USC/CHLA Summer Oncology Research Fellowship Program

The NIH-supported Summer Oncology Research Fellowship (SORF) Program for US medical students is a full time 8-12 week program in summer(s) between school years in medical school (May to August). It focuses on students who are considering a biomedical career that involves cancer research. SORF takes place at two sites: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) and the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Keck School of Medicine of USC.

SORF immerses medical students in cutting-edge research experiences within a Team Science framework in oncology, malignant hematology, and related fields. Students are matched 1:1 with mentors according to their preferences, interests and research experience. Research projects are in pediatric, adolescent or adult hematology-oncology, in clinical, translational or laboratory research, bioinformatics, machine learning, biomedical engineering, computational biology, precision medicine, population-based research, survivorship and other oncology-related fields. SORFites work on their research project under experienced faculty mentors, visit centers of emerging sciences, participate in social and networking activities, interact with faculty, trainees and cancer survivors, and engage in a dynamic interactive curriculum of selected topics in hematology-oncology, career development, research communication, research skills and responsible conduct of research. Students further enhance their skills through scientific reports, posters and oral presentations. SORFites are encouraged to present their work at local, national and international conferences and to compile their data into a manuscript for publication. Many SORFites go on to successful academic medical careers involving cancer research and related disciplines, attesting to the efficacy of the program.

Students apply online. SORF’s executive committee invites the top applicants to participate in SORF’s full time summer program. Accepted students indicate six or more project/ mentor choices from a list provided and are paired with one. They then connect with their mentor, read background literature, conceptualize and submit a research proposal prior to starting the program, and are ready for their project upon arrival. Applicants with solid lab research experience and laboratory research aspirations are given special attention. We encourage applications from all students, including underrepresented minorities, economically disadvantaged or underserved backgrounds, or students with disabilities.

In summer 2025 the program will again be fully in-person, on-site at CHLA and at Keck/USC in Los Angeles, California.

In the program, students receive subsistence of $600/week. Partial assistance with housing and travel to/from Los Angeles are provided to qualifying students. SORFites may continue support for additional research beyond the summer, to complete their projects and to travel to present their research at scientific conferences. Some may return for a second summer.

Applications for Summer 2025 are accepted starting November 1, 2024. Early application/early admission deadline is December 9, 2024, with acceptances in January 2025. Regular application deadline is January 6, 2025, with acceptances in February 2025.