The UAB Department of Surgery has announced the creation of the FUSSION (Future Surgeons & Scientists Investigating Oncology) program.

The FUSSION program provides promising undergraduate students who are interested in a medical career with research experience and knowledge that increases their competitiveness for admission to medical school and encourages them to consider careers in academic medicine, particularly the field of surgery. The program will run in two-year cycles, with a focus on research development during the summer. Additionally, students will participate in monthly workshops on cancer-related topics, career development, and scientific communication.

The initiative is funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Youth Exchange Science (YES) Research Education Program and is scheduled to receive $580,000 over the next five years.

Physician-scientists working in the UAB Departments of Surgery and Medicine will serve as mentors for the FUSSION program. Students will be encouraged to present their findings at department research events, campus symposiums, and outreach panels.

"The UAB Department of Surgery strongly supports undergraduate students in exploring the field of surgery, particularly focusing on cancer-related topics. By creating a pathway for students to explore their interests today, we can help guide the future of research and treatment for tomorrow," says Fay Fletcher Kerner Endowed Chair of the UAB Department of Surgery and Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Herbert Chen, M.D.

Interested in cancer-related research? Apply to be a part of our next cohort!