Elective introduction to oncology.

Since 1974, the St. George Medical Society, a component of the American Cancer Society's Philadelphia Division's Professional Education Program, has sponsored paid summer clinical and research fellowships for Philadelphia medical students completing their first year. Six lectures at the student level are presented throughout the year. Students run a single society, elect officers, and select site and speakers under the guidance of the St. George Medical Society Subcommittee. Faculty from six medical schools and individual faculty preceptors donate time to provide a one-on-one summer experience in medical oncology, surgical oncology, gynecologic oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, and cancer-related research in university hospitals, community hospitals, and private offices. Financial support is provided by directed donations. Currently 50 clinical fellowships are offered. Since its inception, over 750 "fellowships" have been awarded, and over 3,000 students have attended the lectures. The program successfully provides a voluntary one-on-one introduction to clinical oncology in a reproducible format.