Research at the Nicotine Dependence Center covers a wide range of activities, including randomized clinical trials, pharmacotherapy, and integrating behavioral treatments for tobacco users. In addition, we are funded through NIH to perform tobacco document research. The Minnesota tobacco trial resulted in the release of millions of pages of previously secret tobacco documents that are being studied. Our focus there is on secondhand smoke and the efforts of the industry to confuse the public and the public health community about its hazards. We have extended the Nicotine Research Program into the region by establishing offices in LaCrosse, WI; Albert Lea, MN; and Winona, MN.

Several members of the Nicotine Dependence Center are full members of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center. I am co-leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program within the Cancer Center. This has allowed more close collaboration with other investigators and has brought visibility to prevention research within the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center. It also has benefited the Cancer Center by providing a prevention and control activity that is well-funded. The Cancer Prevention and Control Program has already established research at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, and plans are underway to do likewise at Mayo Clinic Scottsdale.

Finally, we have a very active postdoctoral fellowship program in conjunction with the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology. We also have postdoctoral fellows from other fields of medicine. As the new Director of the General Internal Medicine Research Fellowship, our intent is to be highly competitive for the best recruits whom we will train to become independent academic researchers.