Cary Gross, MD, is the Director of the COPPER Center and Pamela Soulos, MPH, is Associate Director:
What kind of research does your lab generally focus on?
The COPPER (Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research) Center focuses on health services and outcomes research across a range of cancer types. We want to understand, at the national level, how new cancer screening tests and treatments that are developed in the lab work when used in real world clinical practice.
How difficult was it making the switch from working on campus to working remotely? What were/are some of the challenges you're facing?
It was surprisingly simple to make this switch from a technical perspective. Unlike our basic science colleagues, we do not rely on specialized equipment or environments to carry out our research. We can access our large data servers remotely and have “lab meetings” with Zoom calls to discuss new project ideas and analytic strategies. But of course, the camaraderie and creativity that come from daily interactions with team members is really hampered, for the time being.
Have you ever had to do this before?
The full COPPER team is comprised of faculty and staff from multiple departments across the medical school. This made it easier for us to work remotely, since we are somewhat dispersed during regular times. But no, prior to COVID-19, working from home was not something we’ve had to do.
How are you staying connected with your co-workers from your lab?
Our core team has regular Zoom meetings to stay connected, both personally and professionally. We’ve been able see each other’s kids and pets on our calls, which has been a nice distraction.
What are your biggest worries concerning your ongoing research/future research?
Our ongoing research will not progress as quickly as it otherwise would have, but I believe the quality of the research will be the same once it is completed. For the short term, it’s hard to concentrate on non-COVID-related issues. To be honest, my most exciting moment over the last week was helping a local homeless shelter acquire hand sanitizer. So short-term priorities are quite different. But we’ll get through this. For future research, a major concern is the federal commitment to research funding, given the looming budget deficits and competing priorities at the national level. Hopefully, this pandemic will serve as a Sputnik moment, in that national priorities around funding and promoting science will take a substantive leap forward.
Are there any advantages working remotely?
Less time wasted on commuting. And people’s pets seem to really enjoy the company.
Do you have any words of wisdom/message for fellow scientists for getting thru this difficult time?
Don’t forget that everyone is facing new challenges at this time. Colleagues are being asked to take on new responsibilities while caring for extremely sick patients and many are struggling to balance work with full-time childcare, all while facing great uncertainty about the future. A little kindness can go a long way!