Program in Oncology

Director: Kevin J. Cullen, MD
Professor, Department of Medicine

Within the School of Medicine and the other UMB schools, the Program in Oncology and the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center serve to facilitate cancer-related activities on campus. The Program in Oncology is the academic core of the Cancer Center and is based in the School of Medicine. Faculty members of the program recognize a level of excellence in, and dedication to, cancer-related teaching, research, patient care and community outreach activities. The Program in Oncology members have academic appointments in various clinical and basic science departments of the School of Medicine and other UMB schools, such as Pharmacy, Dentistry, Social Work and Nursing. Activities of the Program in Oncology include basic and translational cancer research, student and house officer teaching and a strong focus on new therapies in both an inpatient 40-bed unit and outpatient setting. In addition to full-time attending services on medical oncology and hematology, Cancer Center members participate in multidisciplinary clinical programs centered around specific cancers (e.g. breast, thoracic, genitourinary, gynecologic, head and neck, gastroenterologic and hematologic malignancies) with specialists from surgical and radiation oncology to provide integrated care for the cancer patient.

The University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center has substantial NCI/NIH funding and is one of only six National Cancer Institute planning centers. The Cancer Center is a strong participant in new drug development and trials, and is one of only a few cancer centers with an NCI Phase I Clinical Trials grant. Virtually every important drug in use in oncology today has been tested in this program. The Cancer Center has also established strong programs in Molecular and Structural Biology, Hormone Responsive Cancers, Tumor Immunology, Viral Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics. The members have a strong commitment to intra- and inter-institutional cooperative cancer research.

Students and residents participate in weekly grand rounds and conferences, and students are encouraged to become involved in research projects with Program in Oncology members. Fellows at the Cancer Center work closely with senior faculty physicians and benefit from a comprehensive training and research environment. The Fellowship Program is a joint activity of the Cancer Center and the Division of Hematology/Oncology of the Department of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. During the program, fellows receive intensive clinical training in a wide range of malignancies and support for independent, clinical and basic research projects.