Victoria Searls Traylor Fellowship for Research and Innovation in Hematological and Infectious Diseases

About the fellowship

The Victoria Searls Traylor Fellowship for Research and Innovation in Hematological and Infectious Diseases was established by Thomas J. Kohlbeck (VCU ‘08) in honor and memory of his mother, Victoria “Vicky” Searls Traylor, who bravely battled Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) after her diagnosis in 2024. After witnessing her own mother face the same disease, Vicky sought treatment at VCU’s Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, pursuing every option available, including a stem cell transplant that initially showed promise before complications led to her passing on July 29, 2025. 

This eight-week summer fellowship training program continues her unwavering commitment to serving others by supporting first-year medical students as they explore careers in hematologic malignancy research and patient care, inspiring future physicians to advance treatments for MDS and related cancers. Fellows will work with a researcher at Massey, giving MD, MD/PhD or PhD students hands-on experience in hematologic malignancy research where groundbreaking bone marrow transplant (BMT), targeted therapy, cellular therapy, or related toxicity and infectious disease research is underway. 

By immersing students at this pivotal stage in their training, it will help build the channel of future specialists and researchers dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with MDS and other hematologic malignancies. In addition to research training, fellows will gain hands-on experience through attendance at national-level conferences and participation in VCU and Massey-led educational events.

If you are interested in supporting the Victoria Searls Traylor Fellowship for Research and Innovation in Hematological and Infectious Diseases, please visit our donation portal and select this fund as your designation.

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Applicant eligibility

• Applicants must have completed their first year of medical school (rising M2) at the VCU School of Medicine
• A career interest in hematological malignancies, oncology, and cancer research
• A primary Massey research mentor must be identified before starting the fellowship. Massey’s Office of Cancer Research Training and Education is available to assist with this process. Please contact MCCCRTEC@vcu.edu for more information

Fellow expectations and benefits

• A commitment of 40 hours/week over the 8-week program period (June 1-July 24, 2026)
• Support to attend a national cancer research conference, as well as participation in other educational events and networking opportunities throughout the summer and throughout the completion of their medical training
• Continuation of research as time permits throughout the remaining years of medical school 
• A stipend of $4,000 is available to cover summer living expenses 
• $1,000 provided to support travel to a national scientific conference

Fellow expectations and benefits

Please apply through the Massey CRTEC program medical student application below. Along with other application requirements, the applicant must submit the following: 

• Resume
• Abstract

Fellowship applications are open November 15, 2025-January 16, 2026. For more information, contact us at MCCCRTEC@vcu.edu.