Education & Training For High School Students For Graduate Students Oncology Summer Internship (OSI) For Faculty Cancer Clinical Trial Bootcamp Mentorship, Education & Training Program For Undergraduate Students CURE-Cancer Trainee Membership Travel Awards Oncology Summer Internship (OSI) Home For Graduate Students Oncology Summer Internship (OSI) Next Application Cycle Opens January 2026 Want to be notified when applications open? Complete the Interest Form Experience the "Life of a Cancer Care Physician" The paid 4-week Oncology Summer Internship (OSI) offers first-year UCI medical students interested in serving Orange County's diverse populations an immersive exploration of oncology-related specialties. This comprehensive and full-time program integrates clinical shadowing, networking, and mentorship, enriched by weekly reflections and social activities. Participants will establish connections with oncology leaders and local community partners in Orange County through: Timeline & Eligibility Timeline: Applications open: January 5, 2026 Deadline: February 27, 2026 Notifications: March 10, 2026 Program Dates: June 8 – July 2, 2026 (with a breaks in observance of Juneteenth) Eligibility: Enrolled first-year medical student at UC Irvine School of Medicine. Demonstrated commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for patients in Orange County. Clear interest in a future career focused on oncology, particularly in patient-centered or community-based care. Strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to engage in collaborative, multidisciplinary learning environments. Full-time participation required from June 8 – July 2, 2026; attendance at all program activities is mandatory. Prior involvement in community health, research, or service initiatives related to cancer care is strongly 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 (COE). 2024 OSI students participate in an engaging Pathology lab tour. OSI students and Youth Science Fellowship Program (YSFP) high schoolers network over breakfast. Lectures by CFCCC faculty offer students a comprehensive look into the various aspects of oncology. Slide 1 Slide 2 Slide 3 Slide 4 FAQs Why should I apply? Benefits of participating in the OSI: Clinical shadowing: Acquire firsthand experience in the field and observe oncology professionals in action. Networking: Establish valuable connections within the field and increase your visibility. Community: Build camaraderie with peers and foster a supportive community. Career pathway insights: Reflect and gain clarity on your interests and career pathways within the broader field of medicine. Exploration of the Orange County healthcare landscape: Engage with local partners, providers, and patients to broaden your perspective on regional cancer healthcare challenges and solutions. Where will program activities take place? Clinical shadowing will occur at various locations, including UCI Medical Center (Orange), Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and Ambulatory Care building (Irvine), and other clinics in Orange County. Lectures and reflections will be held at Sprague Hall (Irvine) or the Manchester Pavilion (Orange). Some social activities may be held offsite near the main campus or medical center campuses. 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 have a curiosity about the field of oncology and are a first-year UCI medical student interested in serving Orange County's diverse populations, you are qualified. 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 is required. You are welcome to contact us to discuss your situation. Who do I contact for additional questions? Please email the Cancer Research Education & Training Coordination (CRTEC) team at cfcccadmin@hs.uci.edu.