Damon Runyon Physician-Scientist Training Award

Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation's Physician-Scientist Training Award is a U.S. foundation program for MD and DO physicians moving from clinical practice into cancer research. It is a four-year award built to protect time for research while a physician completes the transition to a laboratory or translational career. The foundation uses it as part of a broader cancer-research portfolio, but this track is specifically aimed at physician-scientists rather than established investigators. The award provides $460,000 over four years, with annual support that rises from $100,000 to $130,000. It can also include up to $100,000 in medical school debt repayment and a $1,000-per-child annual dependent allowance. Applicants must be MD or DO physicians, already through residency and clinical training, U.S. Specialty Board eligible before the start date, and able to devote at least 80 percent effort to research. MD/PhD holders are ineligible, and applicants cannot hold concurrent K awards except an institutional K12. The application is run through Proposal Central and requires a mentor plus institutional commitment letters from both the dean or center director and the department head. That combination points to a program that values a clear research environment, committed sponsorship, and a realistic transition plan. It suits physicians with limited postdoctoral lab experience who can show strong cancer-research potential and the support needed to make the shift stick.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.