15 Medical Internships for High School Students in the Bay Area
- Stephen Turban
- 4 hours ago
- 11 min read
If you’re a high school student in the Bay Area thinking about a career in medicine or planning to major in a medical field in college, a local medical internship can give you an accessible way to explore the field. Medical internship programs let you spend time in hospitals, clinics, or research labs, where you can observe how doctors, nurses, and researchers do their work every day.Â
Medical internships also help you figure out which areas of healthcare interest you most. Some programs focus on patient care and hospital routines, while others dive into research projects in fields like neuroscience, biology, or public health. These experiences help you understand what working in medicine really feels like and give you concrete examples to talk about in college essays or interviews.
Beyond helping you explore careers, these internships give your college applications and CV a solid edge. They show initiative, responsibility, and a willingness to step into real-world situations, which colleges and future employers notice.Â
To help you get started, here are 15 medical internships for high school students in the Bay Area! If you're looking for more prestigious internships, check out this set of blogs!Â
15 Medical Internships for High School Students in the Bay Area
Location: Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Cost: Free. Interns receive a stipend.
Dates: June 8 – July 30
Application Deadline: February 21
Eligibility: Current U.S. high school juniors and seniors who are at least 16 years old by the program start date and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents living and attending school in the U.S.
The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is one of the most prestigious biomedical research opportunities for high school students in the United States. You spend eight weeks working directly in a Stanford School of Medicine lab, collaborating with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students on an active research project. You choose from one of eight specialized research areas: immunology, cancer biology, neurobiology, bioengineering, stem cell and regenerative medicine, cardiovascular biology, bioinformatics, or genetics and genomics. Each track is hosted by its corresponding Stanford institute, giving you deep exposure to cutting-edge techniques and scientific inquiry.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world
Cost: Varies by the program. Financial aid is available
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).Â
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates, and gap year students!
The Ladder Internships Program is a selective eight-week virtual internship designed for ambitious high school students. You work directly with a high-growth start-up in industries such as artificial intelligence, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, or deep tech. These start-ups typically raise over one million dollars and offer fast-paced, real-world experience. During the internship, you collaborate closely with your manager and a dedicated Ladder Coach while contributing to meaningful projects. You present your work to the company at the end of the program, gaining exposure to professional feedback and startup culture.
Location: University of California, San Francisco, CA
Cost: Free. Students receive a paid stipend; the amount depends on the program funding source.
Dates: June 9 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who attend San Francisco Unified School District or San Francisco charter schools
The UCSF High School Intern Program is a supportive, equity-focused research internship that gives you meaningful exposure to careers in health and science. You don’t need to meet any grade or career path requirements to apply, making this opportunity especially accessible if you’re a low-income or first-generation student. You’ll be placed in a UCSF department, either in a basic science lab or a clinical research setting, and work under the guidance of a dedicated mentor. Past interns have contributed to research in infectious disease, neuroscience, molecular biology, immunology, cancer, stem cell science, and developmental biology.
Location: Multiple CIRM-funded research institutions across California; examples include Stanford, UCSF, UC Davis, Cedars-Sinai, City of Hope, and others.
Cost: Free. A paid stipend is provided; amounts and payment schedules vary by host institution.
Dates: Typically a six-week summer internship; exact dates vary by host site
Application Deadline: Varies by host institution; many host deadlines fall between January and March
Eligibility: High school students; host-specific requirements apply and commonly include current junior status or rising senior status, minimum age 16 by program start
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) SPARK Program is a hands-on summer research opportunity for high school students interested in stem cell science and regenerative medicine. You’ll be placed in a research lab at a leading Bay Area institution such as Stanford, UCSF, or City of Hope, where you’ll work on a real project under the guidance of a dedicated mentor. You’ll gain experience with advanced lab techniques and explore topics like tissue engineering, cell therapy, and molecular biology. You’ll also attend workshops and career sessions designed to support your growth as a future researcher.
Location: Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Cost: $4,000; $1,000 non‑refundable deposit due within 7 days of acceptance, remaining balance due by the enrollment deadline.
Dates: Session 1: June 9 – 13; Session 2: June 23 – 27; Session 3: July 7 – 11
Application Deadline: Confirm on the official CASP Apply page for the current cycle (no single universal deadline published on the program overview).
Eligibility: Open to high school students who will be at least 15 years old by the start of the program
The Stanford Clinical Anatomy Summer Program (CASP) is an immersive medical experience that introduces you to human anatomy at a level comparable to a first-year medical school course. You’ll attend daily lectures on anatomy and clinical topics, then apply that knowledge in a hands-on anatomy lab under the guidance of Stanford faculty and teaching assistants. You’ll work directly with cadaveric specimens, gaining a mature and detailed understanding of the human body’s structure and function. You’ll also build professional relationships with instructors and peers who share your interest in medicine.
Location: UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Oakland, CA (formerly CHORI; now integrated with UCSF)
Cost: Free. A stipend is provided; summer stipends typically range from $3,000–$4,300 and vary by funding source and student status.
Dates: Nine‑week program spanning early June to early August (exact dates vary by year; confirm current cycle).
Application Deadline: February 14Â
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (or undergraduate applicants); students must be 16 years of age or older by June 1 of the program year.
The UCSF Summer Student Research Program gives you a direct, hands-on introduction to biomedical research with a focus on pediatric medicine. You’ll be paired one-on-one with a healthcare provider or researcher at UC Benioff Children’s Hospital and work on a real project in areas like cancer biology, genetics, infectious disease, or developmental medicine. You’ll learn how to form a research hypothesis, collect and analyze data, and interpret results in a clinical or lab setting. At the end of the program, you’ll present your findings at a formal research symposium, which can lead to future grants, publications, or continued research opportunities.
Location: Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Cost: $4,500; $95 non‑refundable application fee; limited financial aid available.
Dates: Two‑week sessions offered in a late‑June/early‑July block and a mid/late‑July block (confirm exact session dates on the official Apply page).
Application Deadline: Mid‑MarchÂ
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 16 years or older by the program start date; competitive admission with limited spots
The Stanford Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills Summer Internship is an intensive two-week program that gives you direct exposure to the field of cardiothoracic surgery. You learn foundational surgical techniques like knot-tying and suturing, then advance to more complex procedures using high-fidelity simulators that replicate real surgical environments. You attend lectures led by Stanford faculty on cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, and disease, gaining a deeper understanding of the systems you’ll be working with in the lab.
Location: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA
Cost: Free. Interns receive a weekly stipend (commonly around $500/week; exact amount and schedule vary by cycle).
Dates: June 16 – July 25 (six‑week summer program; confirm current cycle dates on the official site).
Application Deadline: March 23
Eligibility: Must be a current high school sophomore, junior, or senior enrolled in a Northern California high school; a GPA of 3.0 or higher is encouraged
Berkeley Lab’s Experiences in Research is a six-week summer internship that places you in a national laboratory setting, working alongside scientists and engineers on active research projects. You contribute to work in biosciences, genomics, environmental science, and computational biology, depending on your interests and placement. You work in a team-based environment, gaining exposure to interdisciplinary research that blends biology, physics, and computer science. Past interns have worked on projects involving DNA sequencing, climate modeling, machine learning applications in biology, and bioinformatics pipelines.
Location: University of California, Davis, CA
Cost: $7,500; fee reduction requests and application fee waivers are available by request and considered for students with financial need.
Dates: Six‑week residential program from June 21 – August 1
Application Deadline: March 1Â
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors who will be at least 16 years old by the program start and who will not turn 18 before the program ends
While slightly outside the immediate Bay Area, this highly selective, prestigious program is a popular choice for Bay Area students. You live on campus and work one-on-one with UC Davis faculty in state-of-the-art laboratories, conducting individual research projects that reflect current scientific inquiry. You attend daily lectures and participate in workshops focused on career development, scientific writing, and college preparation. You also take part in social activities that build community among the forty students selected each year. At the end of the program, you write a journal-quality article describing your research and present your findings at a formal symposium.
Location: Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Cost: Tuition‑based program; an application fee is required, and limited financial aid is available.
Dates: Session 1 (In person): July 14 – July 25; Session 2 (Virtual): July 28 – August 8; Fall Intensive (Virtual) option also offeredÂ
Application Deadline: Typically open in November, and the summer application cycle closes in FebruaryÂ
Eligibility: Targeted to rising high school juniors and seniors (and undergraduate pre‑medical students in some cycles)
The Stanford Clinical Summer Internship (SCSI) is a two-week immersive program that introduces you to the world of clinical medicine. You attend interactive workshops and lectures led by Stanford Medicine faculty, gaining exposure to medical procedures, diagnostics, and patient care techniques. You participate in hands-on activities that simulate real clinical scenarios, helping you understand how physicians make decisions and communicate with patients. You explore a range of medical specialties, from emergency medicine and surgery to internal medicine and pediatrics. You also connect with peers who share your interest in medicine and receive guidance from mentors who help you reflect on whether a medical career is the right path for you.
Location: John Muir Health facilities in Concord and Walnut Creek, CA.
Cost: Free
Dates: 6 weeks in spring or 2 weeks in summer
Application Deadline: Varies yearly, check the website for details
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a GPA of at least 2.5 in the following school districts – Antioch Unified, Brentwood Union, Mt. Diablo Unified, Pittsburg Unified, Martinez Unified, West County Unified, San Ramon Valley Unified, and Pleasanton Unified
The John Muir Young Healers High School Internship Program gives you a comprehensive introduction to healthcare through direct experience in a hospital setting. You’re placed in departments across John Muir Health’s medical centers, where you assist staff, interact with patients, and observe clinical workflows. You participate in volunteer service, attend career development workshops, and receive mentorship from healthcare professionals. The program includes job shadowing, networking opportunities, and training in workforce readiness, helping you build confidence and understand the responsibilities of different medical roles.
Location: Medical Immersion Scholars Academy, Oakland, CA
Cost: $1,400 per five‑day cohort (confirm current tuition on the official MISA site; fees and schedules may change).
Dates: Multiple five‑day cohorts in spring and summer; cohort dates vary by year
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort
Eligibility: High school students age 15 and older who have completed freshman year
The Medical Immersion Summer Academy (MISA) is a two-week intensive program that gives you a realistic and hands-on introduction to clinical medicine. You learn essential skills like suturing, taking vitals, and using diagnostic tools through structured workshops led by healthcare professionals. You also shadow in hospital departments, observing patient care and clinical decision-making in real time. During the program, you earn at least five health-related certifications, each valid for two years, which strengthen your resume and prepare you for future clinical opportunities.
Location: Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Cost: Free. Tuition‑free immersive program funded by donations and Stanford Medicine support.
Dates: June 22 – July 26 (five‑week full‑time, Monday–Friday on‑campus program; mandatory in‑person orientation before start).
Application Deadline: Application opens mid‑December; confirm the exact February window deadline on the official SMYSP Apply page for the current cycle.
Eligibility: Current high school juniors from Northern California who are low‑income and first‑generation college‑bound
The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP) is a five-week residential internship that gives you direct exposure to clinical medicine, public health, and biomedical research. Only twenty-four high school students from Northern California are selected each year, making it one of the most competitive and prestigious pre-college medical programs in the region. You’re placed in departments across Stanford Hospital, where you participate in hands-on lab work, shadow healthcare professionals, observe patient care, and explore the daily operations of clinical teams. You also take intensive courses in biology and chemistry, attend educational seminars, and receive mentorship from Stanford faculty and students.
Location: Multiple Kaiser Permanente facilities across Northern California, including Oakland and Bay Area medical centers
Cost/Stipend: $23 per hour for a 7-week paid internship
Dates: 7-week summer program (typically late June to early August)
Application Deadline: Applications open in November/December annually and close Early February
Eligibility: High school students aged 16-19 by program start date (priority given to juniors and seniors)
Kaiser Permanente's KP LAUNCH (Learning About Unlimited New Careers in Healthcare) program offers underrepresented high school students direct exposure to healthcare careers through hands-on work experience at Kaiser facilities. You'll work on healthcare projects while participating in weekly professional development workshops, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities with senior healthcare leaders. The program includes exposure to various non-clinical healthcare roles, including health administration, public health, and healthcare operations. You'll also complete a Community Awareness Project addressing healthcare disparities and receive training in college readiness and interview preparation.
Location: MarinHealth Medical Center, Marin County (Greenbrae/San Rafael area)
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid volunteer position (scholarship opportunities available for outstanding participants)
Dates: Year-long commitment with 2-hour weekly shifts
Application Deadline: The best time to apply is January - March each year
Eligibility: High school students aged 16 and older; Must demonstrate reliability, commitment, and strong communication skills; Only 10 spots available annually (highly competitive)
The S.M.I.L.E. program is MarinHealth's signature high school volunteer experience, where you work directly with patients using the mobile S.M.I.L.E. cart filled with comfort items like games, magazines, and personal care products. You'll be assigned a permanent 2-hour shift Monday-Friday, visiting patients throughout the hospital to provide companionship and support. The program offers an authentic patient interaction experience and has historically provided scholarship opportunities to outstanding participants. Former participants have received up to $41,500 in collective scholarships to support their healthcare education pursuits.
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, check out students’ reviews of the program here and 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! 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.
Image Source - Â Stanford University logo