Oncology Field Guided Towards Diversity by Summer Internship Program, Facilitating Wilmot's Progression

The University of Rochester's Wilmot Cancer Institute is leading the way in diversifying the field of oncology, becoming one of five medical schools in the country to offer a unique diversity-focused internship to rising second-year medical students.

This programme, known as the Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) program, has made a significant impact on participants like George Olverson and Bianca Duah. Olverson, a participant in the internship, had his first experience in a clinical setting and realised he enjoys helping patients just as much as research. Duah, on the other hand, found it powerful to see how cancer treatment decisions are made between doctors and patients.

Ashley Marie Cortes, another participant, had her interest in oncology piqued by the internship. She was surprised by the number of different types of cancer and the various biomarkers and treatment methods. Cortes expected more tears during her interactions with patients but was struck by their calmness and composure, particularly older patients who showed a remarkable calmness and a focus on understanding their options.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) states that less than 1% of medical oncologists are Black, Native American, or Hispanic. This internship aims to address this imbalance, providing opportunities for underrepresented students to gain valuable experience in the field.

Olverson felt a kinship with two Black patients he met during the internship and wants to help more patients, particularly those from underrepresented groups. Duah initially had concerns about her emotional strength for pursuing oncology but now feels it's feasible.

Carla Casulo, M.D., applied to ASCO to host an inaugural summer internship program focused on diversity. The programme includes listening to talks by prominent oncologists, participating in social events with Wilmot physicians, and shadowing faculty in clinic appointments with patients.

Although the internship has ended, Casulo and others at Wilmot hope to strengthen it and serve more students in the future. Duah believes that the work of oncologists shapes their perspective on life, and the internship has provided insights about the resilience of patients facing cancer.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) launched a similar unique summer internship last year, becoming one of only five medical schools in the U.S. to offer this specialized experiential program for rising second-year medical students. The hope is that these initiatives will help to create a more diverse and inclusive future for the field of oncology.

Oncology Field Guided Towards Diversity by Summer Internship Program, Facilitating Wilmot's Progression