• Job Description

  Req#: HRC1972287

  Location: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA

  Mentor: Dr. Atkins, Clinical Director, Assistant Professor, Associate Director of the Radiation Oncology Residency Program

  Overview:

  Cedars-Sinai is seeking a highly motivated medical student to join the clinical cancer research team under the guidance of Dr. Atkins. This role offers an exceptional educational opportunity to gain hands-on experience in cancer care outcomes research with a focus on the cardiovascular effects of cancer treatments, including radiation therapy, and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 immunity on heart health in cancer patients.

  Role Summary & Objectives:

  As a visiting scholar, the selected medical student will be immersed in clinical research projects led by Dr. Atkins, who will serve as both mentor and Principal Investigator. The student will contribute to studies examining:

  • The adverse effects of cancer therapies on cardiac health
  • The relationship between SARS-CoV-2 immunity and cardiovascular outcomes in oncology populations

  Key research activities will include:

  • Review and analysis of electronic medical records (EMR), radiotherapy treatment plans, and imaging data
  • Data extraction and entry into Cedars-Sinai’s REDCap database and/or secure shared files
  • Training in foundational concepts of oncology, cardiovascular medicine, radiotherapy, and clinical database curation
  • Exposure to interdisciplinary collaboration with medical physicists, oncologists, and cardiologists

  The medical student will be formally enrolled in several IRB-approved studies, including:

  • Data Repository for Thoracic and GI Radiotherapy
  • Cardiovascular Toxicity in Breast Cancer
  • EMBARC Study

  Role Activities & Timeline:

  This appointment will follow a structured curriculum to support progressive skill development in clinical research:

  • Weeks 1–4:
  • EMR data collection focused on health, cardiovascular, and cancer histories
  • Introduction to basic statistical analysis and coding techniques relevant to data processing and machine learning
  • Weeks 5–10:
  • Continued data collection
  • Development of preliminary analyses and modeling techniques
  • Weeks 11–onward:
  • Integration and application of skills learned to support advanced research activities

  Additional Information:

  • The student will participate in weekly 1:1 mentorship sessions with Dr. Atkins
  • This is a non-clinical role with no interaction with human subjects
  • Work will primarily be conducted onsite, with the possibility for hybrid work arrangements as needed
  • All research activities will be conducted under IRB-approved protocols

  Qualifications:

  • This is an unpaid internship designed specifically for students who are currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program. Candidates who have already completed their bachelor’s degree or are enrolled in a master’s program will not be considered.

  • Current enrollment in an accredited medical school program

  • Strong interest in oncology, cardiovascular research, and clinical outcomes
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational and analytical skills
  • Prior research experience or exposure to coding/statistics is a plus, but not required

  Education & Experience Requirements:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
  • Must reside in the greater Los Angeles area or surrounding cities while conducting all activities related to the intern or visitor appointment.
  • INTERNS: Those participating for academic credit must receive academic credit for the duration of the internship.
  • VISITORS: Must be receiving funding from an eligible sponsoring institution (employer, educator, funder, etc.).

• About the company

  Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is a nonprofit, tertiary, 886-bed hospital and multispecialty academic health science center located in Los Angeles, California.

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