ASCO aims to support physician education to ensure that the growing patient population receives the highest quality of care. To achieve this goal, ASCO provides medical students and residents with free membership as well as access to specialized opportunities and resources.

Happening Now

Register your Oncology Student Interest Group (OSIG) with ASCO to receive up-to-$250 funding for your group and access to specialized resources. Visit ASCO's SurveyMonkey Apply to complete an application by 11:59 PM ET on August 28, 2023.

Grants & Research Development

Abstract Forum for Medical Students & Residents

The Abstract Forum is an annual event for medical students and residents to present their oncology research in an intimate venue to receive feedback on their presentation from mentors in oncology. View the program from the In-Person Abstract Forum at the recent 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting. View the program for the Virtual Abstract Forum. Students and residents can apply for the 2024 Abstract Forum beginning in December 2023. Application details will be posted here. 

Medical Student Rotation for Underrepresented Populations

The Medical Student Rotation (MSR) provides financial support for U.S. medical students from populations underrepresented in medicine and who are interested in oncology as a career to experience a minimum 4-week clinical or clinical research rotation. The oncology rotation can take place in private practice, hospital, or academic settings, with a focus on either direct patient care or research, provided that the research is clinically oriented. View more information.

Education & Career Resources

Oncology Student Interest Group (OSIG) Program

An Oncology Student Interest Group (OSIG) is an organized group of medical students and/or residents who share a common interest in the field of oncology and meet regularly to learn more about cancer, patient care, and pursuing a career in oncology. ASCO’s goals are to connect interest groups from across the globe and to provide resources to physicians in training who are interested in oncology. Medical student or resident-led OSIG's can apply for ASCO registration annually to receive access to the following benefits:

• Access to specialized mentoring, education, and networking opportunities with oncologists and oncology trainees

• Opportunity to submit research to a medical student and resident Abstract Forum at the ASCO Annual Meeting

• Access to complimentary student registration to the in-person ASCO Annual Meeting

• NOTE: In addition to the benefits listed above, groups can submit a budget in the application to also be considered for funds that may be used for activities/events that support the group-at-large (food for an event, supplies for a fundraiser, etc.).

Institutions with a Current ASCO OSIG: Click here to view the 2022-2023 OSIG roster. If you are a student/resident at an institution with a currently registered ASCO OSIG, please contact us to be connected with the OSIG leader. 

Institutions without a Current ASCO OSIG: If your institution does not currently have an organized oncology interest group and you are interested in starting one, please reference the Starting an OSIG Guide.

Register Your Group with ASCO: Registration is open now through 11:59 PM ET on August 28, 2023. Visit ASCO's SurveyMonkey Apply to complete an application.

Specialized Sessions

ASCO offers specialized sessions in both a live and virtual format throughout the year. The Trainee and Early-Career Oncologist Member Lounge hosts informal panel talks, roundtable discussions, one-on-one mentoring meetings, and small-group Guided Poster Walks designed to help attendees make the most of their Annual Meeting experience, explore career and research options in oncology and network with leaders in the field.

Mentoring

Diversity Mentoring Program

The ASCO Diversity Mentoring Program is designed to encourage U.S.-based medical students and residents who are underrepresented in medicine (UIM) to pursue rewarding careers in oncology. The program seeks to educate physicians in training about rewarding careers in oncology by fostering relationships with mentors who can provide career and educational guidance and serve as a professional resource. View more information.

Situational Mentoring

One-time, one-on-one meetings are available for physicians-in-training to meet with oncology trainees and experienced oncologists to receive training and career advice. Virtual meeting opportunities are offered throughout the year and in-person meetings are offered in the Trainee & Early Career Lounge at the ASCO Annual Meeting.

Engagement

MyConnection Member Community

ASCO has created an online community for medical student and resident members, and you are invited to join! As a member of this community, you can participate in discussions with peers and receive frequent updates on ASCO’s activities, resources, and programs for physicians-in-training. Join the Medical Student and Resident Community.