University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI)

Membership Overview

One of the major goals of UPCI is to stimulate the academic and clinical environment of the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: To come together for the purpose of conducting state-of-the-art cancer research and providing cutting-edge clinical care driven by cancer research via formal membership in the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI). Membership is distinguished from an academic appointment and does not carry with it any implied obligation of financial support. It does, however, provide substantial benefits to members, as described below.

University of Pittsburgh faculty members, and medical staff members of UPMC and its affiliated hospitals or UPMC Cancer Centers community network sites, are eligible to apply for membership. Membership criteria require that individuals granted membership must have academic and/or medical qualifications; an active professional commitment to participation in high quality cancer research, treatment, patient care and/or education that is consistent with the overall mission of UPCI; and demonstrate an active role in UPCI. The adequacy of the qualifications is judged by a prospective member's scientific background and expertise and by scholarly work, such as publications of high quality, and regional, national, and international presentations. To assess commitment, particular emphasis is placed on a prospective member's ability and willingness to make an active contribution to ongoing UPCI basic and clinical research endeavors, and to collaborate with other UPCI members in planning and carrying out innovative basic, clinical, translational or cancer control and behavioral research related to the etiology, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of cancer. In addition to participating actively in UPCI research, clinical, and educational activities, all members must be willing to serve on appropriate UPCI committees and be willing to participate in other UPCI activities and program areas.

Potential new members are either nominated by program leaders or other UPCI members, or are automatically considered for membership if recruited directly by UPCI. All nominations are sent to the Membership Coordinator in the UPCI Administration Office, who contacts the potential new member and receives a completed online application. A UPCI program(s) that is aligned with the potential new member's research interests and expertise is determined and the Program Leader is contacted for review of the application and recommendation. The Program Leader interacts with the potential member and provides a written assessment and recommendation that is included in the membership packet. The completed membership packet is reviewed by the UPCI Research Leadership Committee, which also serves as the Membership Committee. Upon formal approval by Dr. Davidson, Chair of the Committee, the applicant is notified and appointed to membership in UPCI, following which the program leader works with the new member to achieve integration into the program and the UPCI community.

Membership is limited to two UPCI programs. With sufficient justification, an exception for membership in multiple programs may be granted by the Director of UPCI. Each member is evaluated by the Program Leader annually for continuation of membership. The factors considered for evaluation include the level and quality of research activities, participation in UPCI activities and level of collaborative interactions with other program members. Discontinuation of membership generally signifies cessation of productive research that fits into the programmatic goals of UPCI.