Damon Runyon aims to address the critical shortage of physician-scientists in the field of cancer research. By encouraging physicians to pursue research careers, the Foundation seeks to accelerate the translation of scientific discovery into more effective patient therapies, ultimately improving survival and quality of life among cancer patients.
This grant program is designed to bolster the dwindling pipeline of physician-scientists by providing outstanding U.S. Specialty Board eligible physicians with the opportunity for a protected research training experience. Under the guidance of highly qualified mentors, after completing their clinical training, these individuals are supported to become high-quality physician-scientists capable of transformative cancer research. The grant aspires to address the financial disincentives to pursuing a research career by offering significant salary support, research expenses, and up to $100,000 in medical school debt retirement, expecting that recipients dedicate at least 80% of their effort to research while allowing for up to 20% clinical practice to maintain their skills.