Inside Cancer Careers

In this episode of Inside Cancer Careers, Dr. Tony Kerlavage and Jeff Schilling discuss the role of AI in cancer research and the challenges and safety measures associated with its use. They emphasize the need for standardized data and the importance of addressing biases in AI models. They also discuss the recruitment of talent in data science and the potential for partnerships with Silicon Valley. They highlight the complexity of AI and the need for continuous learning in the field. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring data scientists.
SHOW NOTES
Tony Kerlavage, Ph.D.
Jeff Shilling, M.S.
Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology (CBIIT)
Cancer Data Science Blog: Growing the Field - NCI Fellowship Opportunities in Data Science
National Academy of Medicine: Generative AI & LLMs in Health & Medicine Conference
ChatGPT
GovCIO Healthcast Podcast: 50 Years of Cancer: Tech's Role in Fighting Cancer
ARPA-H
Episode 8: Computation to Improve Therapy & Finances with Dr. Peng Jiang
AD: NCI Cancer AI Conversations Seminar Series
YOUR TURN RECOMMENDATIONS
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Golf Beneath the Surface: The New Science of Golf Psychology by Raymond Prior, Ph.D.
The Diamond Age Or A Young Lady's Illustrated Primer by Neal Stephenson
CENTER FOR CANCER TRAINING (CCT)
Inside Cancer Careers Podcast
CCT Website
LEARN MORE FROM THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
Online
By Phone: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
National Cancer Institute

In this episode of Inside Cancer Careers, Dr. Shaalan Beg, Senior Advisor for Clinical Research at the NCI and Principal Investigator at Science 37, discusses the challenges and opportunities in the field of clinical trials. The conversation centers on the increasing number of potential cancer interventions and the need for efficient clinical trial infrastructure to test these interventions. Dr. Beg emphasizes the importance of matching patients to appropriate clinical trials and ensuring that the patient population in a trial is representative of the broader population with that specific disease. Dr. Beg shares his career path and share advice for those interested in a similar career.
SHOW NOTES:
Shaalan Beg, M.D., M.B.A.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaalanbeg/
Science 37: https://www.science37.com/science-37r-adds-acclaimed-researcher-and-oncologist-dr-shaalan-beg-bolster-therapeutic-depth
Virtual Clinical Trials Office: https://dctd.cancer.gov/MajorInitiatives/virtual_clinical_trials_office_pilot_program.htm
NCI Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (DCTD): https://dctd.cancer.gov/
AD: Worta McCaskill-Stevens Career Development Award for Community Oncology and Prevention Research (K12): https://www.cancer.gov/grants-training/training/funding/k12-mccaskill-stevens
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCan): https://pancan.org/
ASCO Leadership Development Program: https://www.asco.org/career-development/leadership-programs/leadership-development-program
American Society for Clinical Oncology: https://www.asco.org/
YOUR TURN RECOMMENDATIONS:
Empire (podcast): https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast/empire/id1639561921
300 Arguments by Sarah Manguso: https://www.graywolfpress.org/books/300-arguments
CENTER FOR CANCER TRAINING (CCT)
Inside Cancer Careers Podcast
CCT Website
LEARN MORE FROM THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
Online
By Phone: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
National Cancer Institute

In this episode of Inside Cancer Careers, we explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and cancer research.
Dr. Juli Klemm and Dr. Sean Hanlon from the NCI's Center for Strategic Scientific Initiatives discuss various applications of AI in cancer research, including image analysis, clinical informatics, and basic cancer biology. They emphasize the importance of data sharing, model evaluation, and ensuring robust model performance. The conversation also touches upon the implications of AI in healthcare and the need for collaboration across government agencies and external organizations.
Additionally, Drs. Klemm and Hanlon share their career paths and provide advice for early-career scientists interested in pursuing AI in cancer research.
The episode concludes with recommendations for books and podcasts that the guests have found inspiring.
SHOW NOTES
Juli Klemm, Ph.D.: https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/organization/cssi/about/contact/juli-klemm
Informatics Technology for Cancer Research (ITCR): https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/organization/cssi/research/itcr
Sean Hanlon, Ph.D.: https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/organization/cssi/about/contact/sean-hanlon
NCI Center for Strategic Scientific Initiatives: https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/organization/cssi
4D Nucleome (4DN) Program: https://commonfund.nih.gov/4DNucleome
Human Tumor Atlas Network (HTAN): https://humantumoratlas.org/
Cancer AI Conversations: https://events.cancer.gov/nci/cancer-ai-conversations
NCI Artificial Intelligence Working Group (email): [email protected]
AD: NanCI -Connecting Scientists mobile application: https://www.cancer.gov/grants-training/training/nanci-app
Incyte Genomics: https://incyte.com/
AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship: http://www.stpf-aaas.org/
NCI Center for Biomedical Informatics and Information Technology (CBIIT): https://datascience.cancer.gov/
NCI Junior Investigator Annual Meeting: https://events.cancer.gov/dcb/ji-meeting
HTAN Data Jamboree: https://frederick.cancer.gov/events/htan-data-jamboree-2024
YOUR TURN RECOMMENDATIONS
The Demon Under the Microscope by Thomas Hager: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/73465/the-demon-under-the-microscope-by-thomas-hager/
The Alchemy of Air by Thomas Hager: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/73464/the-alchemy-of-air-by-thomas-hager-author-of-the-demon-under-the-microscope/
99% Invisible hosted by Roman Mars (podcast): https://99percentinvisible.org/
Mortality by Christopher Hitchens: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/christopher-hitchens/mortality/9781455502752/
CENTER FOR CANCER TRAINING (CCT)
Inside Cancer Careers Podcast
CCT Website
LEARN MORE FROM THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
Online
By Phone: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
National Cancer Institute

In this episode of Inside Cancer Careers, we discuss the significance of mentorship in cancer research with one of the 2025 NCI Outstanding Mentor Awardees, Dr. Andrea Apolo, and two of her fellows, Dr. Saad Atiq and Dr. Andre Kydd. They explore the evolution of mentoring styles, the importance of communication within teams, and the innovative research being conducted at the NCI, particularly in bladder cancer and immunotherapy. The conversation also delves into the career paths of the guests, highlighting their motivations and experiences in the field of oncology. In this engaging conversation, the speakers share their personal journeys into the field of medicine, mainly focusing on bladder cancer research. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the challenges faced in clinical research, the human element of patient care, and more.
SURVEY
Inside Cancer Careers Listener Survey
SHOW NOTES
Andrea Apolo, M.D.
Saad Atiq, M.D.
Andre Kydd, M.D.
Genitourinary Malignancies Branch
Center for Cancer Research
Hematology Oncology Fellowship
ASCO AACR Methods in Clinical Cancer Research Workshop
Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Award
AD: NanCI-Connecting Scientists mobile application 
YOUR TURN RECOMMENDATIONS
"I would recommend starting a tradition with your family, with your loved ones, and it becomes really special after many years." – Dr. Apolo
"…ask as many why questions as they can to never shut down those why questions…" – Dr. Kydd
Overcooked on Nintendo Switch 
CENTER FOR CANCER TRAINING (CCT)
Inside Cancer Careers Podcast
CCT Website
LEARN MORE FROM THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
Online
By Phone: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
National Cancer Institute

In this episode of Inside Cancer Careers, we hear from Dr. LeeAnn Bailey, branch director of the Community Outreach, Research, and Engagement Branch in the Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities at NCI and head of the NCI's new Early Onset Cancer Initiative. The initiative focuses on understanding and addressing the rising incidence of cancers diagnosed in individuals aged 18 to 49.
The conversation explores the complexities of early onset cancers, the importance of patient voices in research, and the need for public awareness and tailored screening guidelines. Dr. Bailey emphasizes the significance of addressing health disparities and the initiative's future aspirations to improve survivorship outcomes. Additionally, she shares her personal journey into cancer research and offers valuable advice for aspiring scientists.
SURVEY
Inside Cancer Careers Listener Survey
SHOW NOTES
LeeAnn Bailey, Ph.D. ([email protected])
Community Outreach, Research, and Engagement Branch (CORE)
NCI Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD)
NCI Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET)
NCI National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN)
NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP)
NCI Cancer Data Research Commons (CDRC) 
Connecting Underserved Populations to Clinical Trials (CUSP2CT)
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)
AD: 13th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research 
 
YOUR TURN RECOMMENDATION:
Float Therapy: Sensory Deprivation
CENTER FOR CANCER TRAINING (CCT)
Inside Cancer Careers Podcast
CCT Website
LEARN MORE FROM THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
Online
By Phone: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
National Cancer Institute