THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS CANCER CENTER INTRODUCES C-CLEAR: EMPOWERING FUTURE CLINICAL RESEARCHERS
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The University of Kansas Cancer Center launched the CAREERS in CLINICAL RESEARCH PROGRAM (C-CLEAR Program) this summer, designed to introduce college students in the region to the dynamic field of clinical research. Spearheaded by Joseph Hines, II, MPH, Senior Director of Research Operations at KU Cancer Center, the eight-week immersive program provides pre-medical students with a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to careers in clinical research.
The inspiration for the C-CLEAR Program stems from Hines’ personal journey. Growing up in a small, rural, agricultural town in South Carolina where the main crops were tobacco and cotton, Hines attended an all-Black elementary school and later a historically Black college/university (HBCU). During his time as a biology major, Hines felt constrained by limited exposure to diverse career opportunities, which seemed restricted to medicine, teaching, or benchwork. By his senior year, he began questioning his career path and eventually opted to pursue a career in public health rather than attending medical school. This experience of exploring career options motivated Hines to create the C-CLEAR Program.
"My inspiration for the C-CLEAR Program comes from a desire to offer students the opportunities and knowledge that I wish I had when I was starting my career," Hines said. "If I had known that clinical research was an option for me, would the trajectory of my career path be different?"
Diversity is crucial in clinical research, as a broad range of perspectives and experiences lead to more innovative solutions. Moreover, a diverse clinical research workforce fosters trust within underrepresented communities, thereby increasing participation in clinical trials and ensuring that study results are applicable to all population groups. However, minorities remain underrepresented in clinical trials. A 2022 analysis found that among 32,000 participants in new drug trials in the U.S. in 2020, only 8% were Black, 6% Asian, and 11% Hispanic. Programs like C-CLEAR, along with the cancer center’s high school summer research program, Accelerate Cancer Education, aim to build a workforce reflective of the people it serves.
The C-CLEAR Program stands out by immersing students in the clinical research environment at the cancer center’s Clinical Trials Office, located in the JCERT-funded KU Clinical Research Center. According to Hines, while several national programs focus on developing individuals interested in basic sciences, few embed trainees directly in a clinical research setting.
The program expands career horizons for students interested in clinical research. This year, three pre-med students participating in C-CLEAR have expressed interest in oncology and pediatric oncology. The program has broadened their understanding of the diverse careers available within clinical research. Participants receive training similar to that of full-time Clinical Trials Office employees.
"This is a great opportunity for students to understand where science and medicine intersect," Hines said. "Students can start as clinical research coordinators, regulatory coordinators, or data coordinators. If they pursue careers as doctors or physician assistants, they can become investigators, collaborate with pharmaceutical companies, and develop new clinical trials."
By program’s end, participants earn their Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification, an internationally recognized qualification that ensures individuals involved in clinical research are knowledgeable about the ethical and scientific quality standards required for designing, conducting, recording, and reporting clinical trials.
While participating in C-CLEAR, students also gain exposure to early-phase oncology research. This experience is particularly valuable as it offers a real-world view of how clinical research moves from the laboratory to patient care.
"KU Cancer Center is one of the few institutions regionally with dedicated space for early-phase research," Hines noted. "These are first-in-human models, moving compounds from the laboratory directly to human trials to assess safety and effectiveness. This internship offers students a rare chance to witness groundbreaking science in action."
By providing a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience within a clinical setting, the C-CLEAR Program inspires the next generation of clinical researchers and healthcare professionals. It equips them with the knowledge and skills to make significant contributions to the field and the communities they serve.
"The world of clinical research is, in my opinion, endless," Hines said. "There’s room for everybody to find their place in this field. The C-CLEAR program is that doorway into this new world."
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