Kenna Nettles joins 2025 MAPP mentorship program to enhance oncology skills
The UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute will be represented in a program designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of advanced practice providers.
Kenna Nettles, CCRI physician assistant, is among the participants in the 2025 Mentoring Intervention for Advanced Practice Providers program.
“I’m honored to be chosen to participate in the MAPP program,” said Nettles. “I look forward to learning more about how I can make a positive impact to patients at UMMC.”
The yearlong program includes online learning, mentoring sessions, and conference travel, all designed to strengthen APP’s clinical research expertise and expand their roles in oncology research. Participants will attend both Southwest Oncology Group meetings in 2025 and an additional APP-focused professional development event.
Advanced practice providers, a diverse group consisting of nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physician assistants and clinical nurse specialists, are playing a key role in improving patient outcomes and cancer care delivery. Advanced practice providers also serve as patient educators, advocates and leaders in framing oncology practices. Their contributions are transforming the future of cancer treatment and making a significant impact on the lives of patients.
The National Cancer Institute recognizes the monumental impact of APP and expanded their roles in NCI-supported studies. In 2020, new guidelines were implemented, allowing qualified advanced providers to take part in more responsibilities in designing and conducting trials within the NCI Community Oncology Research Program.
As part of these efforts, the Mentoring Intervention for Advanced Practice Providers Across the National Clinical Trials Network program was created. The undertaking is a year-long mentoring initiative designed to connect APPs with SWOG and the National Clinical Trials Network.
“Over the next year, I’m looking forward to having an opportunity to learn from an experienced mentor and other mentees to expand my knowledge base of cancer clinical trials,” said Nettles.