overview
The MC3 Institute offers a Clinical Research Fellowship for medical students and early-career physicians, providing experience in dermatology and oncology with involvement in MCC translational research.
Clinical research fellows have been an enormously beneficial addition to our staff team. Clinical research fellows respond to patients’ questions, needs and concerns throughout the difficult journey of diagnosis, referral to Seattle (some travel a very long way), and treatment.
In a typical week, fellows will see 8-10 patients in clinic, present 4-8 patient cases at a tumor board discussion, and manage 300-400 messages regarding patient care. Fellows also participate in novel research, helping bridge the gap between science and medical care.
Fellows work with Dr. Paul Nghiem and other MCC providers for 1-2 years. We typically recruit for this position in fall/early winter for a summer start. This position is fully supported by generous donors.
This position is fully supported by generous donors. If you would like to support our Clinical Research Fellows directly, please contact Megan Little, Director of Philanthropic Gifts, at mlittle2@fredhutch.org or 206.667.5799.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s in a scientific field
- Working towards or have a medical degree
- 1+ year of research experience
How to Apply
The 2026 fellowship application will open in fall 2025 for a 2025 summer start date. Please visit this page for updates.
Contact
Krista Lachance, Director of People & Programs
mc3institute.uw.edu
Current Fellows
Peter Ch’en
2024–Present
Peter Ch’en
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Redmond, WA
Undergraduate: University of Washington (Seattle, WA), Major in Microbiology
Medical School: Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Bronx, NY)
Research Experience: Research during medical school focused on hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, through the Montefiore Einstein Division of Dermatology with Steven R. Cohen, MD, MPH. Has published various articles on a diverse range of topics in dermatology.
Clinical & Research Interests: Cutaneous oncology, Merkel cell carcinoma, hidradenitis suppurativa, medical education, public health
Why did you choose to pursue a fellowship with the MC3 Institute?
Learning from one of the world experts in Merkel cell carcinoma isn’t something many people can say. I had heard about Dr. Nghiem’s work even as a pre-med student at UW and knew that his lab was the epitome of translating research into clinical practice. Having gained the scientific background and establishing the foundational clinical skills in medical school, combined with a strong interest in dermatology and skin cancer, I knew that spending a year as a clinical research fellow with Dr. Nghiem would help me grow exponentially as a clinician for the benefit of my future patients. Furthermore, being able to learn the ins and outs of this disease from the expert himself is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
What do you hope to gain from your experience in the MC3 Institute?
I hope to greatly expand my knowledge of treating and caring for patients with Merkel cell carcinoma, and to improve my skills as a clinician. I also look forward to closely collaborating with lab members on discovering cutting-edge approaches to treating Merkel cell carcinoma and learning from their years of expertise.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love finding new hikes in the PNW, exploring (and eating my way through) new travel destinations, working out, photography, and volunteering as a crisis counselor at the Trevor Project supporting LGBTQ+ youth. My latest discovery that’s got me hooked: pickleball.
Ariel Finberg, MD
2023–Present
Pronouns: he/him/his
Hometown: Kula, Hawaii
Undergraduate: University of Hawaii – BS in Microbiology
Medical School: University of Virginia
Additional Training: Preliminary Medicine Year at Virginia Mason Medical Center
Research Experience: Research Fellow to Dr. Adrien Eshraghi; Led a project on preventing noise induced hearing loss in rats, Co-authored numerous publications regarding cochlear implantation, tinnitus and hearing loss
Clinical & Research Interests: Cutaneous Oncology, Interactions between the immune system and malignancy
Why did you choose to pursue a fellowship with the MC3 Institute?
With my background in Microbiology, I found the topic of oncogenic viruses to be fascinating. My roommate in medical school was an undergraduate in the Nghiem lab and he was the first to introduce me to Merkel cell carcinoma. During my time in medical school, I continued to learn about the disease and became more interested in the idea of setting aside time to pursue research in oncology. After matching in Seattle for my intern year, I was excited to be in the same city as Dr. Nghiem and applied for the fellowship.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Being from Hawaii, I have always loved spending time in the water doing activities such as going out on a stand-up paddle, free diving, cliff jumping, and body surfing. I also love hiking and have started to cycle more. I’m always excited to play tennis, soccer and most recently Spikeball. I love to cook and am always looking for inspiration.