trainees in the METEOR program

The METEOR program provides research experiences at Moffitt for MD and DO medical students to build their knowledge of cancer research and research tools, and to enhance their trajectory toward a career in oncology translational medicine. The METEOR program includes both wet and dry lab training opportunities.

METEOR trainees participate in basic wet laboratory or dry laboratory research training under the mentorship of Moffitt faculty to develop their skills and knowledge base. The program is directed by Moffitt’s Research Education and Training (RET) office and embeds career development activities and professional networking opportunities to enhance the training experience.

Learning Objectives
Emphasis is placed on the importance of basic principles that form the foundation for scientific investigation and the analysis of clinical problems that are unique to the field of oncology. Students will learn to formulate scientific research questions and how fundamental questions in laboratory research are translated to address clinical challenges in oncology. The specific learning objectives are:
- Learn and practice lab safety procedures.
- Learn and understand the Responsible Conduct of Research principles and application.
- Develop skills in accurate and reproducible data collection.
- Learn techniques for data analysis.
- Develop skills in critical reading and analysis of research reports and manuscripts.
- Learn and practice effective oral and written presentation of scientific data.
Structure
- Gain wet and/or dry laboratory research experience under the mentorship of Moffitt faculty. The mentor must be a member of the Basic, Quantitative or Population Science Division. Mentors in the Clinical Sciences division must prove that the project is not clinical research.
- Interact with research investigators, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students.
- Participate in lab meetings and seminars presented by world-renowned Moffitt researchers
- Potential to participate in limited clinical shadowing that offers exposure to clinical oncology
- Attend additional institutional lectures, departmental conferences, and career development sessions.
- Present their research projects to program peers and Moffitt faculty.
Eligibility
- Actively enrolled in a regionally accredited allopathic (MD) or osteopathic (DO) medical school within the U.S.
- In good academic standing at their school.
- Interested in careers as physician-scientists in the field of oncology and/or related biomedical sciences and demonstrate an interest and aptitude for scientific investigation.
- Agree to and meet all Moffitt required screenings for participation with the Moffitt Cancer Center.
- Participants must comply with all institutional policies regarding conduct, academic honesty, and lawful behavior.
Selection and Recruitment Process

It is the student’s responsibility to identify a research faculty mentor who is willing to train them in their lab. Search the Research section to learn more about the faculty and their research. Students are encouraged to reach out to faculty directly via email and inquire about a research internship.

Students should attach a copy of their CV/resume. RET can occasionally assist with mentor matching, but a match cannot be guaranteed.
Timing and Duration Limits
- The METEOR program has rolling admissions throughout the year.
- Applicants selected must commit to a minimum of eight weeks.
- Program participants may request extensions if they are still enrolled in allopathic (MD) or osteopathic (DO) medical school or are within 18 months of earning their degree.
Funding

Funding is not guaranteed but may be provided on a case-by-case basis as agreed upon by the faculty mentor.

Contact ret@moffitt.org for more information.

Office of Graduate Affairs

Medical Student Training to Enhance Oncology Research (METEOR)

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