Education & Training For High School Students For Graduate Students Oncology Summer Internship (OSI) For Faculty Cancer Clinical Trials Bootcamp Mentorship, Education & Training Program For Undergraduate Students Trainee Membership Travel Awards Oncology Summer Internship (OSI) Home For Graduate Students Oncology Summer Internship (OSI) 2026 Applications Now Open Apply by February 27 Experience the "Life of a Cancer Care Physician" The paid, 4-week Oncology Summer Internship (OSI) offers first-year UC Irvine medical students an immersive exposure to oncology practice. Through clinical shadowing, mentorship, and structured discussions, interns gain insight into patient-centered cancer care across multiple disciplines. Timeline & Eligibility Timeline: Applications open: January 20, 2026 Deadline: February 27, 2026 Notifications: March 13, 2026 Program Dates: June 8 – July 2, 2026, Monday-Friday (typically 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; occasional early morning or evening activities). No activities on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. Eligibility: First-year medical student at UC Irvine Interest in oncology and patient-centered or community-based care Commitment to improving cancer care access and outcomes in Orange County Available for full-time participation June 8–July 2, 2026 (attendance at all activities required, except June 19) Prior community health, research, or cancer-related experience encouraged Funding Support Each student will receive a $3,000 stipend at the beginning of the program. Note: “All financial support that a student receives from UCI must be accounted for in accordance with federal student aid regulations. If you are awarded a stipend or fellowship during a summer term that you are not enrolled, the financial support you receive must be applied as Other Financial Assistance (OFA) to the next academic year you are enrolled. You will see the Summer OFA incorporated with your financial aid offer for the subsequent academic year, and it will not disburse because you already received the disbursement the prior summer that you were not enrolled.” For additional information, please review the Policies and Conditions. For questions, please contact somfao@exchange.uci.edu. Policies and Conditions 20-30 hours of weekly clinical shadowing partnership-Business-teamwork-solution-Puzzle 10-12 hours of disease-oriented team and tumor board meetings 20-25 hours of specialized seminars and panel discussions 8-10 hours of reflection and social activities "The Oncology Summer Internship provided me with invaluable opportunities to learn about oncology in the classroom, clinic, and operating room. Each day, I was inspired by at least one thing I had witnessed: a patient’s resilience, a family members’ advocacy, a medical oncologist’s patience and compassion, a radiation oncologist’s efficiency, a surgeon’s precision. I hope that future UCI medical students continue to have a similar opportunity!" -Maria Mendoza, 2024 OSI participant Dr. Sora Tanjasiri, Associate Director of Cancer Health Equity and Community Engagement, leads an impactful group exercise on Community Outreach & Engagement. 2024 OSI students participate in an engaging Pathology lab tour. OSI students and Youth Science Fellowship Program high schoolers network over breakfast. Lectures by cancer center faculty offer students a comprehensive look into multiple oncologic disciplines. Slide 1 Slide 2 Slide 3 Slide 4 FAQs Why should I apply? Benefits of participating in the OSI: Explore a broad range of oncology specialties. Learn how cancer research and clinical trials inform patient care at a comprehensive cancer center. Build professional skills through mentorship and engagement with multidisciplinary care teams. Clarify career interests in oncology and cancer-related fields. Where will program activities take place? Clinical shadowing will occur at various locations, including UC Irvine Medical Center (Orange), Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and Ambulatory Care building (CIACC; Irvine), and other clinics in Orange County. Lectures and reflections will be held at Sprague Hall (Irvine), CIACC (Irvine) or the Manchester Pavilion (Orange). Some activities may be held offsite near Irvine or Orange. Disease-oriented team and tumor board meetings will take place on Zoom. All locations will be communicated in advance. Am I qualified to apply? If you are a first-year UCI medical student who is curious about oncology and committed to full-time immersion, you are eligible to apply. What if I'm unavailable for some of the program dates? Due to the short duration of this immersive program, full availability and participation in all activities are required. You are welcome to contact us to discuss your situation. Who do I contact for additional questions? Please contact Kimberly Castellanos, program coordinator, at kecastel@hs.uci.edu.