Randall Holcombe, M.D., M.B.A., professor of medicine, chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology, and director of the UVM Cancer Center

(APRIL 12, 2024) Randall Holcombe, M.D., M.B.A., professor of medicine, chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology, and director of the UVM Cancer Center, welcomed more than 75 students from five Burlington-area high schools to the second Careers in Cancer event at the UVM Cancer Center on April 12, WCAX-TV reported.

Area high school students interested in a career in health care had the opportunity to talk with student researchers and scientists, allowing them to step out of the classroom and into a real medical lab. They looked at cancer cells, observed specialized lab equipment, and witnessed demonstrations on growing and visualizing crystals to understand protein structures. They also heard from guest speakers and learned about career and research pathways in oncology.

“Students have been walking through the basic research laboratories. This is something that they really don’t get exposed to in their high school education,” said Holcombe.

Holcombe was pleased with the interest the Careers in Cancer event generated among the high school students who participated. “There’s a critical shortage of cancer doctors across the country, and that is particularly severe in states with very large rural populations like Vermont,” he said.

This event was also covered by WVNY-TV.