The experience of watching doctors successfully battle his mother's breast cancer is leading a Wayne State University School of Medicine student to a career in radiation oncology.

Brandon Mancini, 22, said he felt strongly about a career in medicine while in high school. He was attracted to radiation oncology when his mother developed breast cancer in 2002. She is now in her sixth year of remiss.

"The amazing team effort that I witnessed between my mother and the doctors and nurses who treated her has forever allied my heart with the field of medicine, and more specifically radiation oncology," he said. "I have such a respect and enthusiasm for the field, and I am looking forward to providing my patients with the same care that was given to my mother."The first-year medical student who now lives on campus is originally from Canton. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Michigan.

The Class of 2011 president also serves as a student representative on the Medical Alumni Association Board. He is one of only nine first-year medical school students elected into the Aesculapians Honor Society this year. The honorary service organization is devoted to the city of Detroit and the School of Medicine. In addition, he tutors children ages 5 to 12 at the Wayne County Family Center as part of Project H. He was recently elected a clinic co-coordinator for Project H, with the responsibility of managing the health clinic operations at the center.  He also participates in Code Blue, a group that delivers lessons about various topics, including health, fitness, career planning and goal setting, to children at a Highland Park elementary school.

Mr. Mancini said the diversity of the School of Medicine student body was a pleasant surprise. "There are students of all ages, backgrounds and cultures, and it has been such an amazing experience to interact and form friendships with such a great group of people," he said.

He explained that he chose to pursue his medical education at the Wayne State University School of Medicine because he found the opportunities the school offers to assist and treat an urban population appealing.

"Even with my limited clinical exposure thus far in my medical school career, I have found it very rewarding to interact with patients and understand the difficulties associated with providing healthcare to an urban population," he said.

After graduation, Mr. Mancini sees himself as a radiation oncologist, raising a family, and volunteering and improving the community he will live in.