Kayla Muñecas, Assistant News Editor
The VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer center underwent several recent changes, including a A $2.7 million grant, new leadership and a new workspace.
The Worta McCaskill-Stevens Grant is meant to facilitate the “training of clinical scientists in community cancer prevention, screening, intervention, control, and treatment research,” specifically clinical scientists whose focus includes enhancing care for minorities, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Dr. Monica Baskin, the center’s new director, said she intends to make the care Massey provides accessible to all Virginians, particularly those in rural communities.
“When someone receives that news of ‘you have cancer,’ I want Massey to be among those top cancer centers that immediately come to mind, ” Baskin said.
Baskin explained that Massey’s “community-to-bench model” allows the center to perform research that is relevant to surrounding communities, from Fredericksburg and Virginia Beach to the Northern Neck.
“By performing robust research that is driven by the needs of our catchment area, enhancing our Community Outreach and Engagement efforts, and recruiting and retaining an unparalleled bench of cancer researchers and providers who will lead future clinical breakthroughs, I know we will get there,” Baskin said.
Baskin previously served as interim director but was named director of the Massey Center in July and is pending official approval from VCU’s Board of Visitors. She stated that she understands that when organizations change hands, it is only natural for people to have concerns.
“I want to be a stabilizing force for Massey – I strive to be the calm in the storm, redirecting the team to our focus and reassuring them that we have the talent and drive to achieve our collective goals,” Baskin said.
The Massey Center acquired the Altria Center for Research and Technology, which will provide more space for the cancer center’s research, according to VCU News.
The center’s proposal for the grant emphasized a dual mentorship program in order to train junior clinician scientists.
Dr. Oxana Palesh, a co-principal investigator for the grant, stated in an email that mentorship was a vital component of the proposal and bridges the gap between following clinical interests with actual research.
“Clinical trial design and symptom management research are rarely taught in standard medical, nursing, clinical psychology or other types of clinical programs,” Palesh stated in an email.
Palesh described training junior clinicians-scientists as a process that required a massive investment of time and effort.
“Beyond long, rigorous clinical training, building a research career in a community oncology network demands specialized expertise and hands-on experience that takes years to cultivate,” Palesh stated.
Palesh stated that VCU was selected because of the quality of their faculty and their success working alongside community networks such as the NCI Community Oncology Research Program. \
Palesh also stated that VCU aligns well with Dr. Worta McCaskill-Stevens’s legacy, honoring her dedication to bringing high-impact cancer care into the community.