• Primary Focus: Fellows are required to design and complete one major research project during the fellowship. The project should focus on a critical issue in rural oncology, such as access to care, treatment outcomes, health disparities, or the implementation of new technologies in rural settings.

• Mentorship: Each fellow will be paired with a mentor from the Rural Cancer Institute who will provide guidance and support throughout the research process. This includes help with project design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.

Fellows must attend monthly meetings organized by the Rural Cancer Institute. These meetings will include seminars on research methodologies, discussions on rural health challenges, and presentations by guest speakers who are leaders in the field. Fellows will also have the opportunity to present their ongoing research for peer review and receive constructive feedback.

By the end of the fellowship, participants will have completed a research project that contributes to the understanding of rural cancer care. They will have developed skills in research design, data analysis, and academic writing, positioning them to become leaders in rural health research. The fellowship aims to produce findings that can lead to tangible improvements in cancer care for rural populations.