About Us

A program built by students,
for student researchers.

ONCORE — Oncology Collaboration for Research & Excellence — is a structured research-matching program designed to bridge motivated Alfaisal medical students with leading oncology specialists at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre's Centre of Excellence in Oncology.

Core
Disciplines

25%

of KSA cancer
cases at KFSHRC

2^nd

in Middle East
(Newsweek)

Our Mission

Bridging students with oncology specialists.

Our program facilitates meaningful, early engagement in oncology research by directly aligning student interests and competencies with ongoing clinical and academic projects at one of the leading cancer centres in the Middle East.

Our Vision

An accessible pathway into research for every student.

We aim to make research feasible and approachable for students at Alfaisal University, while strengthening the institution's academic presence and contribution within the field of oncology — building the next generation of clinician-researchers.

What We Do

From application to publication.

Through close collaboration with KFSHRC consultants and research teams, we tailor every student placement to the specific needs and expectations of each department.

Centralized matching

Our selection process runs through a centralized platform — students are matched to opportunities based on the specific requirements of collaborating physicians and departments.

Equal opportunity

A fair, transparent, merit-based system that gives all Alfaisal medical students an equal opportunity to participate, regardless of prior experience.

Capacity building

We prioritize opportunities for students with limited research exposure — enabling them to develop essential skills through hands-on involvement and structured mentorship.

Structured workshops

Research methodology, critical appraisal, and scientific writing workshops led by experienced students and clinicians — ensuring participants contribute meaningfully.

Our Team

Oncology Collaboration for Research & Excellence.

Faculty

Dr. Akef Obeidat

Vice Dean, Quality Assurance & Accreditation

Prof. Khaled AlKattan

Dean, College of Medicine · VP Finance & Administration

Prof. Anders Mellgren

Executive Director, Cancer Centre of Excellence, KFSHRC

Dr. Ali Alqahtani

Adult Oncology Consultant at KFSH

Advisors

Student Team

Siyaan Qureshi

Director of Research Training & Workshops

Farooqa Junaid

Co-Founder · ONCORE Director

Malek Handoumeh

Founder

Zainab Ghazi

Co-Founder · ONCORE Director

Aliaa Abdelmeguid

Director of Student Research

Our Four Core Disciplines

Operating across oncology's frontline.

ONCORE operates across four core oncology disciplines at KFSHRC. Each placement is tailored to the specific needs of the department.

01 / FOUR

Medical Oncology

Chemotherapy protocols, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and clinical trial outcomes.

02 / FOUR

Radiation Oncology

Treatment planning, outcomes research, advanced techniques like SBRT and IMRT.

03 / FOUR

Hematology-Oncology

Leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, transplant outcomes, and translational research.

04 / FOUR

Palliative Care

Quality of life research, symptom management, advance care planning, and patient outcomes.

A Strategic Partnership

Backed by world-class institutions in Riyadh.

KFSHRC

Centre of Excellence in Oncology

Alfaisal University

College of Medicine, Riyadh

ONCORE operates under a unique partnership between Alfaisal University's College of Medicine and the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre — ranked 2nd in the Middle East by Newsweek and treating approximately 25% of Saudi Arabia's cancer cases annually.

This collaboration ensures every research placement happens at a Centre of Excellence — with mentorship from leading oncologists and exposure to cutting-edge clinical work.

A program built by students,for student researchers.