Dr. Recio-Boiles receives Winn Career Development Award

Alejandro Recio-Boiles, MD, FACP, was selected for the third cohort of the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials: Career Development Award (CDA) through the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation for early-stage investigator (ESI) physicians.

Dr. Recio-Boiles is an assistant professor in the University’s Department of Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology and is the assistant director of Community Outreach and Engagement at the Cancer Center.

“This is a pivotal step towards promoting inclusivity and equity within clinical research, a field historically marked by underrepresentation,” Dr. Recio-Boiles said. “Personally, this recognition not only validates my dedication to advancing healthcare through clinical trials but also acknowledges the value of diverse perspectives in shaping impactful medical interventions.”

According to the Winn CDA website, the purpose of the award is to protect 40% of scholars’ work time for program participation, which includes research activity, training, career development planning, program events, and reporting.

The fund will provide training and resources to build a network of 250 underrepresented ESI minority clinical investigators, or ESI investigators from non URM categories who have demonstrated a commitment to increasing diversity in clinical trials, who will be experts in community engagement as well as clinical research.

On Dr. Recio-Boiles mentorship team are Edward P. Gelmann, MD, professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson and the John Norton Endowed Chair for Prostate Cancer Research, who is also an established NIH translational research investigator, and Jennifer Hatcher, PhD, MPH, MSN, interim associate vice president of UArizona’s Diversity and Inclusion, professor of public health, and a health equity researcher expert.

“My goal is to construct a bridge with my clinical trial mentor Dr. Gelmann and my community advisor Dr. Hatcher to successfully achieve this study,” Dr. Recio-Boiles said. “Dr. Gelmann has committed to helping me navigate any clinical trial challenges that may arise during the project, while Dr. Hatcher will provide the same level of dedication and support towards my community engagement.”

Dr. Recio-Boiles will attend the Design and Implementation of Clinical Trials (DICT) Workshop, in Partnership with the American Association for Cancer Research, November 15-19, in La Jolla, California.

He said that to him, the Winn Career Development Award signifies “a collective stride towards more comprehensive, representative, and effective healthcare solutions, embodying a brighter and more inclusive future for both researchers and the diverse communities” they serve.

“As a recipient, this accolade propels my career by providing essential resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, enabling me to further contribute to cutting-edge research with a renewed sense of purpose,” Dr. Recio-Boiles said. “Beyond my individual journey, this award resonates powerfully within my community, particularly among marginalized groups who have long been overlooked in medical studies. It sends a resounding message that their voices matter, fostering trust in medical research and encouraging broader participation.”