An intensive workshop providing a substantive overview of molecular biology, translational cancer research, current lab techniques, career development, and the best practices of grant writing for the aspiring physician-scientist

July 20-26, 2025
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Coronado, California

2025 Workshop Applicants

To be notified when applications for the 2025 Workshop open, please sign up using the button below:

Request More Information

Workshop Director

Ross L. Levine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York

Workshop Codirectors

Christine M. Lovly, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
Jean Y. Tang, Stanford University School of Medicine, Redwood City, California

For over 30 years, the AACR Molecular Biology in Clinical Oncology Workshop has endeavored to provide a catalyst that inspires early-career oncologists to acquire knowledge of the range of investigative approaches that might be tapped to pursue cutting-edge research and the ability to develop an incisive research plan to address key unanswered medical questions.

Physician-scientists are extremely underrepresented in the cancer workforce yet are essential in providing bench-to-bedside expertise. The overarching goal of this Workshop is to contribute to the training of aspiring physician-scientists and to provide participants with the opportunity to meet and receive training from successful physician-scientists in an environment that promotes formal and informal interactions at a critical moment in their career development: the transition from clinical training to laboratory-based training.

This training is accomplished through lectures from the top investigators in the field of translational cancer research and hands-on laboratory sessions demonstrating current techniques that are essential for a research career. Additionally, the Workshop faculty members convey the exhilaration of the scientific discovery process, the rewards of a professional life as a physician-scientist, and pearls of wisdom to support and guide the participants as they navigate their career path. Mentoring, career development, guidance in grant writing through the critical development of a Specific Aims page for a grant submission or career development award application, and opportunities to network and discuss scientific literature are also featured to round out this unique educational experience.

Comments from previous attendees:

• The week I spent with Molecular Biology in Clinical Oncology (MBCO) was the single most impactful week of my post graduate education. As a surgeon, we need all the help we can get, and this program was definitely a catalyst.
• The MBCO workshop was absolutely terrific. More than anything, it provided me with the foundation for how to investigate a hypothesis to generate high-quality sound data. The MBCO faculty mentors were inspiring, and it was wonderful to interact with other young investigators in the same phase of life.
• My mentors from MBCO continue to be both mentors and sponsors for me several years into my junior faculty career. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am without this experience and the contacts I made.
• This was by far the greatest educational event I have attended up to this point. Although we all came with different clinical and research backgrounds, we were able to get to know and connect with each other by learning about cancer, individual research projects, and personal hurdles along the way. The number of participants was perfect because it allowed me to network with a large group of people. Complementary [sic] to that I enjoyed the smaller grant groups because it allowed for intensive and productive discussions in a smaller setting. I learned a lot about new concepts that are not only applicable to research but also life in general.
• Molecular Biology in Clinical Oncology was a true catalyst for me to pursue a career as a physician-scientist. Despite being an ‘MD only’ researcher, MBCO provided the context, skills, and confidence necessary for me to accelerate my goal. This past year (2021), I had my first mentee attend MBCO, and she is similarly on a trajectory as a physician-scientist. This program truly pays it forward.

Continuing Medical Education Activity AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM available