5 Medical Internships for High School Students in Richmond, VA
- Stephen Turban
- Nov 2
- 4 min read
If you’re a high school student and considering a future in medicine, a medical internship can be a practical first step. These programs give you a close look at the work of doctors, researchers, and other medical professionals, and also show colleges that you are serious about a healthcare career.
Medical internships can include research projects, clinical experiences, administrative work, or a combination of all three. Along the way, you’ll meet mentors and peers who can guide you and provide connections that may help later in your academic or professional journey. If you’re based in or around in Richmond, VA, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of internships in medicine that are open to local high school students below.
With that, here is a list of 5 medical internships for high school students in or near the Greater Richmond Area! Programs were selected based on the prestige of the institution, the rigor of the academic and professional experience, and whether they are fully funded.
5 Medical Internships for High School Students in Richmond, VA
Cost: Varies depending on program type
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
Ladder Internships is a selective virtual program where you work with a high-growth start-up for eight weeks. The companies span industries like tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, and consulting. Each start-up typically has raised over a million dollars and offers real-world projects tailored to your interests and skills. You work directly with your manager and a Ladder Coach, gaining mentorship and feedback throughout the internship. At the end, you present your work to the company. The program is designed for ambitious high school students and runs multiple cohorts each year.
Location: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (MCV Campus), Richmond, VA
Cost/Stipend: The program is free
Dates: June 23 to July 31
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: High school students, preferably rising juniors and seniors, currently residing in the counties surrounding the Greater Richmond Area
Medical Science Internship Program (MSIP) – VCU School of Medicine is a 6-week summer research internship for high school students in the Greater Richmond Area. You’re placed in an active lab and paired with a faculty mentor to work on a research project assigned by the lab. You’re expected to commit 30–40 hours per week. Throughout the program, you attend weekly seminars led by guest lecturers from VCU and affiliated organizations. At the end, you present your research through both a slideshow and a poster session to peers, mentors, and the VCU community.
Location: Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA
Cost/Stipend: The program is free
Dates: June 23 to July 25
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school students interested in cancer research
CHiSEL Program – VCU Massey Cancer Center is a five-week summer research experience for high school juniors and seniors in the Greater Richmond Area. You’re paired with a Massey investigator and work in a cancer research lab, gaining hands-on experience with lab techniques and experimental design. You attend seminars, build relationships with researchers, and present your findings at a final poster symposium. The program also explores the social and community impact of cancer in Virginia, helping you understand how research connects with public health and equity.
Location: VCU School of Pharmacy: Robert Blackwell Smith Building, Richmond, VA
Cost/Stipend: The program is free. Lunch is provided.
Dates: July 7 to July 11
Application Deadline: Please check the website for the next cohort application details
Eligibility: Students in grades 9 through 12 interested in a career in pharmacy
VCU Pharmacy Summer Scholars is a free, week-long summer program for high school students interested in exploring pharmacy as a healthcare career. You’ll meet current pharmacy students, learn about different career pathways, and take part in hands-on activities like non-sterile compounding. The program also includes tours of pharmacy settings and interactive sessions with faculty. It’s not a formal internship, but it gives you direct exposure to the field and helps you understand what pharmacy school and professional practice involve.
Location: VCU School of Dentistry, Richmond, VA
Cost/Stipend: The program is free. Lunch is provided.
Dates: July 13 to July 17
Application Deadline: Please check the website for the next cohort application details
Eligibility: High school students (rising 10th grade or above) with a minimum GPA of 3.0
The VCU Dental Careers Exploration Program is a free, five-day summer experience for high school students interested in dentistry. You learn about the roles of general dentists, dental hygienists, and dental specialists through mentored, hands-on activities. Practical sessions include tooth carving, dental impressions, suturing, and digital dentistry. The program is hosted in person at the VCU School of Dentistry in Richmond and includes interactive workshops led by faculty and dental students.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 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. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
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