The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, are empowering the next generation of oncologists with the ASCO Oncology Summer Internship (OSI).  

OSI is an immersive summer pilot program for rising second-year medical students from populations underrepresented in medicine (URiM). With support from Conquer Cancer donors, the 4-week program launched this summer at select medical schools across the United States to help seed a more diverse oncology workforce. 

“I had no idea the OSI would allow me to experience so many different specialties in oncology from surgery and ENT to radiation and hematology," shared one University of Arizona participant. “I feel like I got to see exactly how the health care team at Banner worked with each other to coordinate care for a patient.”

Twenty-nine students participated in the inaugural sessions, held at The Ohio State University, University of Arizona, University of California San Francisco, University of Pittsburgh, and University of Rochester. These institutions were selected based on a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion and to providing their URiM students a unique opportunity to experience oncology training through a cohort program. 

“I had no idea the OSI would allow me to experience so many different specialties in oncology from surgery and ENT to radiation and hematology," shared one University of Arizona participant. “I feel like I got to see exactly how the health care team at Banner worked with each other to coordinate care for a patient.” 

Students participated in daily ASCO-led seminars as well as institution-led career networking events, and clinical oncology shadowing.  

“It was an amazing privilege to work with patients and learn their stories,” said one student. “I was moved by these interactions and my convictions for pursuing oncology were solidified.” 

Please contact professionaldevelopment@asco.org for more information on the OSI. 

 

This program is supported in part by: