Discover the field of oncology

Cancer: An Inside Look at Caring, Curing and Treating

Are you interested in a future in medicine? Oncology (treatment of cancer) is a leading medical specialty.  In this online course, you’ll accompany a patient on their cancer journey. You’ll see what it’s like to be diagnosed, to receive treatment, and how people cope with its spread. Learn the types of treatment and their specialists, along with groundbreaking advances that are changing the lives of patients. If you are interested in pre-med or careers in healthcare, this course is a must.

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Doctor looking in microscope for cancer research

Program Dates

Multiple 2- and 4-week sessions.

Eligibility

For students ages 13+.

Fees

$1495

Topics Covered:

Follow a patient throughout the cancer journey

Get a first-hand look at cancer through the patient experience. Explore the role of genetics in cancer, how cells transform from benign to malignant, and the definition of a tumor.

Learn how cancer is diagnosed

Understand how pathologists identify the clinical features of a skin lesion that are associated with melanoma. Learn the criteria for cancer staging and explore new research techniques.

Understand the various cancer treatments

Explore the leading interventions for cancer. Discover how targeted radiation can pinpoint a tumor and preserve healthy tissue. Learn the role of the oncologist and treatment management.

Find out how cancer spreads and the emotional effects on the family

Discover how cancer spreads from skin to brain. Examine brain cancer types and treatments. Explore the Gamma Knife Center and see how minimally invasive radiation is delivered.

Understand the meaning of survivorship and how patients live with cancer

Identify the difference between pain care and hospice. Learn the side effects of cancer treatment and alternative treatments, such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and diet-based therapies.

See if a future in medicine or healthcare is right for you

Topics covered in this course offer a good background for a future career as physician, cancer specialist, nurse, social worker, physical therapist, or other healthcare-related fields.

How You Will Benefit:

  • Delve into genetics and the role of family history in cancer
  • Discover how cells can transform from benign to malignant
  • Identify the types of brain cancers and current treatment options such as stereotactic radiology
  • Learn how pathologists identify skin lesions associated with Melanoma
  • Explore the Gamma Knife Center and see how minimally invasive radiation is planned and delivered
  • Learn how cancerous tumors are staged and delve into new research techniques
  • Understand the role of the medical oncologist and what it's like to manage patients throughout the cancer journey
  • Discover the many careers associated with the field of cancer and see if it's something you'd like to pursue in the future

Doctor working in lab with lab samples

Apply Now for the Next Available Course


Hear from our students

"I took this course to further my exploration and interest in the cancer medicine field. I had not known just how many individuals are connected in improving a patient's life and battling cancer. This course helped me realize that going into cancer medicine was definitely what I wanted."

Marleshka M., cancer medicine student from MA

"The course was amazing! My favorite parts were working with the mentors and with other students in the discussion boards. It was interesting to see how cancer and cancer treatments work in a real-life setting."

Jooye K., cancer medicine student from NC

3 Learning Advantages Designed for You

  1. Final Capstone Project

    The course culminates with a special capstone project that allows you to:

    • Demonstrate what you’ve learned in this course
    • Students will choose a cancer of their choice and explore aspects of the disease and treatments such as prevention and screening, surgery, radiation or medical therapies
    • Summarize the current guidelines / standards of care for that cancer and report on advances that may change how that cancer will be treated in the future
    • Get feedback from your mentors on your work
    • Use video, text, or a presentation to complete your project. You can review the entire course or focus on a specific cancer and design a treatment program.
  2. Mentoring

    You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and answer questions as you deepen your learning experience. You can expect:

    • Encouragement and direction on all assignments
    • Inspiration, motivation and confidence to help you succeed
    • Brainstorming and ideation help as you prepare for your final capstone project
  3. Flexible Learning

    • 100% online, works with your schedule.
    • You’ll learn through engaging video— tune in anytime that works for you.
    • 20-25 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia simulations and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support.
    • Engage with fellow students around the world any time, any place

Course designed by Wake Forest School of Medicine physician faculty

Dr. Lindsay Strowd | Cancer Course Instructor | Wake Forest University

Dr. Lindsay Strowd, Assistant Professor, Dermatology, Wake Forest School of Medicine 

Dr. Lindsay Strowd received her MD from Wake Forest School of Medicine and did her residency in dermatology at North Carolina Baptist Hospital. She is board certified and works as part of the team at the Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Roy Strowd | Cancer Course Instructor | Wake Forest University

Dr. Roy Strowd, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine

Dr. Roy Strowd received his MD from Wake Forest School of Medicine and completed his residency in Neurology at North Carolina Baptist Hospital. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Meet The Mentors

Christine | Wake Forest Cancer Course Mentor

Christine

Undergraduate at Wake Forest University with a major in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and minor in Neuroscience. She works as an Emergency Medical Technician and is involved in both biochemistry and medical education research.

Megan | Wake Forest Cancer Course Mentor

Megan

Undergraduate at Wake Forest University majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry and Neuroscience. She plans on applying to medical school for the 2022 cycle.

How to Apply:

Student at desk

It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Just provide some basic information and tell us why you wish to take this program.

NOTE: please submit all application materials in English.

Begin the guided process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.

Begin the guided process

Want to know more?

Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.

Admissions

Our application process is easy. You can expect a prompt decision.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you get to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re accepted?

Answers to your questions here

Scholarships

We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition. 

  • If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.  
  • If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.

The University reserves the right to modify the course as may become necessary.