Wisconsin Survivorship Program, UW Carbone Cancer Center

The focus of the Wisconsin Survivorship Program is to translate research into practice by developing and sharing the latest survivorship interventions with healthcare providers, patients, caregivers and others across the state and beyond. 

The program includes experts from oncology, primary care, kinesiology, human factors engineering and advocacy groups, and addresses the needs of diverse cancer types (ranging from breast, prostate and colon cancer surivors to bone marrow transplant receipent). Research sites have included tertiary academic centers as well as smaller community oncology practices.

Project opportunities

A project with the UW Carbone Cancer Center and the Wisconsin Survivorship Program is an exciting way to learn more about improving health outcomes and quality of life for cancer survivors through use of health information technology to facilitate population health activities and provide decision support for patients (survivors) and clinicians.

MPH students work directly with the program leaders (Drs. Sesto and Tevaarwerk) on projects designed to build students’ skills and practical public health experience. Possible projects are identified below but the program is receptive to students’ project suggestions related to cancer survivorship.

Current project activities include:

  1. Assist with identifying and developing process maps and content for a cancer survivorship toolkit to be published and used by oncology and primary care clinicians providing survivorship care
  2. Compile management and surveillance information for solid tumor and hematologic cancer types for use by primary care and patients
  3. Prepare materials, including content and visual aids for use in the toolkit
  4. Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with clinical oncology health services researchers as well as external partners (e.g., Gilda’s Club, Breast Cancer Recovery)
  5. Other duties as assigned

Student qualifications include:

  • Interest in population health management of cancer patients
  • Ability to develop and compile survivorship content for use by patients and clinicians
  • Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse range of groups and agencies
  • Strong written and speaking skills
  • Self-direction to learn about the topic area when provided resources and ability
  • Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) and EHR technology will be viewed favorably

A medical or nursing background is not required.