Complete Story
10/27/2026
Studying Effects of Ongoing Surveillance during Nonoperative Rectal Cancer Management
Summer Scholar, Melina Varlamos, studied how surveillance during nonoperative management affects quality of life for patients with rectal cancer.
This summer, OSMA Foundation Summer Scholar Melina Varlamos joined the Department of Colorectal Surgery at University Hospitals to study how ongoing surveillance during nonoperative rectal cancer management affects patients’ quality of life.
Her qualitative research focused on hearing directly from patients about their experiences, allowing Melina to explore her interest in patient outcomes research while seeing how those findings can inform clinical care.
“Working alongside colorectal surgeons in the clinic and OR connected my research to patient care and strengthened my understanding of how research can inform clinical decision-making.” |
Learning Directly from Patients
Under the mentorship of Dr. Kristen Westfall and Dr. Emily Steinhagen, Melina conducted qualitative research for the first time.
Through interviews with patients undergoing nonoperative management, she gained insight into the psychological and physical effects of cancer treatment and the importance of considering patient perspectives alongside clinical outcomes.
“Listening to patients' experiences deepened my understanding of how cancer treatment affects quality of life and reinforced the importance of incorporating patient perspectives into clinical care.” |
Sharing Her Research
Melina also had the opportunity to present her research progress at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center Symposium.
The experience gave her the chance to strengthen her scientific communication skills and learn about other advances in cancer research.
“This was an incredible experience, strengthening my scientific communication skills and allowing me to learn about exciting new advances in cancer research.” |
Carrying the Experience Forward
For Melina, the summer strengthened her interest in patient outcomes research and its role in improving clinical care.
“I would like to express how grateful I am to the donors and to OSMA as a whole for making this summer research possible for me.”
“Your generosity and support have allowed me to learn, grow, and ultimately work towards becoming the best physician possible for my future patients.”
Support Future Summer ScholarsThrough the OSMA Foundation Summer Scholars Program, medical students like Melina can pursue meaningful summer experiences that expand their learning and help shape their journeys in medicine. |
We also accept grants from Donor Advised Funds (DAF). Simply provide your DAF Sponsor with the following:
EIN# is 31-0907287 and organization listed as Ohio Medical Education Foundation • 4400 N High St. Ste. 304 Columbus, OH 43214