How NAACCR’s Professional Development Steering Committee Advances Training, Mentorship, and Workforce Growth

Strengthening Cancer Registry Professionals: The Work of the NAACCR Professional Development Steering Committee

Leadership, Collaboration, and Growth in Cancer Surveillance

Empowering the NAACCR Community

The North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR) relies on the expertise and dedication of its members to advance cancer surveillance. At the heart of this effort is the Professional Development Steering Committee (PDSC), a group dedicated to nurturing talent, overcoming workforce challenges, and ensuring the ongoing professional enrichment of the NAACCR community.

Committee Mission and Structure

The PDSC’s primary mission is to coordinate professional development initiatives, create training opportunities, and facilitate knowledge exchange across the organization. The Committee serves as a coordinating body for multiple work groups focused on strengthening professional growth across the cancer registry community. By working closely with other NAACCR committees and task forces, the PDSC ensures that both core and emerging competencies are addressed. The committee meets regularly, tracks progress, and reports directly to the NAACCR board, aligning its work with the organization’s Strategic Management Plan.

Fostering Relationships and Innovative Solutions

Recognizing the value of collaboration, the committee encourages open dialogue and innovative problem-solving among multidisciplinary members. Relationship-building is a cornerstone of its approach, serving not only as a network for sharing new ideas but also as a platform for growth and professional advancement.

Key Initiatives and Partnerships

• Mentorship Work Group
  The Mentorship Work Group connects NAACCR members with experienced mentors aligned to their specific professional needs. The group meets regularly and facilitates quarterly targeted roundtable discussions focused on critical topics, including technology and artificial intelligence in registry operations, cancer data quality and quality control practices, and registry approaches to death clearance.
  In parallel, the Mentorship Work Group launched structured mentorship cohorts to support professionals across key central registry roles, including new Registry Directors, Data Leads, Quality Assurance Managers, and Education and Training Coordinators. These cohorts promote peer-to-peer learning, collaborative problem-solving, and the exchange of practical, real-world solutions.
• Recruitment & Retention Work Group
  Focused on workforce sustainability, this group offers resources designed to support the recruitment and retention of a skilled cancer registry workforce. The Recruitment and Retention Toolkit, available on the NAACCR website, features customizable job descriptions, interviewing guides, applicant screening tools, and strategies for developing Oncology Data Specialists (ODS). Ongoing outreach efforts further support this work through targeted promotional materials designed to attract and cultivate new talent in cancer surveillance.
• Upkeep Task Force
  To maintain the quality of training, the Upkeep Task Force routinely reviews and updates Central Cancer Registry (CCR) training modules. Recent enhancements include updates to the EDITS module, with further revisions planned for the Death Clearance module. The modules will be developed in an asynchronous learning tool, using Rise360 software. This ongoing work reflects a sustained commitment to ensuring educational content remains current, effective, and aligned with evolving registry practices.
• Membership Ambassadors Program (MAP)
  The Member Ambassador Program (MAP) promotes volunteerism and member engagement by connecting individuals to NAACCR opportunities aligned with their interests and expertise. The program supports new members in navigating involvement pathways and fosters a strong sense of community through volunteer networking and professional development activities.
• The NAACCR Education and Training (NET) Learning Management System
  Serving as NAACCR’s central hub for educational resources, the NET platform provides access to complimentary offerings like NAACCR Talks, Epi Hour recordings, pediatric and oncology training guides, as well as purchased materials such as ODS Exam Prep and monthly webinars.

How to Get Involved

NAACCR welcomes members interested in shaping the future of cancer surveillance. Those wishing to volunteer with a steering committee or workgroup are encouraged to complete the Member Ambassador Program (MAP) form for more information on available opportunities.

Conclusion

Through effective leadership, strategic partnerships, and a sustained commitment to professional growth, the NAACCR Professional Development Steering Committee plays a vital role in ensuring the continued excellence and advancement of cancer registry professionals. Its efforts support both the current community of registry professionals and the development of the next generation of leaders in cancer surveillance.