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds Trainee Lunches take place?

Trainees are invited to have lunch with a visiting CPGR speaker (outside of UTMDACC) at Noon in CPB7.3555. Trainee Lunches are for all trainees including: fellows, research interns & students. 

Where can I obtain a copy of the Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds schedule?

The schedule can be found on the Division of Cancer Prevention & Population Sciences home page:  Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds.

What if I miss a Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds presentation?

You can view a list of past Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds presentations.  Recordings are currently available for the previous 9 months only.  You will not be able to see the speaker, but you will be able to view the slide presentation as well as hear audio. All presentations are in Adobe Flash videos. 

Where can I find archived Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds presentations (more than 9 months old)?

View Archived Cancer Prevention Grand Round presentations.

How do I nominate a speaker for the Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds?

Use the Speaker Nomination Form to nominate a Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds speaker.  At the bottom of the form, be sure to click the "Submit" button and follow the instructions to have the completed form routed electronically to Dr. Shine Chang at  ShineChang@MDAnderson.org.

What are the host's responsibilities for a speaker for the Cancer Prevention Grand Rounds?

Send an email to Vickie Rosella or Tony Stegall to request CPGR host responsibilities.

How do I know what dates are available to host a CPGR speaker?

Request a schedule from Vickie Rosella or Tony Stegall. 

How can I be added to the CPGR distribution list?

Send an email to Kava Lewis to be added to the CPGR listserv.

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Request A Letter of Recommendation

How do I request a letter of recommendation from Dr. Shine Chang, Dr. Robert Chamberlain or Dr. Carrie Cameron?

Complete this request form, save a copy to your local drive and click the Submit by Email button in the lower left corner. 

Manuscript / Publication Info

I want to submit a manuscript for publication. What are the guidelines?

Regardless of your authorship position, we require that you complete the paper proposal for our approval before submitting a manuscript for publication.  Your compliance will ensure the continued funding of our NCI training and education awards.

How do I acknowledge the funding of my training grant in my manuscript?

See Funding Acknowledgements above.

Read more about paper proposals and manuscripts.

Trainee Exit Process

If my appointment ends early (because I'm offered a job or accept another opportunity), what is the exit procedure?

You must submit a formal resignation letter that must include your official departure date.  This letter is to be typed, signed and dated.

Who should I send my resignation letter to?

You must send your resignation letter to the following people:

  1. All Mentors and their support staff,
  2. Your Department Chair and their support staff,
  3. Drs. Shine Chang and Carrie Cameron, CPRTP Directors and their support staff,
  4. Zera Harden, Program Manager of Trainee and Alumni Affairs (TAA),
  5. Angela Wright, and
  6. Kava Lewis.

Are there any forms that must be completed?

Yes you must complete two sets of forms from TAA and CPRTP:

  1. Contact TAA to receive your check-out documents. 
  2. Complete these CPRTP forms:  

Are there any forms that my primary mentor must complete?

Yes. Your primary mentor must complete a CPRTP Trainee Evaluation Form.

Will I need to give a final Brown Bag presentation?

Yes, you are required to give a final Brown Bag presentation and exit interview.  Please see Trainee Brown Bags above.

Will I receive a certificate of completion?

Yes. 

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Can't Find Your Answer Here?

Email your detailed question to: 

apply@cancerpreventiontraining.org.

You will receive a response within 1-2 business days. 


© 2013 The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center