About CTOSI
The Rudene Mercer Haynes Clinical Trials Office Summer Internship (CTOSI) offers a pathway for exploration and exposure into clinical research. Interns will have the opportunity to gain insights about clinical trials and the many components of clinical research at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. The internship is geared towards current undergraduate juniors and seniors who are interested in a career in health care or academic medicine. Underrepresented populations in biomedical research are encouraged to apply.
Interns will also learn about the program’s namesake, Rudene Mercer Haynes J.D.; a breast cancer survivor who came to Massey for cancer treatment and has left with a community. Rudene’s story is pivotal due to her consistent efforts to put community care at the forefront of cancer treatment and her long standing desire to “promote cancer equity for all people, regardless of race or locality.” Rudene tirelessly advocates for Massey in addition to continuing her career as a practicing attorney, mom and community servant.
Internship details
Interns are invited to develop a foundational understanding of the role of clinical research in academic medicine. Features of the internship include:
- Six-week, in-person learning experience in Richmond, VA (June 2-July 11, 2025)
- Exposure to operational units of the clinical trials office at an academic medical center setting to learn about the various functions across teams
- Participation in clinical trial activities alongside Massey leadership and interaction with clinical investigators to better understand clinical research operations within an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Hands-on experience approach to learning and contributing to current clinical research work being conducted at Massey
- Opportunity to develop career networks with experienced clinical research professionals
Stipend award
- Interns will receive a stipend of $3,000.
Application process and eligibility
- Must be a current undergraduate junior or senior exploring careers in healthcare or academic medicine
- Individuals who are underrepresented in STEM-related fields are encouraged to apply
- Qualified candidates must demonstrate a record of academic excellence, be intellectually curious, team-oriented and have a passion for patient care.
- In the application portion, applicants must submit a resume and 2 letters of recommendation to mcccrtec@vcu.edu.
Letter of recommendation guidelines (PDF)
CTOSI applications are now open and due February, 15, 2025. For more information, contact us at MCCCRTEC@vcu.edu.
