Application) An education experience in oncology is proposed for students in the School of Medicine. The objective is to introduce students to the career opportunities in oncology and allow students to become acquainted with the wide variety of research opportunities available in this field. Each student will be assigned a preceptor who will act as the primary mentor during the research experience. Students will also participate in research seminars. These seminars will consist of 1) presentations by faculty on various clinical and basic science aspects of oncology,2) presentations by the students outlining their research activities, and 3) formal discussion regarding concepts introduced in the presentations by faculty and students. Selection of students for this program will be competitive. Program announcements will be distributed to members of the first and second year classes. This brochure will describe the goals and format of the program. Included in the brochure will be a brief description of the preceptors and their research programs. Students will be asked to submit an application describing their background and research interests. Preceptors will have the opportunity to interview prospective students prior to accepting students into the program. Evaluation of students will include a summary from the preceptors regarding the research experience. A question- naire will be completed by students and faculty before and after participation in the program pertaining to educational objectives, achievement of individual goals, satisfaction with teaching methods, strengths and weaknesses of the interdisciplinary approach, and changes in attitudes regarding cancer. The program committee will review the evaluations and make appropriate changes in curriculum based upon the evaluations.
