What does a future in cancer research or medicine actually look like? And how does a student begin to imagine themselves there?

On April 14, 90 high school students set out to answer those questions at UVM Cancer Center’s Careers in Cancer event, held at Larner College of Medicine’s Medical Education Pavilion. The annual event invites students to explore the many paths that lead to careers in cancer research and care through hands-on learning and direct interaction with professionals in the field.

Now in its fourth year, Careers in Cancer has become a highly anticipated experience for both visiting students and UVM hosts. “Encouraging students to explore futures in cancer care and research is central to our mission,” said Randall Holcombe, M.D., M.B.A., director of UVM Cancer Center. “That work is especially important in Vermont and northern New York, where it is essential that we continue to grow our oncology workforce.”

Students and educators traveled from Burlington High School, Essex High School, Champlain Valley Union High School, Winooski High School, and Mount Mansfield Union High School for a full day of immersive programming. Participants rotated through small-group sessions that included behind-the-scenes laboratory tours led by Cancer Center scientists; a career fair with interactive booths showcasing diverse career paths including radiology, social work, public health, and integrative oncology; and a “Day in the Life of a Cancer Professional” session.

This year’s speakers included Alison Jones, RD, a registered dietitian at UVM Medical Center; and Michael Brasino, Ph.D., assistant professor at Larner College of Medicine and a UVM Cancer Center member. The program also featured a keynote address from Jaye C. Gardiner, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology at Tufts University, who shared insights from her academic and research journey.

For Burlington High School sophomore Habiba Haji, Careers in Cancer offered a chance to jumpstart her career. “I talked to a pharmacist about how I want to do pharmacology or something similar in the medical field, and she offered me a job shadowing opportunity. It would be very nice to learn more.” 

Grace Raut, a sophomore from Essex High School, learned that cancer care intersects with her career of choice. “I want to be a cardiothoracic surgeon, and at the career fair I spoke with a presenter about how different medical specialties are connected and how closely healthcare professionals work together.” 

Other students were fascinated by the work that happens in research labs. “We got to look through a microscope and use this tool to pick up salt crystals, and that was really cool,” says Winooski High School freshman Kira Irwin. “I like doing data analysis, but I’ve never really looked into labs, and now I kind of like the ambience of labs overall.” 

“Being in a professional environment and hearing about a day in the life of a couple of different professionals is really impactful for students,” says Jessica Handrik, who facilitates the Flexible Pathways program at Winooski High School. “It’s all about making sure that students know everything that's out there so they can make an informed choice after high school.”

Participant feedback suggests the model is resonating. In a post-event survey, 96 percent of students said the event increased their understanding of cancer-related careers.