The International Development and Education Award (IDEA) provides support for early-career oncologists in low- and middle-income countries and facilitates the sharing of knowledge between these oncologists and members. The program pairs IDEA Recipients with a leading member “Mentor”, enables Recipients to attend the ASCO Annual Meeting, participate in a post-Meeting visit to their Mentor’s institution, and develop long-term relationships to improve cancer care in their countries. In addition, IDEA Recipients will also receive three years of complimentary membership, including a subscription to the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

In addition, the International Development and Education Award in Palliative Care (IDEA-PC) provides medical education in palliative care, assists with career development, and helps establish strong relationships with leading members in the field of palliative care who serve as scientific Mentors to each recipient. IDEA-PC Recipients are expected to share the knowledge and training they receive through the program with colleagues in their home countries once they return.

The IDEA-PC program enables recipients to attend sessions at the ASCO Annual Meeting that address symptom management, communication, end-of-life care, and other relevant topics. The program also includes a visit to the Mentor’s U.S. or Canadian institution to experience palliative care performed in a multidisciplinary environment, and provides an opportunity to cultivate long-term professional relationships that will help improve palliative care in the Recipients’ home countries.

Click here for the IDEA and IDEA-PC Request for Applications

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify for the IDEA and IDEA-PC:

• Be a current resident of a country classified by the World Bank as an LMC and have limited resources to attend the ASCO Annual Meeting.
• Not have completed more than one academic year of “formal training” (for instance, attended medical school, participated in internships, fellowships, or residency programs) in a country classified by the World Bank as High-Income.
• Be a Full Member, Member-in-Training, or International Corresponding member; or submit a membership application in one of these categories.
• Applicants should be within 10 years of graduating from their oncology training program.
• Applicants must be fluent in English (both writing and speaking).
• Must have a demonstrated interest in integrating palliative and supportive care into their institution. This may be shown by attending courses on the topic, participating in related clinical activities, etc. (IDEA-PC Applicants Only)

Application Instructions

All applications must be submitted in accordance to the requirements and instructions of the International Development and Education Award (IDEA) and IDEA-PC Request for Applications. All application materials must be in English and must be submitted through the Application Portal. Paper applications or applications sent by e-mail or fax will not be accepted.

Required Templates: 

IDEA Recommendation

IDEA Biosketch

IDEA Institutional Approval

IDEA Personal Statement

For IDEA and IDEA-PC eligibility and application questions, please contact the IDEA team.