VUMC to help engage more study participants in research decisions
Human research will be more equitable, inclusive and stronger if the people who are participants in studies also help plan and guide the direction of those studies.
Muhamed Baljevic, M.D.
- Co-Chair, VICC Protocol Review and Monitoring System
- Associate Professor of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology)
- Director of Plasma Cell Disorders Research at Vanderbilt Amyloidosis Programs (VAMP)
Muhamed Baljevic, M.D.
- Co-Chair, VICC Protocol Review and Monitoring System
- Associate Professor of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology)
- Director of Plasma Cell Disorders Research at Vanderbilt Amyloidosis Programs (VAMP)
muhamed.baljevic@vumc.org
Research Program
Research Description
Tumor antigens key to improving cancer immunotherapy study
Vanderbilt researchers are working to better design immune therapies that attack tumors without also attacking healthy normal tissue in patients.
Vanderbilts Dr. W. Kimryn Rathmell to be appointed director of the National Cancer Institute
Kimryn Rathmell MD PhD MMHC the Hugh Jackson Professor of Medicine and chair of the Department of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center will be appointed Director of the National Cancer Institute.
Jennifer Choe, M.D., Ph.D.
- Assistant Professor of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology)
Jennifer Choe, M.D., Ph.D.
- Assistant Professor of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology)
jennifer.choe@vumc.org
Research Program
Research Description
Ryan Belcher, M.D., M.P.H.
- Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Ryan Belcher, M.D., M.P.H.
- Associate Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
ryan.belcher@vumc.org
Research Program
Research Description
Crowe Osheroff honored by AAMC
Vanderbilts James E. Crowe Jr MD and Neil Osheroff PhD are among 12 individuals honored by the Association of American Medical Colleges during its 2023 Awards Recognition Event.
Vanderbilt-led team receives 2023 Endeavor Award from The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research
A multidisciplinary team of investigators has received a 2023 Endeavor Award from The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research to support four closely linked projects exploring the fundamental mechanisms that drive the obesity-cancer connection
About the V-EXCEL Program
Program Details
2026 V-EXCEL program dates: May 26, 2026 - July 31, 2026
For those interested in applying for the 2026-2028 VERTICAL Program, please complete an interest form here by December 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM CST. Leveraging the strengths of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, this program will immerse eight interns in a research laboratory for 10 weeks working with a Vanderbilt faculty member on a cutting-edge cancer research project.
Selected participants will receive a competitive stipend to support housing and living expenses. Through this internship, participants will gain the knowledge, skills, and community to further their education and career in cancer research or medicine. In addition to their research, interns will participate in:
- Responsible Conduct in Research training
- An individualized research development plan
- Meharry Medical College (MMC)-Vanderbilt-Tennessee State University (TSU) Cancer Partnership (MVTCP) online modules
- Cancer Research presentation
- MVTCP Annual Research Symposium
- Career Path Lunch & Learn Sessions
- • Online resources from Vanderbilt University, Nature Masterclass
The activities after the summer session are not required. These include the Professional Skills Development Workshops, the MVTCP Annual Research Symposium, and Community Engagement (CE) events.
Eligibility
Eligible candidates for the V-EXCEL program will be:
- Rising sophomores, juniors or seniors pursuing full-time bachelor’s degrees from nationally accredited colleges or universities
- Able to commit to the full-time, 10-week summer program from May through August in Nashville, Tennessee
- In good academic standing with at least a 3.0 overall GPA
- Individuals who are interested in pursuing higher degrees and careers in science or medicine, with a focus on cancer, will benefit most from the program
Application Information
The 2026 summer application deadline is December 1, 2025 at 11:59 pm CST. The following Materials are required:
- One-page statement of interest
- Copy of college transcript (does not need to be official)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
Apply here: 2026 V-EXCEL Application
Contact
Please contact us at V-EXCEL@vumc.org.
Janet Markle, Ph.D., M.P.H.
- Assistant Professor of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology
Janet Markle, Ph.D., M.P.H.
- Assistant Professor of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology
janet.markle@vumc.org
