Welcome Clinical Research Fellow Ben Gratz

The Merkel Cell Carcinoma Collaborative (MC3) Institute is pleased to welcome our new clinical research fellow, Ben Gratz (he/him). Ben officially joined the MC3 Institute on June 8, 2026.

Each year, the MC3 Institute offers a Clinical Research Fellowship designed for medical students and early-career physicians. This unique fellowship provides invaluable experience in dermatology and oncology, with a focus on Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) translational research. Fellows work directly with Dr. Paul Nghiem and other MCC providers to support patients throughout the challenging journey of diagnosis and treatment. 

Welcome to the MC3 Institute Ben!  

Welcome Q&A

Hometown: Washington, D.C.

What is your previous work and education experience?   

I am a medical student at the Georgetown University School of Medicine. Before medical school, I earned my bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore. I have conducted immunology research at Benaroya Research Institute in Seattle and worked as a medical assistant in a dermatology clinic in Washington D.C.

What areas of research are you most interested in learning more about?   

I am most interested in learning about cutting-edge clinical research that provides more accurate expectations for patients and physicians regarding recurrence risk and clinical outcomes. The research conducted at MC3 is invaluable for informing clinical practice for teams around the world and I look forward to being a part of that.

What skills do you hope to gain in this position? 

I hope to gain more experience in connecting clinical questions and research to clinical practice. Questions that come up on how to best manage MCC are often answered at this institute, and learning how to identify and respond to the most pressing questions will be invaluable in caring for patients throughout my career.

What do you like to do in your free time?  

I love reading, running, and traveling! Last year, I was able to raise over $2,000 for dermatologic research by running the Chicago Marathon! My favorite travel experience has been exploring the desert in Morocco by camel. I'm excited to do more hiking and whale watching in Seattle.