Mentorship

• One can measure WCP's legacy of success by the patients treated or by the advances made in the labs. But the true standard for WCP's success will be pronounced by its impact on the future, through the education of thousands of clinicians and researchers trained through the program and then go on to strive for excellence here at WCP, within DF/HCC or elsewhere. Our work is important. Whether at the laboratory bench or in the clinic, or both; the dedication of WCP-trained individuals is without equal. The apprentices; Training the next generation
• WCP's commitment to mentorship is so strong that it often uses discretionary funds to award support to junior breast and gynecologic researchers and clinicians. Examples are:
  • Champion Exposition Services Investigator
  • Polly Davidson Translational Breast Cancer Research Investigators (two awards)
  • Madeline Franchi Ovarian Research Investigator
  • Catt Family Investigator
  • Jean H. Lubrano Investigator
  • Surgical Oncology Fellowship
  • WCP Investigator
  • Summer College Student Internships

Advancing Basic and Clinical Research 

Each spring, the WCP sponsors the DF/HCC Breast Cancer Symposium. The Symposium attracts over 200 breast cancer investigators from the Harvard medical research community. A full-day of presentations and poster sessions cover the following topics: Cell Biology and Signaling; Risk, Prevention and Disparities; Genetics and Genomics; and, Clinical and Pre-Clinical Studies.

In April 2008, using the Breast Cancer Symposium as a model, the WCP sponsors its first DF/HCC Ovarian Cancer Symposium featuring basic, translational, clinical and population-based research. Presentations will cover: Risk, Prevention and Biomarkers; Cell Biology and Signaling; Clinical and Translational Studies; and, Genomics and Drug Resistance. 

Advancing Clinical Care

• Each July, the WCP hosts a three-day course featuring Harvard Medical School faculty and guest lecturers titled: "Breast Cancer, Current Controversies and New Horizons."
• Continuing Medical Education (CME) conferences are held for local community physicians and nurses in breast and gynecological cancers annually.  A recent conference was titled:  "New Frontiers in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer."

Advancing Patient Understanding

• High Risk Patient Reunion and Seminar is hosted by the WCP on a biennial schedule.
• Survivorship Conferences are convened each fall and feature panel discussions and lectures.
• A forum on "Advances in Science and Care" is arranged for breast cancer patients and survivors on a biennial schedule.1

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