About the Program
The CARE (Cancer Awareness, Resources and Education) Summer Program offers undergraduate students an immersive introduction to the field of oncology. Through interactive learning sessions, mentorship and exposure to clinical and academic environments, participants gain insight into cancer care and related medical specialties. CARE aims to inspire future healthcare professionals from our community by fostering understanding, curiosity and early engagement in cancer-focused medicine.
The CARE (Cancer Awareness, Resources and Education) Summer Program is a part time (20 hours/week) hands-on summer clinical experience with professional/career development at Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Center.
A $3,000 stipend is provided to participants. Stipend will be paid in full at program completion.
Students will be chosen annually to participate in this program. Successful applicants can choose up to four clinical specialties for the rotation:
- Hematology Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Palliative Medicine
Clinical Rotation Overview
During the 8-week clinical rotation, you will spend time with the teams that care for cancer patients either in the hospital or a cancer clinic.
You will be paired with an advisor who will facilitate your stay and direct you to the appropriate resources. The advisor will also serve as a mentor, offering career guidance during your rotation at Cleveland Clinic.
You will be given a list of conferences that will take place during the rotation, along with the time necessary to attend these conferences. A member of the House Staff Association will be assigned to help you find your way around campus and Cleveland.
This program will be held from June 15 – August 10, 2026.
Due to the variability of clinic schedules, students should have flexible availability from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
*Absence policy: Students can miss one day for two weeks and three days for four weeks.
How to Apply
About the rotations
- Application Dates: December 5, 2025 - January 31, 2026.
- Acceptance/Denial: After reviewing your application, you will be notified if you’re accepted via email about 2 months before the start of your rotation.
- Cancellations: While cancellations may be necessary, please do so at least 30 days in advance.
Requirements
Required documents and information:
- Copy of your Curriculum Vitae/Resume in English.
- College year: The application is open for all college students from those in their first year up until graduation.
- GPA: There is no minimum GPA requirement. All students are encouraged to apply.
- Letter of Recommendation: Letters of Recommendation can be from any adult that knows you well enough to speak to your character. This could include high-school or college teachers, bosses, family members, or members of a community organization you are part of (church, synagogue, temple, mosque, volunteer organization, coach of a sports team, etc). They should be about one page in length and discuss your strengths, character, and personality.
If chosen, you may be required to provide proof of some and/or all of the list below:
- Health Insurance - Proof of health insurance must be provided with the application form. Cleveland Clinic does not provide health insurance to visiting students. You can apply without this as we understand dates could change, but note that proof of health insurance must be received prior to your start date or your rotation will be cancelled. If you are waiting for insurance upon acceptance, please upload a word document on the application stating so.
- Immunizations - Please ask your doctor's office to provide proof of the following immunizations and submit this along with your application form:
- Tdap Vaccination/Td Booster: Booster within the last ten years is required of all individuals and documentation of Tdap during lifetime.
- TB Status: QuantiFERON (IGRA) test preferred or Previous 2-step Mantoux PPD with subsequent annual 1-step PPD screenings (PPD must be within one year of rotation dates). International students must have IGRA or current 2 Step TB (2 step means the second PPD test is administered 7-21 days after the initial PPD test) - within one year of rotation dates.
- Varicella (chickenpox): Proof of positive titer. Individuals who are antibody negative to Varicella-Zoster (VZV) are required to be re-vaccinated except if medically contraindicated.
- MMR: Proof of positive titer. Individuals who are antibody negative to Rubella, Rubeola, Mumps are required to be re-vaccinated except if medically contraindicated.
- Hepatitis B: Proof of positive titer. Individuals who are antibody negative to are required to be re-vaccinated except if medically contraindicated.
- COVID-19 Vaccine: Proof of vaccination.
- Annual flu vaccine (if rotating October through April).
- You may use the AAMC Standardized Immunization Form to help with items required, the form must be signed by school or healthcare official.
- Urine Drug Screening - minimum of 5 Panel required after acceptance. UDS should be current within 4 weeks of start date.
- Background Check - Domestic students with an SSN will not need to provide a copy of a background check since a background check will be processed during your onboarding. If you do not have a valid SSN, you are required to provide a copy of a criminal background (federal or local) check.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please reach out to Michelle Monak with the information below:
Michelle Monak
monakm2@ccf.org
Office hours
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
