Oncology Talent and Diversity Programs
Highlights of ASCO and Conquer Cancer’s bold but realistic and practical initiatives to address disparities and work toward achieving greater equity in cancer care.
Our Diversity Initiatives
These programs address such areas as diversification of the oncology workforce and support for oncologists and trainees from underrepresented populations in medicine; increasing participation by diverse populations in clinical trials; research grants in diversity, inclusion, and health disparities; and provider training to address gaps in health disparities and inclusion. Additionally, ASCO is embarking on a comprehensive health equity awareness campaign that will chart the course for improved care for all. With oversight from its board committees, Conquer Cancer and ASCO conduct formal, systemic reviews of the quality and effectiveness of their programs approximately every three to five years.
Oncology Summer Internship
The Oncology Summer Internship (OSI) is the newest initiative focused on creating a more inclusive oncology workforce. This four-week annual immersive experience will serve 32 rising second-year medical students from populations underrepresented in medicine at select U.S. medical schools. The program is designed to expand equity by promoting awareness and ongoing change at the institutional level. Participants will access daily virtual seminars; networking events to learn from leaders in the cancer care community; and opportunities to shadow one-on-one with local oncology professionals. Following program completion, ASCO will facilitate career development opportunities for the OSI cohort. Students will be provided stipends to attend the ASCO Annual Meeting – regarded as the premier educational and scientific event in the international oncology community – following the year they participate in the internship.
Medical Student Rotation for Underrepresented Populations (MSR)
This award provides financial support for U.S. medical students from populations underrepresented in medicine who are interested in a career in oncology. MSR recipients participate in a minimum four-week clinical or clinical research rotation. The oncology rotation takes place in a private practice, hospital, or academic setting, with a focus on either direct patient care or clinical research. Each participant is paired with a mentor who oversees the rotation and provides ongoing academic and career guidance. Following the rotation, recipients attend the ASCO Annual Meeting, where they interact with oncology professionals and learn the latest in oncology research. The award includes a stipend covering costs for the student’s rotation and their travel to the ASCO Annual Meeting.
Annual Meeting Research Award
This award enables non-oncology physician -residents from populations underrepresented in medicine who are interested in a career in oncology to attend the ASCO Annual Meeting. While at the Annual Meeting, they present their research at the Abstract Forum for medical students and residents, network with leading oncologists, and discover more about career options in their field. A travel stipend and complimentary Annual Meeting registration are included.