Committed to developing the next generation of cancer researchers and clinicians, the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center has recently launched the Trainee Associate Membership Program. This offers trainees access to tools and resources to help them be productive and successful cancer researchers and professionals.

Trainee Associate Members will have access to a community of fellow cancer trainees, mentors, pilot grants, educational events, professional development opportunities and more. There are numerous benefits to all Trainee Associate Members, including:

• Predoctoral Pilot Grants
• Postdoctoral Pilot Grants
• Travel Awards
• Paper of the Year Recognition
• Networking Events
• Training Opportunities

“The Cancer Center’s Trainee Associate Membership Program has allowed me the ability to apply for multiple grants, which I received this past academic year and has been instrumental to developing my career,” said Keilan Johnson, a fourth-year MD-MPH Candidate at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, who has joined the TAM Program. “With these rewards, I have begun planning two community events in some of Cincinnati’s Black neighborhoods this upcoming spring. This is my first time developing and leading a large-scale project, and it wouldn't have been possible without the support of numerous individuals from the Cancer Center who have encouraged me this past year.”

Keilan JohnsonTrainee Associate Member University of Cincinnati Cancer Center MD-MPH Candidate, Class of 2025 University of Cincinnati

Reflecting on her time with the University of Cincinnati and the Cancer Center thus far, Johnson highlighted the valuable connections and experiences that have shaped her approach to care and research as well as her future career as a surgeon.

“I am very grateful to say the University of Cincinnati has introduced me to peers, physicians, faculty members and community leaders who have all greatly influenced the ways in which I will practice medicine one day,” said Johnson. “I have had the opportunity to help organize medical student initiatives, and I have also been able to work alongside faculty on various research projects, some of which have been dedicated to understanding and combating surgical healthcare disparities.”

“Furthermore, I can genuinely say that the time I have spent on projects collaborating with the Cancer Justice Network has granted me the unique opportunity of combining my passions,” she shared. “Through this work, I have realized the true power of community engagement. Not only did this practicum introduce me to numerous underserved communities here in Cincinnati, but it also highlighted a need for medical professionals to take time to learn from the neighborhoods we serve, and as an aspiring surgeon, I plan to carry this perspective with me throughout my training and build on it over time.”

While Johnson has been interested in biomedical sciences and pathophysiology since she was a teenager, it wasn’t until she took a trip to Haiti that she really considered pursuing a career in medicine.

“During my undergraduate studies, I spent some time in Haiti and realized just how easily illness could impact the quality of an individual’s life,” Johnson shared. “This, in combination with a front-row view of unsustainable medical practices, I decided to pursue a career in medicine in hopes of advocating for and empowering those around me while leaning into my own strengths.”

Currently, Johnson's research is focused on improving patient-physician communication and increasing cancer screenings in underserved communities. However, she is also beginning to expand her work into global surgery, where she is starting a study on the importance of non-technical skills in global health among surgeons and trainees.

“At this point in my career, most of my research focuses on cancer in some aspect,” explained Johnson. “More specifically, factors that affect patient-physician communication as well as community engagement work as a tool to increase cancer screenings in underserved communities. I have also started to focus on global surgery research, and I am in the process of starting a qualitative study geared towards understanding surgeons and surgical trainees' perspective on the value of non-technical skills in global health work.”

When asked for advice on pursuing a similar path, Johnson took a moment to emphasize the importance of building meaningful connections within this field. She also encouraged students to fully utilize available resources, pursue genuine interests and approach their education with curiosity and authenticity.

“Find the people who you resonate with, those with similar passion, vision, etc., early on in your career and take the time to understand why,” she said. “I would also advise individuals to learn how to advocate for themselves in a variety of settings. As a student, you should take full advantage of the resources and opportunities around you. Approaching your education in this way will open doors that you may not have known were there. Finally, I would suggest attempting to pursue your genuine interests as a large majority of professionals and experts appreciate authenticity and will recognize it when they see it.”