Research InternAt — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

The intern will be working on IRB-approved studies focused on cardiovascular risk factors, metabolism, cancer, and cancer therapies and association with cardiovascular outcomes. The intern will meet weekly with Dr. Atkins and the research team to discuss project progress and methodological approaches. Training will include: proper navigation of electronic medical record systems, collection of cardiovascular health data from patient records, interpretation of radiation treatment plans, and appropriate handling of protected health information. Intern will learn to extract and organize clinical data related to cancer treatment, cardiovascular risk factors, and cardiac outcomes. Intern will receive training in RedCap for data entry, CS-Link for medical record review, and basic understanding of radiation treatment planning systems (Mosaiq and Eclipse). The intern will gain experience analyzing the relationship between radiation dose to specific cardiac structures and subsequent cardiovascular events. Intern may also participate in healthcare workforce research, including analysis of social media trends among oncology physicians. Expected outputs include contribution to a clinical research database and summary of findings related to radiation-associated cardiac outcomes, and gain a deeper understanding of cancer concepts related to Public Health.

Tasks:

1. Assist with data collection from patient records, focusing on cardiovascular risk factors and cancer treatment details.
2. Assist with systematic data collection with increasing independence and efficiency.
3. Extract radiation dose information for cardiac substructures from treatment plans.
4. Analyze relationships between radiation dose metrics and cardiovascular outcomes.
5. Weekly research team meetings to discuss progress and troubleshoot data collection challenges.
6. Assist with preparation of data summaries and initial analysis results.

Training:

The intern will meet weekly with Dr. Atkins and the research team to discuss project progress and methodological approaches.

Training will include: proper navigation of electronic medical record systems, collection of cardiovascular health data from patient records, interpretation of radiation treatment plans, and appropriate handling of protected health information. Intern will learn to extract and organize clinical data related to cancer treatment, cardiovascular risk factors, and cardiac outcomes.

Intern will receive training in RedCap for data entry, CS-Link for medical record review, and basic understanding of radiation treatment planning systems (Mosaiq and Eclipse). The intern will gain experience analyzing the relationship between radiation dose to specific cardiac structures and subsequent cardiovascular events. Intern may also participate in healthcare workforce research, including analysis of social media trends among oncology physicians. Expected outputs include contribution to a clinical research database and summary of findings related to radiation-associated cardiac outcomes, and gain a deeper understanding of cancer concepts related to Public Health.

Learning Outcome:

1. Observe Dr. Atkins and her cardio-oncology research team in their work examining the intersection of cancer therapies and cardiovascular outcomes.
2. Develop understanding of radiation dosimetry principles and how radiation affects cardiac structures during cancer treatment.
3. Engage in collaborative research exploring the relationship between cancer therapies and cardiovascular health.
4. Participate in research phases including data collection from electronic medical records, analysis of radiation treatment plans, and evaluation of cardiac outcomes.
5. Enhance scientific communication skills through preparation of research summaries and data visualizations.
6. Build professional connections with members of Dr. Atkins' research team and the broader U-GROW community.
7. Attend diverse academic events, including expert seminars and student networking opportunities.