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Post: Blog2_Post
Writer's pictureTrisha Malhotra

7 Summer Medical Programs for High School Students in Texas

If you’re a high school student in Texas interested in pursuing a career in medicine, consider participating in a summer medical program! Becoming a medical practitioner requires comprehensive knowledge and strong interpersonal skills, best developed through practical, hands-on experience in well-structured medical programs. Engaging in immersive medical programs can make your college applications stand out by demonstrating your dedication to the medical field and highlighting your initiative and eagerness to learn and grow. These programs will also help you explore potential career paths, network with medical professionals, and enrich your academic perspective. 


To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 7 medical programs for high school students in Texas spanning various fields such as neuroscience, health tech, epidemiology, psychology, scientific writing, genetics, and more! 



Location: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in May.

Program Dates: June 24–-June 29, 2024.

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors who are interested in medicine can apply.


The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine hosts its annual Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in medicine and medical research for high school students. The program typically includes sessions in critical thinking, learning styles, professionalism, leadership, and more.


This residential program includes a range of hands-on activities that will allow you to experience what it's like to work in healthcare. You’ll get to learn how to perform basic medical procedures, such as suturing and administering injections, and get to practice your skills in a simulated clinical environment. The program also includes clinical simulations, where you’ll get to work in teams to diagnose and treat simulated patients, helping you develop your problem-solving and teamwork skills. In addition to hands-on activities, SEP includes sessions on career exploration and professional development. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about different medical specialties and hear from healthcare professionals about their career paths. The program also includes workshops on topics such as medical ethics, communication, and healthcare policy, helping you develop a well-rounded perspective on the medical field.


Location: University of Texas, Austin, TX

Cost: $3,500 per student. Need-based scholarships are available.

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in March. Dates TBD for 2025

Program Dates: June 10 — July 17, 2024. Dates TBD for 2025

Eligibility: Applicants must be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors during the academic year and 15 years or older by the program start date to be considered.

The summer High School Research Academy (HSRA) offers an incredible opportunity for students interested in medical research for high school students through a hands-on, interdisciplinary five-week research experience at the University of Texas at Austin. A high school student interested in medicine would greatly benefit from this program by gaining practical research skills, deepening their understanding of biomedical sciences, and enhancing their medical school applications with firsthand laboratory experience. 


During the program, you’ll get to participate in research projects in active College of Natural Sciences (CNS) laboratories related to the exciting fields of biochemistry, biology, environmental science, genetics, neuroscience, genome engineering, data analytics, ecology, and more. These research areas are particularly beneficial for students interested in medical research for high school students, as they provide firsthand experience in biomedical sciences. You will also learn cutting-edge research techniques while gaining valuable insights and experiences through interaction with UT students and faculty in CNS undergraduate research groups.


Location: Houston Methodist Hospital campus in the Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX

Cost: No cost or stipend. Scholarships are available to cover room and board.

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February. Dates TBD for 2025

Program Dates: 10 weeks, May 28, 2024 — August 2, 2024. Dates TBD for 2025

Eligibility: High school students must be completing their junior or senior year and be 16 years of age by the start of the program.


This selective internship, specifically designed for a small group of exceptional high school students with strong academic backgrounds and a passion for medical research for high school students, provides immersive, hands-on training in a translational research lab. This internship is particularly beneficial for high school students interested in medicine, providing early exposure to medical research and enhancing their college and future medical school applications. Each intern collaborates with a mentor based on their expertise, gaining valuable skills throughout the summer project.


With guidance from Houston Methodist’s distinguished faculty, interns present their projects at a scientific poster symposium, showcasing their research to leading scientists, students, and staff. The program also includes a career and professional development curriculum, featuring scientific writing and essential tools for college applications. 


Location: UT Health Lozano Long Campus, San Antonio, TX

Cost: The total cost of attendance is $750. Registration fees include all course materials including success packs, meals on T-TH, supplies and lab materials, a souvenir T-shirt, and a farewell reception on the last day.

Application Deadline: June 16, 2024

Program Dates: July 8–-July 12, 2024

Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors can apply.


The BEAT (Biomedical Excellence and Academic Training) Academy at UT Health San Antonio is an exceptional opportunity for high school students passionate about medical research for high school students and seeking exposure to both medical and biomedical research. The curriculum is based on an interaction between the medical and biomedical faculty through seminars and hands-on activities in these fields. Subjects will include ongoing biomedical research occurring at the UT Health Science Center such as anatomy, physiology, medicine, molecular biology, aging, neurodegeneration, and other contemporary topics.


During the program, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes view of the science and health professions including visits to the human anatomy lab, interactions with real and state-of-the-art simulated patients for medical training, a glimpse of the latest advances in biomolecular technology, student-based biomolecular experiments, and more! You’ll also get to attend a college prep session to gather more information on the career of your choice and ways to achieve this goal. The program is limited to 20 students with preference given to high school juniors and seniors, making it a competitive yet great stepping stone into medical research.


Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Cost/Stipend: No cost; $6,800 for the 10-week program ($6,120 if participating for nine weeks).

Application deadline: Applications typically close in January. Dates TBD for 2025.

Program Dates: June 3 — August 9, 2024. Dates TBD for 2025.

Eligibility: High school seniors who are Texas residents and are at least 18 years old by the start of the program.


Hosted by the University of Texas and the MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program is a prestigious and highly selective 10-week opportunity perfect for students passionate about medical research for high school students. This program offers selected students a rare opportunity to participate in a research project in one of the biomedical disciplines under the guidance of a full-time MD Anderson faculty member. 


Emphasis is placed on the fundamental principles of scientific investigation. The laboratory experience is supplemented by seminars. This program is especially beneficial for high school students interested in the medical field, as it provides hands-on research experience, a deeper understanding of biomedical sciences, and the chance to learn directly from leading experts, all of which will enhance their preparation for medical school. The program admits up to 10 students each year and will give you an insight into the career of a biomedical researcher and increase your awareness for your college term.


Location: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.

Cost: Free

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in January. Dates TBD for 2025. 

Program Dates: 8–10 weeks between June and August. Dates TBD for 2025. 

Eligibility: High school seniors who are 18 years or older, in good academic standing, or graduating are eligible to apply.


The DACCPM (Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Medicine) Summer Research Program is a prestigious and highly selective medical research for high school students opportunity. As a trainee, you will develop laboratory and clinical research skills, conduct medical literature reviews, learn data handling techniques, and more. You’ll work closely with seasoned researchers on an assigned project, which you will present at a poster symposium at the end of the program. 


The abstract of your research will be included in the annual CATALYST Summer Program abstract book. This program is an exceptional opportunity for high school students to engage in advanced medical research under the guidance of experienced faculty.


Additional academic and professional development opportunities are available, covering topics such as applying to graduate school and exploring various career paths in medicine.


Location: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX.

Cost/Stipend: No cost; Stipends might be provided.

Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April. Dates TBD for 2025.

Program Dates: June 10 — August 5, 2024. Dates TBD for 2025. 

Eligibility: All applicants must be 18 or older by the start of the program. Some projects may be available for 16 and 17-year-old students. Students must have previously participated in Saturday Morning Science or are part of affiliate programs with Texas Southern University, Prairie View A&M, or other predominantly minority-serving institutions.


The SMS Summer Research Program is an exceptional medical research opportunity for high school students, offering an 8-week immersive experience at Baylor College of Medicine. This program is particularly beneficial for high school students interested in medicine, providing hands-on research experience, direct mentorship from Baylor College of Medicine researchers, professional development, and an opportunity to showcase your work.


During the program, you will work directly on a project for 40 hours per week over the 8 weeks while receiving a stipend for this contribution. Additionally, you will attend weekly ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions to gain insights into research and professional development. Participation in research meetings and special seminars specific to individual research groups is also required. At the end of the summer, you will get to present your research at the SMS Summer Research Symposium to other in-person summer interns.



One other option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you are passionate about research in medicine, you could also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.


Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students.


Trisha Malhotra, an Ashoka University alumna, has 5 years of experience being a freelance writer and currently writes for Lumiere Education. She is passionate about music, reading, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as well as a devoted cat parent.


Image Source: Texas Tech University logo

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