Team Science Workshop

This signature program convenes oncology care professionals from Japan and across Asia for a unique, interprofessional educational experience. Guided by mentorship from a distinguished faculty from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Hawai’i Cancer Center, and leading Japanese institutions, participants engage in a dynamic combination of didactic lectures and interactive small group discussions. The curriculum is designed to nurture the essential leadership skills and career pathways required to transform patient-centered cancer care through a team-based, multidisciplinary framework.

As one of J-TOP’s core programs since 2003, we have held this workshop a total of 23 times to date. Serving as an educational platform that drives the promotion and development of “TeamOncology” in Japan and Asia, its curriculum has continuously evolved while always incorporating the latest knowledge and approaches.

“Innovative Team Approaches to Rapid Changes”

Since fiscal year 2022, under the theme of “Innovative Team Approaches to Rapid Changes,” the workshop has been developed to teach innovative team strategies and leadership, enabling diverse healthcare professionals to collaborate and overcome complex challenges.

Objectives

1. Develop inclusive strategies that empower multidisciplinary clinical and scientific teams by integrating diverse perspectives and fostering an equitable research environment.
2. Formulate personal and team Mission & Vision statements.
3. Enhance leadership skills and effective communication with a focus on building inclusive teams, promoting diverse leadership, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all team members.
4. Design personal career development plans that consider diverse career paths, address potential barriers, and promote equitable access to professional growth opportunities.
5. Identify disparities in access to high-quality cancer care in Japan and other Asian countries, exploring projects that address these challenges while prioritizing equitable solutions and inclusive approaches.

Main Features of the Team Science Workshop

• Networking with a World-Class Faculty and Diverse Professionals from Across Asia
  Participants receive direct guidance and mentorship from a distinguished international faculty. This includes world-class experts from leading institutions in the United States, such as The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, as well as from major institutions throughout Japan and Asia.
  The workshop brings together a diverse group of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, from across Japan and other Asian countries. This international and multidisciplinary environment provides a valuable opportunity to build a lasting professional network and gain multifaceted perspectives on cancer care.
• Practical Leadership and Communication Skills to Transform Your Clinical Practice
  This workshop is not merely a seminar for learning medical knowledge. In a program where over 90% of participants reported being ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ , you will thoroughly learn practical leadership and communication skills to empower multidisciplinary teams through topics such as Psychological Safety and Emotional Intelligence.
• Project-Based Learning (PBL) with Multinational, Multidisciplinary Teams to Tackle Real-World Challenges
  Participants form teams with members from different countries and professions to work on projects themed around real-world social issues, such as disparities in access to cancer care and challenges facing the AYA (Adolescent and Young Adult) generation. The program aims to practically cultivate strategic thinking skills to integrate diverse values and derive equitable solutions.
• A Trusted Learning Community Emphasizing Psychological Safety and Equity
  Throughout the entire program, an emphasis is placed on “Psychological Safety,” which allows participants to express their opinions with confidence, and “Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion,” which ensures equitable opportunities for all members from diverse backgrounds.
• Collaboration with Cancer Survivors
  Cancer survivors also participate in this workshop as attendees and observers, joining the discussions. This provides an invaluable opportunity for healthcare professionals to learn directly from cancer survivors, collaborate, and co-create better cancer care, putting the principles of “Patient-Centered, Multidisciplinary Cancer Care” into practice.
• Comprehensive Communication Support to Overcome Language Barriers
  The common language used during the workshop is English. To ensure an equitable environment where all attendees can participate fully, simultaneous interpretation between Japanese and English is provided for all major lectures. During small group discussions, support is provided by the mentors and tutors assigned to each group.
• A Pathway to Next-Generation Leadership Programs (EPOCH & JME)
  Participants who demonstrate outstanding performance in this workshop will be considered for selection into J-TOP’s advanced programs. These include the “EPOCH Program,” which cultivates future J-TOP tutor candidates, and the “JME Program,” which offers a short-term study abroad opportunity at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center. This workshop serves as the starting point for a career path toward becoming a leader in oncology.