Students for global oncology: Building a movement for student education and engagement in an emerging field

Program/Project Purpose: Increased recognition of the global cancer burden and inequalities in care and outcomes have led to the growing field of global oncology, focused on strengthening health systems to improve cancer prevention and care. Motivated students and trainees are in need of pathways to approach these challenges. In 2012, Harvard Medical students formed Students for Global Oncology (S4GO), an adjunct to the larger inter-professional organization Global Oncology. The group had three aims: 1) connect students with mentors in the field, 2) develop novel approaches in global oncology, and 3) disseminate global oncology knowledge. Structure/Method/Design: S4GO has created content and organized events to increase awareness about the global cancer burden, while promoting trainee opportunities in research and practical hands-on projects. Engagement was enhanced by mentorship from more senior students and faculty, to interface with existing global oncology projects. Outcomes & Evaluation: Since 2012, S4GO has grown from two to 68 students. Currently, new chapters at seven other institutions in the US and Canada are being developed. As of October 2014, S4GO has developed a case-based cancer care delivery curriculum with six case-based seminars, along with numerous blog entries and interviews of leading researchers in the field of global oncology, all available on the S4GO website. Students have completed projects in over nine countries and are actively involved in technological and on-the-ground efforts to develop creative solutions and collaborations aimed at easing the global cancer burden. Held in February 2014, the inaugural student-led global oncology symposium involved 200 individuals from across the world, including leaders in global health, pharmaceutical industry, public policy and cancer care. This symposium has been viewed by hundreds online and has fostered novel collaborations and projects focused on enhancing cancer care delivery. Going Forward: In the coming years, S4GO will continue efforts to build awareness and catalyze creative solutions for cancer care in resource-limited settings. These efforts will increase exposure for novel and successful student efforts as well as intra-institutional and intra-professional activity.