Why Siteman?

• The Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities (PECaD) has established a national model for eliminating local and regional cancer disparities. This includes efforts to achieve breast health equity (Cancers (Basel), 2022) and equity in access to survivor services (Front Oncol, 2023).
• Siteman investigators prevent tobacco use through research on access to tobacco outlets (Am. J. Public Health, 2017) and tobacco-related science policy (Cancer Prev Res (Phila), 2023).
• We are national leaders in smoking cessation treatment, disseminating our inpatient approaches to change practice in health systems and facilities across the Siteman catchment area in addition to the interventions outside of our clinics and in high-need community settings. (Contemp Clin Trials, 2019). Siteman investigators have also established a proof of concept for a personalized genetic risk tool to promote smoking cessation (Cancer Prev Res (Phila), 2021).
• Our work in breast cancer prevention has led to improvements in risk stratification (Breast Cancer Res., 2022) and advanced personalized, precision prevention (Biostatistics, 2023).
• Siteman researchers provide lung cancer screenings and study the use of imaging surveillance for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., 2019) to address excess lung cancer mortality in rural patients across the country who do not have adequate access to lung screenings.
• Our investigators impact and drive the development of practices and paradigms for cancer prevention and control, including reducing tobacco-related disparities (JAMA Intern. Med., 2016).
• We set priorities to address rural cancer disparities (Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev., 2018), and advancing new frameworks for translating research into practice to address disparities (BMC Public Health, 2019).
• Siteman researchers developed the widely-used Program Sustainability Assessment Tool as the first reliable instrument to measure an organization’s capacity for sustaining programs over time (Prev. Chronic Dis., 2014).
• Our researchers filled a national need when they developed the first model for training in implementation science for cancer control for postdoctoral scholars and early-career faculty (Implement. Sci., 2015, 2013).

• Siteman’s Genome Sequencing Center completed the sequence of one-third of the human genome. The International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium, which includes Washington University, published a nearly complete sequence of the human genome. This landmark achievement will have a profound impact on the understanding of disease, including cancer (Nat Genet., 1999).
• Our investigators mapped the first cancer patient’s genome, the first African American patient’s genome, and the first breast cancer patient’s genome (Nature, 2010).
• The Genome Center and Siteman Cancer Center, sequence the first human cancer genome from a patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (Nature, 2008).
• The first brain tumor biopsy surgery using magnetic stereotaxis was preformed here by Dr. Ralph G. Dacey (1998). This technique uses magnetic fields to precisely manipulate surgical tools within the brain.
• Developed a blood test to detect a thyroid cancer gene mutation, allowing for the first surgical prevention of cancer via thyroid removal (Ann Surg., 1994).
• Lee Ratner, MD, is the first to develop an infectious molecular clone of a human T-cell leukemia virus (Virology, 1994).

• We were instrumental in developing the world’s first big bore CT scanner, featuring an 85-centimeter bore to allow for better positioning and imaging for patients with immobilization devices and becoming the de facto standard for real-time simulation and CT imaging.
• The Kling Center for Proton Therapy, the first single-vault proton therapy center in the country, is located at Siteman. Proton beam radiation is a highly precise form of therapy that delivers radiation especially suited to cancers that occur in close proximity to critical tissues, such as the brain, eye or spinal cord.
• The world’s first MRI-guided radiation therapy treatment is performed at Siteman Cancer Center. The treatment technique allows tumors to be visualized and treatment adapted (Med Phys., 2015).
• Siteman is home to one of the strongest radiology programs in the world (Radiology Review, 2021).
• Our researchers in the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology are internationally recognized as leaders in the development of novel imaging agents to improve cancer detection, monitor treatment response, and guide cancer therapy.
• Positron emission tomography (PET), a powerful functional imaging test was developed at Washington University by researchers in the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology. Siteman researchers have access to exceptional pre-clinical and clinical resources for radiotracer development and translation.
• We developed and translated the first study in humans using a novel radiopharmaceuticals such as progesterone-receptor imaging agent, F-FFNP, for PET imaging of tumor progesterone receptors in breast cancer patients (J Nuclear Med., 2012) and first-in-human study of 64Cu-LLP2A, a VLA-4 imaging agent, for PET imaging of multiple myeloma.
• The Precision Radiotheranostics Translational Center of the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology has the core mission is to develop and apply molecular imaging agents, therapeutics and technology to improve the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer.
• In our theranostic center, we provide radionuclide therapy to our cancer patients and continue doing research in this exciting field of targeted therapy.

• Siteman’s Immunology Program ranked #15 in the U.S. by Science Journal in 2023.
• We were one of the first to offer Yescarta, a CAR-T cell therapy that involves extracting a patient’s own T cells and supercharging them to hone in on cancer cells and destroy them.
• Our investigators developed a first-in-human phase I clinical trial of memory-like NK cells for relapsed AML following allogeneic HCT (NCT01898793).
• Our Center was the site of the first use of a neoantigen DNA vaccine in humans to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the platform (NCT02348320).

• With nearly 4,000 patients enrolled in roughly 700 interventional clinical trials, Siteman offers access to investigational therapies not generally available to the public.
• Siteman clinicians see over 10,000 new cancer patients per year.
• Our investigators have changed the standard of patient care through their key roles in clinical trials that led to new drug approvals. In the last two years alone, successful trials have included the use of Sotorasib for lung cancers with KRAS p. G12C mutation, Pembrolizumab in endometrical cancer, and Mosunetuzumab in relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (trials were conducted through funding and collaborations with Amgen, the National Cancer Institute, F Hoffmann-La Roche, and Gentech).
• Dedicated clinical research staff are provided to assist with patient coordination and protocol development.
• Siteman clinical investigators have lead roles in national clinical research organizations including the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, Children’s Oncology Group, NRG Oncology, and the Experimental Therapeutics Clinical Trials Network.

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• One of the premier medical schools in the world.
• Since its founding in 1891, WUSM has trained 9,271 physicians and has contributed groundbreaking discoveries in many areas of medical research.
• WUSM is internationally known for research in neuroscience, genetics, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, oncology, immunology, diagnostic imaging and many other areas.
• Recognized for its distinguished achievements in original research, current WUSM faculty include 13 National Academy of Sciences fellows, 27 members of the National Academy of Medicine, five investigators with NIH MERIT status, and 18 Nobel laureates have been associated with WUSM.

In fiscal year 2018, WUSM received more than $449.3 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health. Washington University ranks as one of the top 10 academic
institutions for NIH funding.

The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion was established to foster a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community. The office provides diversity, equity and inclusion assistance and resources to the faculty, staff and students of the School of Medicine. Important initiatives that the office is primarily focused on include:

• Raising awareness of diversity in the campus community.
• Developing and sharing strategies and educational methods to enhance inclusivity in our organizational culture.
• Supporting efforts to recruit and retain a more diverse workforce.
• Developing and improving the career development paths for underrepresented minorities working at the School of Medicine.
• Events, evaluate climate, provide resources and training.

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs is designed to be an advocate for postdoctoral researchers and postdoctoral issues, to create and provide training and career development opportunities for postdoctoral researchers, to be a central resource for information regarding postdoctoral training, and to assist in the development of a diverse community of postdoctoral researchers. This office provides postdoctoral scholars with policies, benefits, resources, career tools, events, and funding opportunities.

For a student perspective, visit: mdadmissions.wustl.edu/student-life/the-dis-orientation-guide.

See more at medicine.wustl.edu.

• Consistently recognized as one of the nation’s top hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
• Transplant Services – Barnes-Jewish Hospital has the only comprehensive transplant center in the region offering heart, heart & lung, lung, double lung, kidney, liver, pancreas islet cell and bone marrow transplants. In addition to achieving outcomes that meet or beat national averages, the transplant program is known for quality and continuity of care.
• The Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Barnes-Jewish provides full diagnostic procedures including computed tomography, nuclear medicine and interventional radiology. The Institute has pioneered many radiological milestones including becoming the first in Missouri to combine PET and CT scanning.
• 1,800 member medical staff with many who are recognized as “Best Doctors in America.”
• the first adult hospital in Missouri to be certified as a “Magnet Hospital” by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The Magnet Award is the highest honor awarded for hospital nursing by the ANCC.
• Barnes-Jewish Hospital is the largest hospital in Missouri and the largest private employer in the St. Louis region. An affiliated teaching hospital of Washington University School of Medicine, BJH has a 1,723-member medical staff which includes full-time academic faculty of the school, as well as private physicians. They are supported by over 1,100 residents and fellows, in addition to nurses, technicians, and other health-care personnel.
• Exceptional quality and unmatched experience has earned BJH a premier reputation in patient care, medical education, research, and community service. BJH is a nonprofit institution and is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
• Investigational Drug Service (IDS). The IDS at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (distinct from the SCC outpatient IDS described elsewhere in this application) has the necessary experienced personnel (research pharmacists and technicians) and facilities for receipt, storage, dispensing and inventory of study products. The IDS pharmacy occupies approximately 2,760 square feet and is inclusive of areas for sterile compounding as well as handling and preparation of viral/bacterial based
  products. All medications are stored within Pyxis machines for additional medication security. The IDS pharmacy maintains temperature-controlled refrigerators (2-8C), freezers (-20C and -80C) and ambient storage with
  temperatures monitored continuously via a central monitoring system. The facility is restricted-access and requires keycard for entry. The pharmacy has extensive experience with investigational drug management for research studies and is available around the clock every day of the year.
• See more at barnesjewish.org

• St. Louis Children’s Hospital was founded in 1879, and is the oldest pediatric hospital west of the Mississippi River and the seventh oldest in the United States.
• SLCH has 390 licensed beds, including a 41-bed pediatric intensive care unit, a 38-bed heart center, a 125-bed neonatal intensive care unit and a 16-bed pediatric bone marrow transplant unit.
• SLCH is a non-profit teaching hospital and for over 135 years has been at the forefront of pediatric medicine, developing new therapies and understanding children’s health issues.
• The hospital’s physicians share their vast experience as faculty at WUSM. The hospital serves as a regional, national and international referral center, offering comprehensive care and providing a full range of health services for children and their families.
• The medical and surgical staff of SLCH includes specialists in all pediatric disciplines, with more than 30 subspecialty departments and divisions.
• The pediatric hematology/oncology program at SLCH is the largest comprehensive program for children with blood diseases or cancer in the region.
• SLCH was the first hospital in Missouri to develop a comprehensive pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Program.
• The SLCH BMT unit is one of the only pediatric facilities nationwide certified to perform transplants from unrelated donors.

See more at: stlouischildrens.org