Center for Oncology Education and Research: internship opportunities for students

Fort Worth, TX

11/3/2008

By: Hannah Mathews, Office of Communications

Nursing students hoping to specialize in oncology care upon graduating are currently being placed in internships that will enable them to explore treatment and care of cancer patients through the Center for Oncology Education and Research (COER), which is part of the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences.

COER was established in 2007 through a generous grant from University of Texas Southwestern Moncrief Cancer Foundation in an effort to provide opportunities for collaborative learning and research between faculty, students and community partners about cancer care and end-of-life issues.

In its first year, the Center has created a course, Aspects of Oncology Care, and provided specialized internships in oncology care to undergraduate nursing students interested in concentrating in cancer care after graduating.

This year, the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders has joined UT Southwestern and COER to offer four nursing students internships in cancer care.

Working together as a group of physicians in Tarrant County, the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders cares for and treats cancer patients outside of a hospital.

“Much of cancer treatment can be accomplished outside of the hospital,” Dr. Suzy Lockwood, director of the center, explains. “It is easier on the patient and there is less of a risk for the patient contracting illnesses because of a weakened immune system.”

Students with internships in these offices work eight hours each week during the academic year, and move to 32 hours during the summer months.

“The internships have helped to reinforce or explore the desire for students in oncology nursing to specialize in oncology care,” Dr. Lockwood said. “One student will begin work full-time in oncology nursing after graduating in December.”

COER also helps to fund faculty research in oncology and support and coordinate oncology events on campus such as the “Pink Out” football game against BYU and the “Smart Women” discussions on woman’s cancer prevention.

“We’ve accomplished so much within the year, and we are looking forward to doing more in promoting oncology nursing career choices, bolstering basic cancer care knowledge and skills and facilitating research initiatives and programs in the future,” Dr. Lockwood explained.