The Department of Radiation Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University & Hospitals is offering the annual Summer Student Research Program in Radiation Oncology.

This summer experience is designed to further students' interest in radiation oncology and consists of a research project, didactics and shadowing. During the summer, students are assigned a research mentor who develops a radiation oncology research project with them to be largely completed during their summer externship. There will also be a small discussion/seminar series for students, who will receive a multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary view of radiation oncology and other oncology fields. Students will also have the opportunity to shadow radiation oncology faculty during this experience.

Every fall, our department hosts a research symposium highlighting our department's success in research. Here, students will be able to highlight the summer research experience. Students are expected to return to Jefferson for the poster session, where posters are judged and awards are presented.

In honor of Simon Kramer, MD - inaugural chair of the Jefferson Department of Radiation Oncology, and Radiation Oncology research pioneer of cooperative group medical trials - one or two summer externs will be named Simon Kramer Scholars.

2024 Simon Kramer Summer Extern

• Frank Arturi - SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine
• Julia Logan - Sidney Kimmel Medical College
• Sophia Shah - Sidney Kimmel Medical College

Eligibility

Open to first-year medical students.

Stipend

We are able to provide each extern with a stipend. We are not able to provide any assistance with travel, housing, meals, or other expenses.

Requirements

Students are required to conduct research on-site in the Department of Radiation Oncology in Center City Philadelphia for at least 6-8 weeks. We are unable to accommodate virtual research options, nor a term shorter than 6 weeks.

Students are expected to present their research at the annual Department of Radiation Oncology Research Symposium, which takes place in the fall, following the summer externship.

How to Apply

To apply for a Radiation Oncology Summer Externship, we require the following three items (compiled into a .PDF file) to be emailed to Sara Burke, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center Program Coordinator. 

1. Your application (Summer 2025 Applications will be released in Fall 2024)
2. Your CV
3. A cover letter with a statement of interest as to why you are interested in radiation oncology research and how this program may help your medical career.