Internship

USC Norris and Los Angeles General Medical Center Cancer Genetics Overview

The Division of Medical Oncology offers cancer genetic counseling services at two sites, the USC Norris Cancer Hospital and Los Angeles General Medical Center. Both serve as centers for cancer patients and their family members to participate in genetic evaluation, testing, prevention, and research. The two sites are staffed by multiple board-certified genetic counselors and are active clinical rotation sites for several master’s degree programs in genetic counseling. Over the past 10 years, these sites have supported dozens of students applying to genetic counseling training programs by including them in shadowing, case conferencing, pedigree data entry, and by fostering professional skills.

Los Angeles General Medical Center offers a unique opportunity to work with patients that are traditionally underserved in genetics.  Given that most patients are Spanish-speaking, and the counselors are bilingual, interns at Los Angeles General Medical Center will gain exposure to Spanish-language genetic counseling and an improved understanding of providing genetic services to an underserved population.

Commitment and Schedule

This internship generally begins in the summer and continues to at least the next summer, with extensions typically allowed. Interns should expect to dedicate 12-15 hours per week, with a flexible schedule, allowing work to be done on different days of the week. Some of the work may be done remotely, but in-person attendance is typically expected at least one day per week. Attendance is also expected at each weekly genetic counseling case conference which is held by Zoom.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have the intention of applying to genetic counseling graduate school
• The ideal candidate would have already graduated from college and have a flexible schedule, but we will consider undergraduate seniors who can commit to 10 hours per week.
• Spanish speaking applicants are strongly preferred, but not required at Los Angeles General Medical Center
• Applicants should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher

Compensation

This role is currently served on a volunteer basis. If funding sources become available, we will notify current and prospective interns.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Southern California is an equal opportunity educator and employer, proudly pluralistic and firmly committed to providing education and employment opportunities to outstanding, qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds and experience.