Vanderbilt Education Research and Training in Cancer and Leadership (VERTICAL) Program
The VERTICAL Program at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center provides a unique training experience that builds upon Vanderbilt's extraordinary record of research, training, and fostering diversity in biomedical science with the goal of promoting a pathway to cancer research and medicine careers for post-baccalaureate fellows who are underrepresented in science and medicine (URM). The program’s specific objectives are to provide:
- Mentored research experiences for URM individuals with bachelor’s degrees
- A robust and individualized curriculum to support participants in acquiring the knowledge and skills to pursue higher education leading to future careers in cancer research or medicine
- Opportunities for community engagement to support a community of practice
VERTICAL fellows participate in an in-person, 2-year program of mentored basic, clinical/translational, and/or population science cancer research, cancer education, professional development, and community outreach activities. The overall program activities are individually tailored to meet the needs of each VERTICAL fellow:
