2021 Underrepresented Minority (URM) Summer Internship in Genetics

The Basser Center for BRCA at the Abramson Cancer Center, University of

Pennsylvania, has established an eight week summer internship program in genetics

for four underrepresented minority students. Underrepresented in medicine means

those racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical

profession relative to their numbers in the general population. Students between the

ages of 18-22 may be entering or already enrolled in an undergraduate program and

will be paid a $4,000 stipend. Students with an interest in careers in genetic

counseling or related basic laboratory research in the genetics of cancer will be

considered for these positions. The goal of the program is to expand the pipeline of

underrepresented minority candidates pursuing a career in genetic counseling,

clinical genetics, and basic science. The internship will consist of a series of twoweek

modules offering an experiential, career oriented opportunity for students to

gain a deeper level of exposure to the following areas related to cancer genetics:

• DNA damage repair basic science research

• Ovarian cancer research

• Cancer genetics and genomics research

• Clinical experience in genetic counseling and care of high risk patients

In addition to the two-week rotations described above, students will attend a weekly

clinical case conference with our physicians and genetic counselors where patient/

family pedigrees and cases are reviewed, and related literature is discussed. Joint

sessions with exposure to radiology, pathology and surgery also will occur. The

internship will culminate in a presentation by each intern on a topic of their choice.

The application form can be found below. Applications are due by March 26, 2021

and applicants will be notified by April 23, 2021. Please contact Beth Stearman,

Administrative Director (stearman@pennmedicine.upenn.edu) if you have questions.