This program is tailored to train early-career researchers and students in clinical diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer and various surgical approaches. It aims to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills. The target group includes graduate students, research fellows, and postdoctoral researchers passionate about thyroid cancer.

· Weekly mentorship meetings with Prof. WU and a multidisciplinary research team

· Access to advanced laboratory facilities, including clinical thyroid cancer proteomics and basic research based on Genetically engineered mouse models of thyroid cancer.

· Real-time involvement in clinical trials and translational research projects

· Opportunities to publish articles or abstracts in peer-reviewed journals and present research posters or papers at conferences

· Critical thinking, analytical, and practical inquiry skills utilizing the latest approaches in healthcare and medical research

· Skills in critical appraisal, research design, and understanding of the entire medical research process

· Understand the various surgical approaches of thyroid cancer.

· Understand recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring and nanocarbon negative contrast technology in thyroid cancer surgery.

· Develop proficiency in cutting-edge laboratory techniques, such as proteomics, et al.

· Gain experience in clinical trial design and analysis

· Cultivate skills in scientific writing and grant preparation

1. Clinical diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer and various surgical approaches

2. Multicenter Trial: Effect of sternocleidomastoid intermuscular approach versus Linea alba cervicalis approach for unilateral radical thyroidectomy 

3. Proteomic characterization for clinically relevant subtypes of papillary thyroid cancer

Undergraduate students:

Candidates should be enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in Medicine, or a related field. Prior coursework in Surgery is preferred. Basic proficiency in English is required.

Graduate students:

Candidates must be enrolled in a Master’s, M.D. or Ph.D. program in Medicine, General Surgery, or a related field. Familiarity with research methodologies and laboratory techniques is required. Fluency in English is mandatory.

Researcher fellows:

Applicants should have an advanced degree (M.Sc. M.D. Ph.D. or equivalent) in a medicine discipline with some prior research experience. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to work independently and contribute to team projects. Proficiency in English is essential.

Doctors:

Candidates must hold an M.D. degree with clinical experience, preferably in oncology or surgery. Research experience is not mandatory but is a strong advantage. Applicants must be fluent in English.

Postdocs:

Postdoctoral fellows should have a Ph.D. in general surgery, or an M.D. with clinical training in medicine, or the equivalent of education, training and experience. Candidates should be fluent in English.

Daily Training Schedule:

Monday:

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Lecture on Basics of Tumor Immunology

1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Wet lab training: Molecular Biology Experiment 

Tuesday:

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Workshop on bioinformatics tools for biomarker discovery

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Journal club: Discussing recent papers in cancer omics

Wednesday:

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Data analysis for clinical trial results

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: One-on-one mentorship meetings

Program Training Schedule:

1. Session Name:

1. Introduction & Welcome

Time Duration: (1 day)

Activities:

· Workshop overview and objectives

· Introduction of facilitators/tutors

2. Foundational Session

Time Duration: ( 1 week)

Topics:

· Key concepts and theories related to the research focus

· Literature review or background studies

Format: Lecture, interactive Q&A, or multimedia presentations

3. Practical/Hands-On Session

Time Duration: (3 weeks)

Activities:

· Demonstrations of research tools or methods (e.g. lab equipment, software)

· Practice exercises where participants replicate a research technique

· Guided small-group activities for solving a case or analyzing data

4. Focused Research Topics

Time Duration: (3 weeks)

Topics:

· Specialized areas of the research focus (e.g. recent trends, challenges, or advanced techniques)

Format: Interactive lectures, panel discussions, or guest speakers

5. Collaborative Session

Time Duration: (1 week)

Activities:

· Group projects or brainstorming sessions

· Problem-solving exercises or simulations

6. Wrap-Up & Reflection

Time Duration: (2 days)

Activities:

· Participant presentations or discussion of key takeaways

· Feedback session (e.g. online survey or live Q&A)

Assessment Methods:

· Submission of a final research report summarizing lab work and findings

· Practical assessments during wet lab sessions

· Certificates provided upon successful completion of the program

Feedback:

Participants can submit anonymous feedback via an online form at the end of the program. One-on-one feedback sessions will also be scheduled midway through the program.

The program is free of charge.