DACCPM Summer Research Program

The program includes the following activities for Laboratory Trainees:

• Introduce trainees to the institutional and federal policies required for conducting basic science research in a laboratory setting.
• Trainees will learn lab safety practices and techniques for gathering, interpreting, and presenting experimental/scientific data. 
• Trainees will learn how to conduct a literature review utilizing the medical research library in order to collect relevant information specific to their project. 
• Areas of interest may include: opioids, chemotherapy-induced pain, perioperative immune function, factors influencing cancer reoccurrence, etc.

The program includes the following activities for Research Trainees: 

• Introduce trainees to institutional and federal policies required for conducting human subject research in a clinical setting.
• Faculty mentors design projects that reflect the ongoing clinical research efforts within the division. Students actively participate in the technical aspects of their projects and the interpretation of experimental data.
• Trainees will learn how to conduct a literature review utilizing the online Research Medical Library in order to collect relevant information specific to their project.   

• The laboratory and clinical environment at MD Anderson provides a broad range of challenging basic research and clinical projects. Students learn lab safety practices and techniques for gathering, analyzing and presenting scientific data. 
• Emphasis is placed on the importance of basic principles that form the foundation for scientific investigation. Students learn about a broad range of subjects in Anesthesiology, Critical Care or Pain Medicine research.
• MD Anderson faculty mentors design projects that reflect the ongoing research efforts of the institution's laboratories. Students actively participate in the technical aspects of their projects and the interpretation of experimental data.
• Clinical observations expose the students to various areas for future career decision-making.
• Students also are eligible to participate in a symposium near the end of the internships.

2024 lectures included the following topics:

• Pediatric Vital Signs and Airway
• OR emergencies
• Stop the Bleed
• What can I publish?
• BLS
• Ultrasound IV access
• Pain
• Airway Workshop
• A career in Anesthesiology
• Basics of Regional
• Paths in Anesthesia
• How to get into Med School
• Medication Safety
• Alternate Pathways after Med School
• Ultrasound Blocks Workshop
• Elements of Anesthesia
• Career Development Ingredients for Success

• We do not accept international students at this time. 
  
• High school students must be 18 or older. They must be in good academic standing or graduating, and they must all have an official proof of enrollment.
• College students must be in good academic standing with an official proof of enrollment for the spring semester.
• MS1s must be medical students who have completed their first year of medical school with an official proof of enrollment for the spring semester that also states the student is not enrolled in summer courses.
• The summer interns must participate the entire length of the 8-10-week program, full-time (8 a.m.-5 p.m.), part-time (8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.), Monday – Friday and in-person. Partial participation (i.e., early or late program start/end) is not permitted. 
• All students will work full-time at 40 hours per week. Normal hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Exact work schedules are subject to the primary mentor's needs and expectations.
• Must commit to the full 8-10-week program without other summer program commitments.

• The commencement of the DACCPM Summer Research Program coincides with the student's summer break, with the majority of trainees beginning at the end of May. 
  
• MD Anderson's normal hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Exact learning schedules are subject to the mentor’s needs and expectations. High school students and college students may choose 20-hour training weeks.

Students who have interest in a specific scientific research project should include this information in the Personal Statement area of the application. While we attempt to match students with mentors in accordance with declared interests, this is based on faculty availability and may not be feasible in all circumstances.

You may apply here starting November 18, 2024. Applications will be accepted through January 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CST.  Trainee applications will be reviewed and invitations to participate will be sent to selected applicants in order to give participants time to complete the Summer Research Experience trainee appointment process. 

The database will allow applicants to fill out the Student Trainee Inquiry forms, and the following information will be required from all candidates invited to join the 2025 summer program: 

• Personal information, including contact information and mailing address
• Official transcripts from high school, undergraduate universities, or medical schools
• Personal Statement
• CV or Resume 
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Immunizations Compliance Report from Castle Branch 
• Additional documents required by the institution

Applications must be completed and submitted before the above deadline. Incomplete applications will be purged after the deadline has passed.

If the information found here did not provide the answers you need, please contact the Program Coordinator.

• Stipends are granted only to first-year medical school (MS1) students who participate in the full 10-week DACCPM Summer Research Program. MS1 students will receive a $6,800 stipend (pre-tax). Should your time at MD Anderson be less than 10-weeks, your pay will be pro-rated accordingly to reflect $17/hour. 
• High school students and college students will not be compensated. 
• MS1 Students will be compensated and are expected to pay for housing, transportation, meals, and/or other expenses.
• Paychecks are issued on the 5th and 20th of each month, deducting the required federal tax. FAER's MSARF program funding level is subject to separate FAER requirements.