ASTRO and BCRF opportunities

Last year, ASTRO launched the Radiation Oncology Visiting Away Rotations for Medical Students in partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), recognizing the important role of short-term training and learning opportunities that expand the interest and inclusiveness of medical students in radiation oncology careers. In-person away rotations represent an important aspect of the medical school experience where students have the opportunity to learn in clinical and research settings, allowing them to interact with patients and practice medicine with the supervision and guidance of established, practicing physicians. Through the ASTRO-BCRF Radiation Oncology Visiting Away Rotations, senior medical students are provided financial support to participate in programs where they will engage with radiation oncologists in person and observe firsthand patient interactions, demonstrate and enhance their skills and abilities, and experience the social dynamics and local culture surrounding prospective residency programs.

The ASTRO-BCRF Radiation Oncology Visiting Away Rotations provides financial support for up to 10 students to participate in four-week visiting away rotations. Students must currently be enrolled in an accredited U.S. DO or MD program. The program seeks to improve the interest and inclusion of talented medical students in the field of radiation oncology and encourages students from populations historically underrepresented in medicine (UIM) to apply. Medical students in all years are accepted to the program; however, preference is given to third- and fourth-year students. The visiting away rotation must take place in an academic setting, with a focus on either direct patient care or research that is clinically oriented. Applications to the ASTRO-BCRF Radiation Oncology Visiting Away Rotations are now open year-round to better meet the needs of students.

In addition to making available support for visiting away rotations, ASTRO launched the inaugural ASTRO-BCRF Annual Meeting Trainee Travel Awards to extend science education and professional development to students and residents from historically underrepresented backgrounds as they continue to advance along the career continuum. The 10 award recipients attended the ASTRO 2024 Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, and participated in scientific sessions, educational programing and events specifically tailored to meet the needs of trainees, including the ARRO Annual Resident Seminar and ARRO Medical Student Workshop. Award recipients were also invited to attend networking events such as the ARRO Reception, ARRO Mentoring and Networking Reception and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Reception hosted by HEDI Council. Attendance at the ASTRO 2024 Annual Meeting provided an unparalleled opportunity for ASTRO members in the earliest stages of their career the ability to learn and interact with peers and professionals in the field and network with the Society’s leadership.

The application period for the 2025 ASTRO-BCRF Annual Meeting Trainee Travel Awards will open in March.

Congratulations to the 2024 ASTRO-BCRF Radiation Oncology Visiting Away Rotations and ASTRO-BCRF Annual Meeting Trainee Travel Awards recipients.