Are you a research advocate or know someone who would like to:

• Have a greater understanding of the concepts that contribute to the development of personalized medicine- genomics, proteomics, biomarkers?
• Be able to relate these concepts to specific research results?
• Be more effective in understanding and communicating research results that will change how cancer is treated?

Apply today to participate in the Focus on Research class for 2009. The program includes exciting discussions about concepts in oncology research and how research results progress to better patient care.

Focus on Research is a system of preparatory conference calls, virtual classroom (webinars), learning materials and mentoring to prepare advocates to attend research oriented meetings.  The purpose of physical attendance at ASCO 2009 will be to gather knowledge about biomedical advances and share this information with the advocate’s organization and constituency.

Highlights of the course includes:

• Web Lecture Series with facilitated discussion groups begins in May. Topics include concepts contributing to personalized medicine - genomics, proteomics, biomarkers.
• Networking events at the ASCO meeting
• Attendance and reporting from the scientific sessions at the ASCO meeting (certain number of hours attendance and session reports required)
• Attendance at the research review sessions for advocates at the ASCO meeting
• Opportunities to be a more effective advocate and communicate with researchers and your patient constituency better

Applications may be completed online by clicking here and are due April 24, 2009. There is no charge to participate in the course. Participants are responsible for costs of ASCO meeting registration and travel costs and are offered housing at the Focus on Research room block and meeting registration. Organizations are urged to sponsor advocates as there are travel scholarships available.

Research Advocacy Network’s Advocate Institute provides advocates with multiple learning modalities in order to better understand the medical research system, participant protections and scientific concepts for more effective interactions with the research “world”.  Advocates are often geographically dispersed and range in their knowledge of the system and scientific concepts. The Research Advocacy Network (RAN) Advocate Institute provides a means of directing the passion of patient advocates to more effective interactions with researchers through curriculum, on site presentations and online learning opportunities. A basic understanding of the science that leads to treatments for people is essential for patient advocates.

For questions, please email Elda Railey erailey@researchadvocacy.org.

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