Qualitative Training Institute for Enhancing Cancer Research (CancerQTI)

Providing clinician scientists and oncology researchers with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to integrate qualitative methodological approaches into research across the cancer care continuum.

Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s Qualitative Training Institute for Enhancing Cancer Research (CancerQTI) is a six-month skills development training program designed to strengthen the use of rigorous, state-of-the-science qualitative methods in cancer research. CancerQTI consists of three virtual sessions, a weeklong (April 5 – 9, 2027) in-person intensive at Graylyn Estate in Winston-Salem, NC, and five months of structured group mentorship to support skill development and practical application. Participants will engage in hands-on learning, receive mentorship from experts in qualitative methods and cancer research, and apply skills directly to their own research projects.

CancerQTI provides clinician scientists and oncology researchers with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to integrate qualitative methodological approaches into their research projects.

The program aims to expand the use of high-quality qualitative research methods to better understand patient experiences, inform intervention designs, and enhance the overall impact of cancer research programs. Through this cancer-specific training experience, participants will develop the capacity to design, conduct, and apply qualitative research methods in ways that improve research relevance and ultimately contribute to better outcomes for cancer patients and their families.

Applications are now open for the 2027 CancerQTI cohort!

Deadline to Apply: November 15, 2026

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Who Should Apply?

We invite applicants who:

Have completed an MD, DO, PhD, DrPH, or another research- or health-related doctoral degree. Postdoctoral trainees, residents, fellows, and faculty members at any rank will be considered eligible.
Have a current project or research concept that includes qualitative methods. This includes currently funded projects and projects in development. Applicants must have a sufficiently developed project concept to prepare an NIH-style Specific Aims page. The research topic can focus on any area of the cancer care continuum, including prevention, screening, treatment, rehabilitation, and survivorship.
Are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Are willing to complete all components of the training program.

How to Apply

Complete the CancerQTI application form by November 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Applicants must submit:

Current CV.
Personal statement (2 pages max) describing your career goals in cancer research, how participation in this program will support those goals, and why the training is important for your professional development. Please also describe any previous qualitative research training or experience, if applicable. Prior qualitative training is not required.
An NIH-style Specific Aims page (1 page max) for an existing or proposed research project that uses qualitative methods to address a cancer-related research question. Projects may also include quantitative methods; however, at least one aim must incorporate qualitative methods.

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Program Format

CancerQTI consists of four components:

Virtual Pre-Sessions

Three synchronous (live) 60 to 90-minute virtual sessions via Microsoft Teams.

Session 1: Week of March 15-19, 2027 - day/time TBD
Session 2: Week of March 22-26, 2027 - day/time TBD
Session 3: Week of March 29-April 2, 2027 - day/time TBD

Note: Although synchronous participation is strongly encouraged, these sessions will be recorded and can be viewed asynchronously.

In-Person Intensive Training

Five-day in-person intensive training to be held at the Graylyn Estate April 5 –9, 2027 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Note: CancerQTI's intensive training is best experienced in person and is strongly encouraged. However, virtual participation may be allowed based on extenuating circumstances.

Group Mentoring

Monthly 60 to 90-minute virtual group mentoring sessions for five months with a CancerQTI faculty mentor matched to participants' research interests.

Training Evaluation

Assessments to document knowledge of and confidence in qualitative research methods will be conducted at the beginning and end of the program. Evaluations of each component of the program will be conducted throughout the program.
One 30-minute interview within three months of program completion and annual reporting of scholarly products resulting from CancerQTI training for up to 5 years following program completion.

Topics Included in The Training Program

- Introduction to Qualitative Methods
- Rigor in Qualitative Research
- Overview of Data Collection Methods
- Assessment Tool Development
- Sampling and Recruitment
- Conducting Research with Patients/Families Facing Serious Illnesses
- Data Collection Environment
- Interviewing Skills
- Understanding Cancer-Related Stigma
- Focus Group Moderation Skills
- Documentation and Data Management
- Overview of Analytic Approaches
- Rapid Analysis Techniques
- Coding and Codebook Development
- Use of Qualitative Data Analysis Software
- Code Summaries & Theme Development
- Mixed-Methods Study Design and Analysis
- Disseminating Qualitative Findings
- Grant Writing for Qualitative Studies

CancerQTI Leaders and Team

Erin Sutfin, PhD

Professor, Social Sciences and Health Policy
Email

Kimberly Wiseman, MS, PMP

CancerQTI Program Manager
Email

Meet the Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of qualitative experience is expected?

CancerQTI is designed for researchers with little to no experience with qualitative research methods.

Do I need to have an existing dataset?

You do not need any qualitative data already collected to participate in CancerQTI. The program utilizes several example research projects to help you learn in lieu of your own data.

Can I apply with a project that is still in the idea or design phase?

Yes, although an NIH-style Specific Aims page is required as part of the CancerQTI application, so your project must be thought out enough to write this document. You can apply with a project that has not yet started or one that is in progress.

What if my research is not specifically cancer research but is cancer-adjacent?

To be eligible for CancerQTI, your research topic can focus on any area of the cancer care continuum, including prevention, screening, treatment, rehabilitation, and survivorship. This includes research on cancer risk factors such as obesity, nutrition, tobacco, alcohol, etc.

Can I apply to CancerQTI if I am not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States?

In accordance with requirements of the NCI award, participant support costs (including travel, lodging, and other training-related expenses) are reserved for individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Applicants selected for participation in the training will be required to confirm their eligibility.

How many researchers will be invited to participate in CancerQTI?

Up to 25 cancer researchers will be accepted to participate in CancerQTI each year.

Is there a cost for CancerQTI?

CancerQTI is fully supported by the National Cancer Institute (R25CA302442). Travel, lodging, and per diem are all included in participation for accepted applicants.

Can I participate in part or all of CancerQTI virtually?

CancerQTI’s intensive training is best experienced in person and is strongly encouraged. However, virtual participation may be allowed based on circumstances. Please indicate your need for virtual participation in your application.

What is the expected time commitment for CancerQTI?

Participants will be expected to participate in (1) three 60 to 90-minute virtual pre-sessions over the course of the three weeks prior to the in-person intensive training; (2) the five-day in-person intensive training; (3) monthly mentoring virtual meetings for 5 months post training; (4) one 30-minute evaluation interview post program completion; and (5) annual reporting of scholarly output.

What happens if I cannot attend all the virtual pre-sessions?

While live participation is encouraged, virtual pre-sessions will also be available via recordings for those who are unable to attend.

When will I hear back about my application?

All applicants will be notified about the status of their application by early January, 2027. Accepted applicants will need to confirm their intent to participate in the program by mid-February, 2027.

How will I be paired with a CancerQTI faculty mentor?

CancerQTI faculty members have expertise in qualitative research and across NCI’s cancer care continuum, including etiology, prevention, detection and diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Mentees will be assigned a mentor based on where their research falls along this continuum.

Will I receive feedback on my study design, instruments, or analysis?

There is time built into each day of the in-person intensive training for group meetings with CancerQTI faculty mentors, which may allow feedback on your project. You may also receive feedback on your project during the monthly mentoring sessions with CancerQTI faculty.

Do I need institutional approval to attend?

Participants should ensure that they have sufficient time and institutional support to participate in all required components of the program.

Who leads CancerQTI?

This training program is led by the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Qualitative and Patient-Reported Outcomes (Q-PRO) Shared Resource, under the direction of Erin Sutfin, PhD.

Technology Transfer and Commercialization

Research Focus Areas

Translation to Care

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