The Clinical Oncology Rural Experience (CORE) program, administered by the Rural Cancer Institute, is a pilot initiative to address the critical shortage of oncology clinicians in rural Minnesota by training medical residents, fellows, medical students, nurse practitioner students, and physician assistant students. Through a community-based model, CORE partners with Minnesota public and private universities and hospitals, OHE-compliant training providers, and rural oncology clinics to deliver specialized training and hands-on clinical placements, equipping participants with the skills needed to provide high-quality cancer care in underserved rural districts.

CORE will offer unpaid clinical rotations in rural oncology clinics across Greater Minnesota, providing hands-on work experience for participants. These rotations will involve shadowing oncologists, assisting with patient care, and participating in multidisciplinary cancer care teams.

Each participant will be assigned a mentor from a rural oncology clinic to offer career guidance and support, with mentorship continuing post-training.