Hands-on oncology research program for medical students
Official title: Medical Students Summer in Oncology at Anderson Research (Med Students SOAR) program
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10886779 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The Med Students SOAR program gives first-year medical students a chance to dive into cancer research, learn from experienced doctors, and explore different aspects of cancer care while building their careers in this important field.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $323,302 |
| NIH project number | 5R25CA265800-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886779 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this program are first-year medical students interested in pursuing a career in oncology or cancer research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not medical students or who are not interested in oncology may not receive any benefit from this program.
What this research studies
The Medical Students Summer in Oncology at Anderson Research (Med Students SOAR) program offers first-year medical students a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on research in oncology. Participants will work closely with expert faculty and gain exposure to multidisciplinary cancer care through clinical observations and interprofessional simulation trainings. The program lasts 8 to 10 weeks and includes career development and networking opportunities, aimed at fostering future careers in cancer research. This initiative aligns with the National Cancer Institute's mission to enhance the training of a skilled workforce in biomedical and clinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could inspire and train the next generation of oncologists and cancer researchers, ultimately improving cancer care and treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Similar educational programs in prestigious cancer centers have shown success in training future healthcare professionals and enhancing cancer research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Melancon, Marites Pasuelo — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Melancon, Marites Pasuelo
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.