The rapid progress in advanced biomedical technologies has created a wide gap between traditional medical education and the need for clinicians who understand the fast-evolving scientific research. The gap creates a barrier in communication between clinicians and patients which can prevent access to new, cutting-edge clinical care. Innovative programs are necessary to overcome these gaps and barriers, and they will require collaboration among cancer researchers, medical educators, clinicians and patient advocates.
The IMPACT Medical Scholar pilot program is an eight-week summer experience for medical students that will combine problem-based learning with training in cancer research in an effort to integrate advanced technologies, career development, patient education and peer mentoring.
- Students will conduct hands-on cancer research in labs, focused on cancer biology, diagnostics or therapeutics, and present their experiences and findings at an end-of-program scientific symposium.
- Students will engage in problem-based learning (PBL) curriculum while integrating technology training, workshops with scientists and physicians and mentorship to bridge research, technology and clinical practice.
- Students will partner with cancer patient advocates to develop communication skills, co-author blogs or other educational materials on patient journeys and research and share their work at the symposium and on other platforms.
Who should apply:
Medical students interested in cancer research or pursuing a career as an oncologist, and who can commit to the full eight-week program.
Tuition: Free
Timeline: June 2 – July 25, 2025
Application deadline: Rolling admissions, with a final deadline of April 1
Location: Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas
To apply, email Dr. Shixia Huang at BRITE@bcm.edu with subject line: IMPACT Medical Scholar Application - Your name, Your Medical School or University name, and city and state