Rogel Cancer Center, Medical School award scholarships to 2 medical students

Two fourth-year University of Michigan Medical School students will receive scholarships through the Rogel Scholarships initiative, part of a $150 million commitment from Richard and Susan Rogel in support of students interested in establishing a career in cancer research.

Recipients were selected jointly by the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center and the Medical School’s Office of Admissions. Each student will receive $50,000 in support of their fourth year of medical school. 

The 2020 Rogel Scholarship recipients are:

Alison Baskin

Baskin earned her bachelor’s degree in human biology from Stanford University and then spent two years conducting research at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md. She is currently working with Lesly Dossett, M.D., MPH, to improve patient outcomes in oncology through the reduction of low-value cancer surgeries. She will be applying into general surgery this year and plans to pursue a career as a physician-scientist in surgical oncology.

Michael Sessine

Sessine earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and is working toward a dual medical degree and Master of Business Administration. He is working with Todd Morgan, M.D., to understand the clinical implications of genetic predisposition to prostate cancer. He also is working with a team led by Arul Chinnaiyan, M.D., Ph.D., on a urine test to improve prostate cancer detection. He plans to pursue urology as a specialty.

The Rogel Scholarships represent one of seven programs funded through the Rogels’ gift. The programs focus on improving treatment and care for cancer patients, helping to develop promising scientists, and leveraging the university’s broad and deep strengths in science, innovation and patient care.

Read more about the Rogel Scholarship recipients.