The CUPID Summer Translational Oncology Program is a laboratory-based research experience designed to introduce rising second-year medical students to careers in oncology. Our mission is to cultivate an interest in cancer research among medical students who are:
- Dedicated to healthcare inequities
- Interested in careers in academic oncology. US medical students interested in translational research and health care disparities, and have demonstrated a sustained commitment to community service are invited to apply.
The number of fellowships is limited and admission is highly competitive. Historically, we have reached out to students at institutions not affiliated with an NCI-designated cancer center. Accordingly, such applicants may be prioritized.
The program will run for a total of 9 weeks (May 27 – July 25, 2025). Within these dates, students can select an 8-week period that best conforms to the academic calendar of their home medical school. Applicants who are not available for a full 8-week period will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Key features of the program are:
- An intensive, structured laboratory-based research experience.
- A 7-week didactic lunch lecture series, during which faculty engage a small group of students. Topics vary, and include the molecular basis of cancer, the pathophysiology of common types of cancer, cancer etiology and epidemiology, cancer diagnosis and therapy, and cancer health disparities.
- Students will be introduced to clinical subspecialties through targeted shadowing experiences.
- To help build a broad professional network, students will participate in a two-day joint conference in Washington, DC that is focused on cancer survivorship and physician-patient communication. Students from other CUPID programs will be able to interact and network.
- Other program activities include a student-led weekly journal club, didactic sessions focused on career development, an end-of-program research report, and a closing symposium, during which students present their original research to the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center community.
First year medical students from accredited medical schools in the US or US territories are invited to apply. CUPID fellows will be chosen on the basis of their demonstrated commitment to oncology, health care disparities, and community service. Students will receive a program stipend, housing (if needed) and gym membership for the duration of the program.
Students will receive a program stipend, housing (if needed) and gym membership for the duration of the program.
The application is due by 11:59 pm on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Please note that incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Decision notifications will be sent via email by mid-March, 2025.
For questions regarding the CUPID Program, please email Karla Jusczyk Bunz
