An important mission of the Breast Center is the education and training of future research scientists, physician researchers, and practicing physicians interested in translational breast cancer research or in focused clinical training in the management of this disease. Faculty in the Breast Center believe that it is extremely important for laboratory scientists to have a basic understanding of the medical aspects of breast cancer in order for them to investigate pertinent questions and for practicing physicians to understand the cellular and molecular biology of breast cancer in order to design and test new diagnostic and treatment strategies. The Center offers research laboratory training focusing on translational breast cancer research to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the Baylor College of Medicine, as well as to physicians who have completed their clinical training and desire additional laboratory training in preparation for an academic career.
Funding is provided from a variety of resources, including grants and institutional resources.
Senior laboratory scientists working in a team environment that has been productive for 20 years mentor the students. In addition to scientific training, students are exposed to a formal teaching program, which includes a course in grant writing, a course in biostatistics and trial design, and a course in clinical breast cancer designed specifically for researchers. The program goal is to prepare students and postdoctoral fellows for academic careers focusing on breast cancer research. The Center also offers training for physicians who have completed their medical training in either Medical Oncology or Pathology and who desire additional focused training in breast disease and breast cancer. The pathology fellowship program will include an intensive exposure to diagnostic breast disease and breast cancer pathology and the use of immunhistochemical and molecular techniques to measure prognostic and predictive factors.