Medical Student Clinical Research Fellowship

The University of Washington Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers a clinical research fellowship for medical students interested in dedicating 10-12 months to research. This fellowship program is in partnership with the Integrative Medicine Department at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and activities occur under the supervision of Dr. Erin Gillespie, Associate Professor and Radiation Oncologist specializing in breast cancer and metastatic disease at the University of Washington, and Dr. Jun Mao, Attending Member and Chief of the Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Fellows will be paired with a primary mentor for conducting their research projects. Potential projects involve clinical trials, care delivery innovation, health equity, implementation science, symptom science, quality and safety, health services, healthcare policy, and educational research, with opportunities available to conduct multidisciplinary studies with experts in biostatistics, epidemiology, behavioral sciences, and clinical trial methodology. Research fellows typically design, conduct, analyze, and publish 2-3 studies during the research year, as well as participate in ongoing educational and clinical programming initiatives. Leadership opportunities include overseeing research projects and managing eContour’s content and strategic partnerships, such as the cloud imaging solution MIM Software Inc. Research fellows will participate in formal didactics which includes a practical course in applied statistics. Fellows will also have the opportunity to participate in limited clinical activities in radiation oncology, medical oncology, and/or integrative medicine.

Eligibility

Medical students in good standing who have completed at least one year of medical school (typically fellows are between 3rd and 4th year) and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents may apply. Underrepresented minorities and women are encouraged to apply. The student must commit to full-time research for a minimum of 10 months. Ideally, candidates should have some clinical research experience; however, it is more important that they be motivated, hard-working, and eager to learn. Two to three research fellows will be chosen per year. Fellows will have a research base at either UW/FHCC (in Seattle) or MSK (in New York City). Working remotely may also be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.

Funding (FY 2024-2025)

The stipend for 2023-2024 was $36,400 for 12 months and may be adjusted for the coming year. In addition, funds to travel to one meeting to present research may be provided.

Application Process

Please email the following materials to support@econtour.org:

• 300-word personal statement describing your interest in the program and prior research experience. Please also indicate what specialty you are considering for your residency application.
• CV including medical school grades, USMLE Step scores (if available), and contact information for 2 references
• Preference for location in Seattle (at UW/FHCC) or New York City (MSKCC)

The deadline for applications is December 31, 2023 but are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified soon thereafter for a videoconference interview, and decisions will be provided no later than February 1, 2024.

For general questions about the program, please contact support@econtour.org

Disclosure: Dr. Gillespie is a co-founder and editor-in-chief for eContour.