December 19, 2024
As a postdoctoral fellow at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, Leah Lambart, PhD, MPH, brings a unique blend of expertise in health policy, public health and clinical research to the team. With a PhD in Health Policy and Management and Master of Public Health, Dr. Lambart’s academic and professional journey has been fueled by a desire to improve public health and address disparities in cancer care. A KU Cancer Center trainee member, Dr. Lambart is leveraging professional networks and career opportunities to amplify her impact in the field of cancer research. In this Q&A, she shares the experiences that inspired her career, the challenges and opportunities in her research and her vision for a more equitable future in cancer care.
What inspired you to pursue a career in cancer research?
As an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan, I got involved in a research mentorship program, working in NIH-funded labs, training for careers in research and networking with other students interested in similar careers. From that time, I have mostly worked at academic medical centers in clinical research. I’ve been involved with projects ranging from Alzheimer’s disease to tobacco control and cessation. In addition, I have taught introduction to public health in both community college and doctoral program settings for many years. During these experiences, my curiosity in public health methods increased and helped me refine my interests.
Most of my clinical research experience was with tobacco control studies which gave me first-hand experience with the difficulties in quitting smoking as well as health effects of long-term tobacco use. Since cigarettes are the single largest cause of preventable cancer, working in cancer research seemed like the next logical step in reducing suffering and improving public health. My PhD studies focused on increasing lung cancer screening, which was the ideal training for my current role.
What is your area of research?
My current area of research is in development with so many exciting opportunities to explore. One promising area is how to increase cancer screenings in the right way to reach the right people. Ideally, a cancer screening program would find people at the highest risk and not screen too many people at low risk. Finding that balance between over and underscreening, as well as how to reach more people, is a challenge but worth the effort. The more cancers we can find at early stages means that treatment options are more effective and survival chances are highest.
There are many paths after a post-doc. How did you choose your path? What are your long-term career goals in the field of cancer research?
My current role as a post-doc is based on years of work in public health practice and research interests. As I was completing my PhD and looking for the next step, this job stood out as an exceptional way to improve public health and contribute to meaningful research.
My long-term goals are to continue building the research efforts within the cancer center’s Community Outreach and Engagement program. There are so many opportunities to reach priority populations, decrease disparities in cancer care delivery and ensure everyone has access to the entire cancer care continuum. Our catchment area, which encompasses Kansas and western Missouri, represents a large proportion of rural patients, which is a huge area for disparities research. I grew up in rural, small towns, so I have first-hand experience and a special place in my heart for the challenges people face when living rurally.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in cancer research?
Talk to as many researchers as soon as you can. Try out different jobs within research and cancer research. Figure out how you like to work and pursue options that enhance your skills. If you have a passion for helping people and reducing the cancer disease burden, there are opportunities within the field that can match many different skill sets, from bench science to community engagement. Keep searching until you find the right fit.