To ensure that UC Davis scholars — undergraduate through early career faculty — pursuing careers in cancer research receive the highest quality mentorship, the cancer center has developed a mentorship program called MARC or “Mentorship Academy for Research in Cancer.” MARC uses innovative, evidence-based best practices to achieve and sustain strong mentoring relationships. Led by Julie Schweitzer, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, MARC is a comprehensive program providing mentees and mentors with training, resources and guidance to support each mentee’s path from a mentored scholar to an independent cancer researcher.

MENTORING ACADEMY FOR RESEARCH IN CANCER (MARC)

Snapshot of program plan

INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

All mentees will have a high-quality individual development plan (IDP) that is regularly assessed and updated in partnership with their mentoring team.

MENTORSHIP TEAM

Each mentee will have a mentorship team. MARC leadership will assist in making team member recommendations and introductions.

WORKSHOPS

Workshops for mentees and mentors will be routinely offered in partnership with UC Davis Clinical and Translational Science Center. Additional workshops will be developed based on identified needs.

MENTORSHIP RESOURCES

MARC will help the cancer center to maintain a website of relevant tools for mentees and mentors.

LEADERSHIP

MARC will have a faculty director with expertise in mentorship providing intellectual leadership; staff to handle operations; and two faculty (one clinical and one research) focused on mentorship team building.

COMMUNICATION

The importance, impact and expectations around mentorship will be routinely communicated via varying channels by cancer center and MARC leadership.

RECOGNITION

Excellent mentorship relationships will be recognized to promote value of quality mentoring and the impact it has on professional development and career advancement.

OUTCOMES & IMPLEMENTATION

Mentorship outcomes, mentorship team building, IDP process use, workshop participation, and program problems will all be tracked and reported.