Program Overview

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DACCPM Summer Research Program

The DACCPM Summer Research Program is a 10-week program that coincides with the student's summer break, typically starting at the end of May. During this program, students will be matched with a faculty mentor and assigned a research project to carry out during the summer.

Program Details

The program includes the following activities for Laboratory Trainees:

• Introduce trainees to the institutional and federal policies required for conducting basic science research in a laboratory setting.
• Trainees will learn lab safety practices and techniques for gathering, interpreting, and presenting experimental/scientific data.
• Trainees will learn how to conduct a literature review utilizing the medical research library in order to collect relevant information specific to their project.
• Areas of interest may include: opioids, chemotherapy-induced pain, perioperative immune function, factors influencing cancer reoccurrence, etc.

The program includes the following activities for Research Trainees:

• Introduce trainees to institutional and federal policies required for conducting human subject research in a clinical setting.
• Faculty mentors design projects that reflect the ongoing clinical research efforts within the division.
• Students actively participate in the technical aspects of their projects and the interpretation of experimental data.
• Trainees will learn how to conduct a literature review utilizing the online Research Medical Library in order to collect relevant information specific to their project.

Learning Objectives and Curriculum

• The laboratory and clinical environment at MD Anderson provides a broad range of challenging basic research and clinical projects.
• Students learn lab safety practices and techniques for gathering, analyzing, and presenting scientific data.
• Emphasis is placed on the importance of basic principles that form the foundation for scientific investigation.
• Students learn about a broad range of subjects in Anesthesiology, Critical Care, or Pain Medicine research.
• MD Anderson faculty mentors design projects that reflect the ongoing research efforts of the institution's laboratories.
• Students actively participate in the technical aspects of their projects and the interpretation of experimental data.
• Clinical observations expose the students to various areas for future career decision-making.
• Students also are eligible to participate in a symposium near the end of the internships.

Eligibility and Requirements

• We do not accept international students at this time.
• High school students must be 18 or older, in good academic standing or graduating, and have an official proof of enrollment.
• College students must be in good academic standing with an official proof of enrollment for the spring semester.
• MS1s must be medical students who have completed their first year of medical school with an official proof of enrollment for the spring semester that also states the student is not enrolled in summer courses.
• The summer interns must participate the entire length of the 8-10-week program, full-time (8 a.m.-5 p.m.), part-time (8:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.), Monday Friday, and in-person.
• Partial participation (i.e., early or late program start/end) is not permitted.
• MS1s will work full-time at 40 hours per week.
• College and High School students will work full-time at 20 hours per week.

Dates and Training Schedule

• The commencement of the DACCPM Summer Research Program coincides with the student's summer break, with the majority of trainees beginning at the end of May.
• MD Anderson's normal hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Exact learning schedules are subject to the mentor's needs and expectations.
• High school students and college students may choose 20-hour training weeks.

Mentor Matching

Students who have interest in a specific scientific research project should include this information in the Personal Statement area of the application. While we attempt to match students with mentors in accordance with declared interests, this is based on faculty availability and may not be feasible in all circumstances.

Application Information

Applications will be accepted through January 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST. Trainee applications will be reviewed, and invitations to participate will be sent to selected applicants in order to give participants time to complete the Summer Research Experience trainee appointment process. The database will allow applicants to fill out the Student Trainee Inquiry forms, and the following information will be required from all candidates invited to join the 2026 summer program:

• Personal information, including contact information and mailing address
• Official transcripts from high school, undergraduate universities, or medical schools
• Personal Statement
• CV or Resume
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Immunizations Compliance Report
• Additional documents required by the institution

Stipend

• Students who participate in the full 10-week DACCPM Summer Research Program will receive a stipend.
• MS1 students will receive a $7,200 stipend (pre-tax).
• High school students and college students are part-time and will receive a $3,600 stipend (pre-tax).
• Paychecks are issued on the 5th and 20th of each month, deducting the required federal tax.