Under the Programs to Enhance Diversity (PED) component of the National Cancer Institute鈥檚 Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG), Huntsman Cancer Institute is tasked with developing programs, initiatives, and infrastructure to enhance the participation of underrepresented populations in the research workforce and cancer center leadership by supporting career-enhancing opportunities for faculty, staff, and learners from all backgrounds.
These programs are organized as part of a federally funded grant ().
Areas of Focus
Huntsman Cancer Institute鈥檚 Office of Programs to Enhance Diversity is integral to our guiding principle to put the patient and community first as we strive to reduce the cancer burden in our state and region. In alignment with the requirements of our , some of our priorities include the following:
Establishing strategies and priorities
Establishing strategies and priorities to improve access to our programs, including research, patient care, faculty and staff training, and engagement with the broader community in professional workforce development initiatives.
Promoting access
Promoting access to cancer research, care, hiring, training, and more for all members of our community.
Ensuring discoveries reach all communities
Ensuring our cancer science discoveries reach all communities, with a special focus on programs that address the disparities of the people in the area we serve鈥擨daho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming, including rural and frontier populations. These programs address distance as a major disparity in access to cancer screening, care, and other essential services. We are committed to meeting federal requirements that mandate access for rural and frontier populations, older adults, and children and extending our scope broadly to all members of the population.
Contributing to scientific and medical advancement
Contributing to a range of activities designed to advance scientific and medical insights that will improve our research and clinical programs. These efforts are organized around understanding and serving communities across the Mountain West.
Evaluating research program participation
Evaluating participation in our region鈥檚 largest clinical cancer research program operated by Huntsman Cancer Institute, organized directly under the infrastructure of our Cancer Center Support Grant. This grant requires us to ensure representation across gender, racial and ethnic diversity, rural and frontier status, and age groups. These are important metrics to evaluate whether people in the Mountain West have access to our best care.
More than 300 cutting-edge clinical trials are currently available, with many that are the first or only in the region. Because there are so many new cancer drugs, clinical trials are the best possible care that any person diagnosed with cancer can receive. We are dedicated to ensuring the people we serve have access to these options鈥攑articularly when they must overcome burdens like travel and time away from work and family to access them.
Our Goals
People
Enhance the participation of trainees, faculty, and staff from groups nationally underrepresented in the cancer research workforce by seeking out unique opportunities within the Area We Serve.
Programs
Promote a culture of inclusivity and belonging to support early- and mid-career clinicians and researchers from all backgrounds in career development, mentorship, and advancement to leadership roles.
Practices
Leverage institutional commitment and infrastructure to advance equity in cancer outcomes
Progress
Utilize quantitative and qualitative data for monitoring and evaluating progress toward enhancing diversity and belonging in the cancer research workforce, leadership, and advisory boards.
Programs and Initiatives
Chats for Change
A lunch-and-learn series, 鈥淐hats for Change," engages with members of the Huntsman Cancer Institute community in thought-provoking conversations. These sessions aim to foster positive and sustained improvement in interactions with colleagues from varied backgrounds.
Program Liaison Initiative
This initiative seeks to streamline communication, improve collaboration, create pathways, and cultivate leadership opportunities for early- and mid-career Cancer Center members.
Our Team
Gita Suneja, MD, MS
Senior Director
View Profile
Anna Marsden, MBA
Senior Manager
Sheila Sconiers, MEd
Talent Development Manager
Leslie Salamanca, MPH
Program Coordinator
Peter Monsivais
Administrative Manager
Resources
Land Acknowledgement
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah rests on Indigenous land that reflects the rich history of our state and region. We are committed to honoring, respecting, and protecting the story and the People of this sacred place.
