The program offers a unique blend of hands-on cancer-focused lab work, clinical shadowing with physicians, and a community outreach component where scholars teach elementary school students about cancer.
The UCSD OPTIMUS Outreach Program is an eight-week summer internship at UC San Diego's Moores Cancer Center designed to immerse underrepresented high school students in cancer research and clinical medicine. Participants, known as OPTIMUS Scholars, are paired with research faculty for a mentored lab experience, actively contributing to lab projects and gaining hands-on experience with laboratory techniques. The program also includes a complementary educational curriculum covering core topics in cancer research and various personal and professional development activities. Scholars have the opportunity to shadow physicians in clinics, providing valuable insight into the bench-to-bedside process of turning research into patient care. A unique aspect of the program involves OPTIMUS Scholars partnering with OPTIMUS Associates (UCSD biomedical trainees and education graduate students) to create and deliver an interactive, age-appropriate curriculum on basic cancer concepts to local elementary school students, fostering a 'learn by teaching' approach. The program aims to generate lasting interest in science, healthcare, and cancer research, ultimately striving to increase diversity in the biomedical and cancer research workforce.
A typical day involves working in cancer research labs, shadowing physicians in clinics, and participating in an educational curriculum and professional development activities.
This program is best for ambitious high school students from underrepresented groups in grades 10-11 who are interested in a deep dive into oncological research and clinical practice.
UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center
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