Radiation Oncology

Medical Student Preceptorship Program

About the Program:

The goal of this preceptorship is to encourage medical students from underrepresented experiences and backgrounds to learn more about the field of Radiation Oncology. We recognize that a significant barrier to pursuing immersive clinical and research experiences has been the lack of funding/stipends traditionally associated with most preceptorships. This program intends to provide: 

  1. A mentored clinical and translational research experience
  2. Exposure to clinical Radiation Oncology as it is practiced at a tertiary academic center
  3. Career development advice, guidance, and mentorship
Rad Onc Medical Student Preceptorship Magazine Feature

Eligibility

To be considered for this preceptorship, the applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be enrolled in a DO or MD program at a U.S. medical school
  • Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or permanent resident
  • Demonstrated a commitment to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare through their prior work or activities, research interests, lived experiences, background, or path traveled.
  • All are encouraged to apply.

 

Support Stipend Available:

It is expected that the student devote at least 35 hours per week to activities related to the preceptorship. To support the completion of this preceptorship, the UCLA Department of Radiation Oncology will offer the following stipend amounts:

  • Eight to twelve-week preceptorship (“Summer”): $5,000
  • Six-month preceptorship (“Semester”): $12,500
  • Twelve-month preceptorship (“Year”): $25,000

An additional $1000 will be available to support the publication of findings and/or travel to a major national meeting to present findings.

Mentor Identification:

All students must identify an attending physician in the Department of Radiation Oncology who will serve as a primary mentor during their preceptorship. Though the student may work with other mentors, the primary mentor is responsible for ensuring that the student has identified an appropriate academic project (commensurate with the timeframe of the preceptorship) and is responsible for providing sufficient guidance and supervision to allow completion of the project.  It is required that the mentor and the applicant draft a research proposal, outlining clinical and academic activities, as part of the application for this preceptorship.  The mentor is also responsible for facilitating clinical exposure for the student. Finally, the mentor is encouraged to provide career guidance.

If you have a project idea and need assistance contacting/identifying a mentor, please email [email protected] for guidance.

Application Requirements

The following items are required for the application:

Application and Research Proposal

Additional Items for Attachment

  • Applicant Biosketch/CV (NIH Template)
  • Personal Statement that describes the student’s interest in the UCLA Radiation Oncology preceptorship, their path traveled, any work or activities relating to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and any underrepresented lived experiences or backgrounds. (500 word limit)
  • Transcript (Unofficial is Acceptable) or Letter of Good Standing from Medical School
  • Mentor Letter of Support
  • All are encouraged to apply

Application Timeline

Applications are accepted on a rolling cycle.  The number of preceptorships awarded is not pre-determined and will be dependent upon the quality of the applications for each cycle/:

  • April 5th for any preceptorships starting between June 1st and August 31st
  • December 5th for any preceptorships starting between January 15th  and March 1st

Submit Application Materials to the Educational Programs Office at Radiation Oncology via our email address at  [email protected] .

Additional Resources

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Other Visitor Resources

If you have questions or need assistance please call the office at 310-267-5575.