About Rudene Mercer Haynes Clinical Trials Office Summer Internship Program
The Rudene Mercer Haynes Clinical Trials Office Summer Internship (CTOSI) offers a pathway for exploration and exposure to clinical research. Interns will have the opportunity to gain insights about clinical trials and the many components of clinical research at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. The internship is geared towards current undergraduate juniors and seniors who are interested in a career in health care or academic medicine.
Interns will also learn about the program’s namesake, Rudene Mercer Haynes J.D.; a breast cancer survivor who came to Massey for cancer treatment and has left with a community. Rudene tirelessly advocates for Massey in addition to continuing her career as a practicing attorney, mom and community servant.
Internship details
Interns are invited to develop a foundational understanding of the role of clinical research in academic medicine. Features of the internship include:
- Six-week, in-person learning experience in Richmond, VA (June 1-July 10, 2026)
- Note: Students must not have any external commitments that conflict with the program's scheduled hours (i.e., vacation, work, class, etc)
- Exposure to operational units of the clinical trials office at an academic medical center setting to learn about the various functions across teams
- Participation in clinical trial activities alongside Massey leadership and interaction with clinical investigators to better understand clinical research operations within an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Hands-on experience approach to learning and contributing to current clinical research work being conducted at Massey
- Opportunity to develop career networks with experienced clinical research professionals
Stipend award
- Interns will receive a stipend of $3,000
Application process and eligibility
- Must be a student on track to graduate in 2026 or 2027 with a bachelor's degree from a 4-year college or university
- Must be a student exploring careers in healthcare or academic medicine
- Qualified candidates must demonstrate a record of academic excellence, be intellectually curious, team-oriented and have a passion for patient care
- In the application portion, applicants must upload a resume and 2 letters of recommendation to the application portal or submit via email to mcccrtec@vcu.edu
Download letter of recommendation guidelines (PDF)
CTOSI applications open on November 15, 2025. For more information, contact us at MCCCRTEC@vcu.edu.
