  I review massive star formation in our Galaxy, focusing on initial conditions
in Infrared Dark Clouds (IRDCs), including the search for massive pre-stellar
cores (PSCs), and modeling of later stages of massive protostars, i.e., hot
molecular cores (HMCs). I highlight how developments in astrochemistry, coupled
with rapidly improving theoretical/computational and observational capabilities
are helping to improve our understanding of the complex process of massive star
formation.
