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Med Students SOAR Program
- Mentors
- Activities
- Current Students and Alumni

Activities

At the core of the Med Students SOAR program is a rich and rigorous curriculum of biomedical research. Students in our program will participate in: research under the mentorship of faculty including formulation of an Individual Development Plan (IDP), asynchronous or in-person education, and clinical observerships.

Student Activities

Students will work side by side with some of the leading scientists and clinical investigators in the world. Under the direction of a faculty member, each student will be assigned a unique research project related to the research goals of that particular research group as described above. Individual projects could range from laboratory investigations in the cellular, molecular, immunologic, or genetic aspects of cancer to clinical studies and clinical trials. Students, with their mentors, will complete an IDP and create SMART (specific, measurable, attainable relevant, time-bound) goals. Lectures on current research topics, journal clubs, faculty research talks, and small group investigations will help students to understand up-to-date topics and cutting-edge research technologies while they gain insight into the fundamentals of experimental design and data analysis.

Mentored Research Training

The program emphasizes mentored cancer research and technical training, with 80% focused on research and 20% on oncology learning and professional development (<8 hours per week). It encompasses three main areas: (1) Basic research aims to enhance understanding of biological processes crucial for cancer diagnosis and treatment, spanning disciplines such as molecular biology, immunology, genetics, and biochemistry; (2) Translational research facilitates the transition of new treatments from lab to clinic and vice versa, fostering collaboration among MD Anderson faculty, external partners, and institutions to benefit patient care; (3) MD Anderson's clinical research focuses on early detection, personalized care, and immunotherapy, pivotal in their mission to "Make Cancer History."

Sophia Celine Lopez of McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston performing research in Dr. Melancon's laboratory.

Trenton Daniel Reinicke of Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine performing research with Drs. Tweardy and Kasembeli.

Isha Thapar of Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania performing research in Dr. Myers' laboratory.

Aadil Sheikh of Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University performing research in Dr. Curran's laboratory.

Ashley Yang of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School performing research in Dr. Byers' laboratory.

Raj Patel (right) of Texas A&M University School of Medicine performing research in Dr. Evans' laboratory.

Simulation Training

The Teaching, Interprofessional, and Simulation Education Center is a full-service core that develops customized, innovative education solutions to bridge knowledge gaps, improve patient care, minimize patient harm, and mitigate risk. In the Med Students SOAR program, simulation training will be done in two parts: part 1 will increase knowledge and technical expertise, while part 2 will develop teamwork and communication skills. Specifically, part 1 will be video-led didactic and hands-on simulation training on conducting an oncology-focused history and physical. Part 2 will be team training for the medical management of patients in oncologic distress that will include our first-year medical students as well as other health professionals such as nursing and students from the School of Health Professions (SHP).

Career Conversations and Socials

The Med Scholar Career Conversations and Socials (MSCCS) is a collaborative seminar series among different summer programs (e.g., Rad Onc, SOAR, SIRP, CPRTP, STRONGER, and PCCSM) to offer medical students a diverse range of perspectives and expertise.

Professional Development Workshop Series

The Professional Development Workshop Series (PDWS) is a platform designed to empower medical students with essential skills for their career journey, such as fundamental principles in research, individual development plan, CV building, communication skills, and networking.

Clinical Shadowing

Students may sign up for electives based on individual interest to observe in surgery, diagnostic and interventional radiology, breast oncology, neuro-oncology, cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterelogy, orthopaedic oncology, infectious diseases, genitourinary medical oncology, lymphoma and myeloma, gynecologic oncology, and radiation oncology. Half-day clinical observerships will be available under the guidance of our faculty and staff and must be coordinated with the student’s ongoing research schedule. Students will be allowed to sign up for a maximum of 5 half-days of clinical observations during the 8- to 10-week training, respectively.