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Department of Surgery Heersink School of Medicine

Future Surgeons and Scientists Investigating Oncology (FUSSION)

SURE Student Presentation

The Future Surgeons and Scientists Investigating Oncology (FUSSION) program offered by the Department of Surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) provides promising undergraduate students who are interested in a medical career with research experience and knowledge that 1) increases their competitiveness for admission to medical school and 2) encourages them to consider careers in academic medicine, particularly the field of surgery. The program builds on a solid foundation of undergraduate research that already exists at UAB.

Up to five undergraduate students will be selected for a 2-year mentored research experience in which they complete 2 summers of mentored research which are each 12-week weeks long, complemented by a core curriculum in foundational cancer knowledge and exposure to the role that research plays in improving outcomes for cancer patients. This curriculum is presented via interactive online weekend sessions throughout the year. Students will be exposed to the multi-disciplinary nature of cancer care and cancer research, actively participate in mentored cancer research projects, present research results at a variety of venues, and will participate in community outreach tied to their research. This community outreach will allow them to share the cancer knowledge and the value of research experience that they have gained through participating in the program.

Students learn the rewards of combining research with clinical practice. They gain an understanding of the importance of basic, translational, and clinical research discoveries to improving patient care and outcomes. Participating students are encouraged to write an abstract and submit to a national meeting (Academic Surgical Congress). Students also present their research at the UAB Summer Undergraduate Expo and an event in the Department of Surgery.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Strong interest in research as well as a career in medicine.
  • Undergraduate students with a 2-year commitment to cancer-related research including 2 summers at UAB and online weekend sessions in between.
  • U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status required.
  • Grade point average of at least 3.2 recommended.

Program focuses on attracting:

  • First-generation students
  • Students who have faced challenging social, economic, educational, cultural, or other life circumstances.
  • Students who demonstrate a commitment to bringing diverse people together.
  • Students who demonstrate a commitment to working with underrepresented or disadvantaged populations.
  • Students who demonstrate achievement and determination in the face of personal challenges.
  • Students with disabilities (physical or mental) as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • Individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds as defined in the Notice of NIH’s Interest in Diversity: students who attend and/or who are employed at historically black colleges and universities and other minority serving institutions, or students who graduated from rural high schools, high poverty or low performing high schools.

How to Apply

  • FUSSION Application Submission

    Interested applicants will need to submit a 2025 UAB SOM Summer Biomedical Research Application. 

    Stay tuned for the live application link! 
  • FUSSION Recommendation Submission

    Applicants will include the contact information for their references when they submit their application through the 2025 UAB SOM Summer Biomedical Research Application portal. As a result, individuals requested to submit references will receive an email with further instructions and a link to submit their letter of recommendation.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Eligibility and Application Process

    Is preference given to students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups?
    Diversity is a priority for the FUSSION program and the program strives to accept students from a wide variety of racial and ethnic groups.

    May I submit an unofficial transcript?
    An unoffical transcript will be accepted.


    Program Focus and Requirements

    I need to take some summer courses. Can I still participate in the program?
    FUSSION requires a full-time commitment from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Participants may not be excused for classes during these hours. Evening and online classes that can be completed outside of these hours are acceptable.

    Will I be able to shadow a surgeon?
    Research is the primary focus of the program. The ability to shadow will be dependent on the restrictions at the time of the program and any restrictions/permissions are subject to change on an ongoing basis.

    I have a family vacation planned in June. Can I be excused for a week?
    No. The program requires a full-time commitment for eight weeks. Vacations need to be planned before or after the program dates.


    Program Logistics

    Will I be paid if I am selected?
    Yes. Participants will receive a stipend of $2500 for completion of the program.

    Will housing be provided for participants?
    Students from outside of the Birmingham area may have the option to stay in campus dorms.

    If I am commuting, where can I park?
    Remote parking is available for students who will drive to campus at a cost of less than $25/month.

    Will meals be provided?
    No. Students are responsible for purchasing their own meals while on campus. Students should expect to use part of their summer stipend to pay for their meals.

    Will transportation be provided for participants?
    No, students are responsible for their own transportation to UAB.

Questions about how to apply? Email SurgSummerPrograms@uabmc.edu. 

Contact

If you have questions about the program, please contact SurgSummerPrograms@uabmc.edu.

Rachael Lancaster, M.D.
Program Co-director
rlancaster@uabmc.edu

Karin Hardiman, M.D., Ph.D.
Program Co-director
khardiman@uabmc.edu