The purpose of the award is to support the work and interest of young researchers and medical professionals, and help facilitate recruitment and retention from populations that are underrepresented in the field of medicine. ASCO is the world’s largest clinical cancer research organization representing nearly 45,000 oncology professionals.
The award will allow White to complete a four-week research and clinical rotation in radiation oncology at USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute. The 26-year-old Birmingham native, who serves as president of his medical school class, said he intends to specialize in radiation oncology after medical school.
“I love technology, and I love having the opportunity to care for people,” he said. “I want to give them hope throughout the process and help them every step of the way.”
White’s interest in radiation oncology led him to create the Oncology Interest Group at the College of Medicine for which he serves as co-president. In 2018, he was awarded the 2018 ASTRO Minority Summer Fellowship Award, which led to eight weeks of research and clinical studies in radiation oncology at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB in Birmingham.
White said he was inspired to become an oncologist by his mother’s battle with breast cancer. She underwent surgery, radiation and six months of chemotherapy. “She’s a 17-year survivor now,” he said.
