BRAS DDP Clinical Fellow – 2019 –
ASCO Conquer Cancer Foundation Jonathan K. Cho and Cora Y. Cho Endowed Merit Award – 2020
I am currently a Clinical Research Fellow in the BRAS Drug Development Program at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. I am also the Chief Fellow of the Department of Oncology and Hematology. I initially completed specialist training in Medical Oncology in Dublin, Ireland and commenced my fellowship here in July 2019.
My overarching goal is to become an independent clinical physician, active in academia and both clinical and translational research. With the support and mentorship from Drs. Albiruni Razak, Lillian Siu, Philippe Bedard, Anna Spreafico and Aaron Hansen, I have gained invaluable experience in this regard. Through the BRAS Drug Development Program, I have been involved in the administration and monitoring of experimental therapeutics at one of the most prestigious drug development programs worldwide. My current research projects have allowed me to build and shape my research portfolio. Last year I was awarded with the Hold’em for Life Oncology Clinician Scientist Award, and this year I received the ASCO Conquer Cancer Foundation Johnathan K. Cho and Cora Y. Cho Endowed Merit Award, and the Novartis Oncology Young Canadian Investigator Award 2020.
The program has also allowed me to pursue other academic interests. I have an interest in Sarcoma and I have gained additional clinical experience in this unique subspecialty, working closely with international leaders in this field. I have an avid interest in the ever-evolving field of immune-oncology, and I have had the opportunity to work with the Tumor Immunotherapy Program, which has allowed me to develop and refine new skills. I have also been supported in my application for the Master Teacher Program at the University of Toronto and the Princess Margaret Global Oncology Leadership Program.
In the next 5-10 years, I foresee myself working within a Sarcoma Program and leading collaborative, investigator-initiated studies, and clinical and translational research projects in a multidisciplinary cancer institution. Ultimately, I hope is to continue to deliver the best possible care for my patients and maintain an active role in academia. I firmly believe my experience with the BRAS Drug Development Program and the support and mentorship from the staff here has provided me with the best possible platform to achieve these goals, and it has been my privilege to be a part of the team here.