Membership in the Rush University Cancer Center is open to any Rush University Medical Center faculty or staff member interested in supporting the mission and vision of the Cancer Center. This includes faculty with a primary focus in cancer or any related discipline. Our membership requirements, responsibilities, benefits and process for membership are detailed below. Exceptions to the policies listed here will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Vision of the Rush University Cancer Center

The Rush University Cancer Center will be positioned for designation by the National Cancer Institute, will be the program of choice for cancer clinical care in the Chicago and surrounding area, and will be recognized nationally for clinical, research and educational excellence.

Privileges of Membership in the Rush University Cancer Center

Rush University Cancer Center members are eligible for a number of benefits:

• Access to developmental and pilot project grant funds for research
• Potential access to Cancer Center coordinated space for clinical patient care, conduct of basic, clinical and population-based research, and education and training activities
• Opportunities for collaboration with other members
  Access to all Cancer Center communications, including monthly newsletter, new grant funding opportunities, and information on national professional meetings
• Ability to participate in Cancer Center seminars and visiting professor symposia
• Priority access to Cancer Center shared resources
• Inclusion on Rush University Cancer Center Web site
• Ability to participate in Cancer Center retreats and special programs

Responsibilities of Membership in the Rush University Cancer Center

• Willingness to work with other members of the Rush University Cancer Center to develop and participate in research, education and clinical cancer programs
• Provide service to the Center by participating on selected committees and through public outreach programs
  Submit all clinical trials related to cancer to the protocol review and monitoring committee (PRMC) of the Cancer Center
• Notify Rush University Cancer Center administration with updates on all cancer-related intramural proposals and/or extramural grant applications in which the member is or plans to be involved
• Acknowledge Rush University Cancer Center membership in cancer-related publications and presentations
• Obtain approval of Rush University Cancer Center administrative offices prior to use of Rush University Cancer Center resources
• Provide information required for NCI Cancer Center Support Grant reporting
  Participate in philanthropic and other  fundraising activities

Levels and Criteria of Membership in the Rush University Cancer Center

Membership will be reviewed annually, based on membership criteria.

Full — available to the faculty of Rush University Medical Center. Members must meet the following criteria: 1) have academic appointments through Rush University; 2) have a major research or clinical interest in cancer or a related field; 3) have the ability and willingness to contribute to the Rush University Cancer Center. In addition, applicants for full membership must meet at least two of the following criteria: 1) evidence of peer-reviewed publications in cancer within the last three years; 2) evidence of peer-reviewed funding in cancer within the last five years (as PI or as collaborator); 3) evidence of clinical cancer care; 4) evidence of cancer teaching and/or educational activities; 5) participation in cancer center leadership position; 6) cancer related institutional committee service; 7) national and community service related to cancer (e.g. study sections, consultant, position with cancer society or organization).

Affiliate — available to physicians and researchers within and outside of Rush University Medical Center. Affiliate members must meet at least two the following criteria: 1) have academic appointments at a recognized university or college or be credentialed to practice medicine at an accredited hospital or medical center; 2) have a major research or clinical interest in cancer; 3) have the ability and willingness to contribute to the Rush University Cancer Center.

Associate — available to non-physician health care providers, such as nurses, pharmacists, research technicians and data managers. Associate members must meet at least two the following criteria: 1) be employed by Rush University Medical Center; 2) have a major research or clinical interest in cancer; 3) have the ability and willingness to contribute to the Rush University Cancer Center.

Procedure for Application to the Rush University Cancer Center

Individuals may apply for membership by completing the following process:

• Complete and submit the membership application 
• Submit a current NIH Biosketch (for Full and Affiliate membership)
• Complete review by the RUCC Executive Leadership Team
• Final recommendations will be made to the RUCC director