Aspiring Physician and Medical Scientist Summer Program

This program is for high school students interested in pursuing a career in medicine or medical research. The Aspiring Physician and Medical Scientist Summer Program, offered by the Mass General Brigham University Center of Excellence in Healthcare Simulation Research, gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in healthcare and medical research, learn from University faculty, Harvard Medical School instructors, and earn a prestigious certificate to enhance college applications.

Seats Available: 25

Application Deadline: Rolling (payment due upon acceptance)

Time to Complete: 2 weeks

Format: Onsite

2027 Program Dates: June 21 - July 2, July 26 - Aug 6, & Aug 9 - Aug 20

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Designed for motivated and high-achieving students, this exclusive program provides an opportunity to engage with world-renowned medical professionals from Mass General Brigham and instructors from Harvard Medical School. With only 25 seats available per session, the program offers students unparalleled exposure to medicine and medical research and guidance as they explore careers in healthcare.

Sample Schedule (subject to change):

Week 1:

Day 1: Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology
Day 2: Emergency Room Skills
Day 3: Life-Threatening Emergencies
Day 4: Cardiac Arrest Response & CPR Certification
Day 5: Research Skills & Wilderness Medicine

Week 2:

Day 6: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Day 7: Pediatrics
Day 8: Introduction to Surgery
Day 9: Neurology – Stroke Focus
Day 10: Neurology – Seizure Management & Research Presentations

Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Students begin with an introduction to the day’s clinical focus, followed by hands-on skills training or simulation exercises such as suturing, CPR, and patient assessment.

Midday (Lunch Break)
Lunch is provided on campus. Students connect with peers and faculty in an informal setting. Speakers will join from a variety of medical specialties to provide insight on their career paths and answer questions.

Afternoon (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Students participate in advanced simulations, case-based learning, and collaborative activities such as trauma response, cardiac events, neonatal care, and research challenges.

Throughout the day, students rotate through simulation labs and receive real-time feedback and instruction from faculty.

Program Cost: $4,500 per student
Optional College Credit: Add $540 to earn 1 college credit

Students may request college credit at the time of registration. Additional forms and academic requirements may apply.

Applications for the Mass General Brigham University Aspiring Physician and Medical Scientist Summer 2027 Program are now open.

Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
The payment process will be shared upon acceptance into the program.

students work on a torso with EMS personnel

Explore the World of Medicine

Gain hands-on experience in surgery, emergency care, cardiology, and more, while learning critical life skills for future success in healthcare.

Four female students in white coats pose in a emergency room while holding infant manikins

Interactive Learning & Fun

Engage in immersive simulations, creative problem-solving activities, and collaborative research projects that make learning medicine exciting and accessible.

Two female students in white coats pose with a newborn baby manikin

Future Healthcare Leaders Start Here

Develop essential skills, explore medical specialties, and build a strong foundation for a career in healthcare through this innovative two-week program.

Program Experience

For Families

This program provides a structured, supportive, and academically rigorous environment led by experienced faculty from Mass General Brigham University and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Lunch, snacks, and daily support are provided. Families may opt into a WhatsApp community group to receive daily updates, photos, and highlights from student activities.

A mandatory orientation and pre-program preparation process ensure students are fully ready for the experience.

For Students

This is not a typical summer program. You will step into a real clinical simulation environment and experience what it feels like to train in healthcare.

You’ll practice hands-on skills, participate in high-intensity simulations, and explore specialties including surgery, cardiology, neurology, OB/GYN, pediatrics, and more.

You’ll work alongside motivated peers, learn from real medical professionals, and gain exposure to both clinical practice and research.

Gloved hands work on a manikin that shows the anatomy of the abdominal area — High school students had access to interactive simulation manikins during the Aspiring Physician and Medical Scientist Summer Program.

News

High School Students Have Hands-on Summer Experience

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Faculty

Janice C. Palaganas, PhD, RN, NP, ANEF, FNAP, FAAN, FSSH

Founding Director, Center of Excellence in Healthcare Simulation Research Principal Investigator, REBEL Lab Professor, Health Professions Education

Janice C. Palaganas, PhD, RN, NP, ANEF, FNAP, FAAN, FSSH

jpalaganas@mgh.harvard.edu

Alex Morton, PhD, MSHS, RN

Founding Committee Member Center of Excellence in Healthcare Simulation Research

Alex Morton, PhD, MSHS, RN

sarah has a pink and blue striped shirt and straight black hair

Sarah Prout

Founding Committee Member Center of Excellence in Healthcare Simulation Research

Sarah Prout

rebel@mghihp.edu

Maria Bajwa, PhD, MBBS, MSMS, CHSE

Associate Professor Health Professions Education

Maria Bajwa, PhD, MBBS, MSMS, CHSE

mbajwa@mgh.harvard.edu

Jill Sanko, PhD, ARNP, CHSE-A, FSSH

Adjunct Associate Professor Health Professions Education

Jill Sanko, PhD, ARNP, CHSE-A, FSSH

jsanko@mghihp.edu

Jianna Ramos

Lead Intern Founding Committee Member

Jianna Ramos

Arjun Kumar

Lead Intern Founding Committee Member

Arjun Kumar

Fatima Adem, MBBS, MPH

Medical Director Founding Committee Member

Fatima Adem, MBBS, MPH

Ready to Take the First Step?

Spots are limited and sessions are filling quickly.
Apply now to secure your place in one of Boston’s most immersive pre-college healthcare programs.

Apply Now

What is the Aspiring Physician and Medical Scientist Program?

A highly selective, two-week immersive summer program for high school students focused on hands-on clinical simulation, healthcare exploration, and research.

When does the program take place?

June 21 - July 2
July 26 - Aug 6
Aug 9 - Aug 20

What is the daily schedule?

Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Where is the program located?

Mass General Brigham University of Health Professions, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA.

Is this a residential program?

No. This is a commuter program. Mass General Brigham University does not offer on-campus housing.

What will students learn?

Students engage in simulation-based learning across surgery, emergency medicine, cardiology, OB/GYN, pediatrics, and neurology, with a strong emphasis on hands-on activities.

Who teaches the program?

Mass General Brigham University faculty and Massachusetts General Hospital residents.

Are there prerequisites?

No prerequisites are required.

How are students selected?

Applications are reviewed and scored by a faculty admissions committee.

What is the tuition?

$4,500, with an optional 1 college credit available for $540.

Are scholarships available?

For scholarship inquiries, please email akumar25 [at] mgh.harvard.edu (akumar25[at]mgh[dot]harvard[dot]edu).

Is there a payment plan?

Yes. A 25% deposit secures a seat, with remaining payments spread through July.
For questions, contact the Bursar’s Office.

Is there a tuition discount?

Yes. A 20% discount is available for dependents of Mass General Brigham employees.

How does college credit work?

Students receive 1 academic credit and access transcripts through an iOnline account issued by the Registrar.

What should students wear?

Business casual attire, closed-toe shoes, and short nails are required. A short lab coat is also required (links to recommended lab coats will be provided).

What should students bring?

Students may be asked to bring a laptop or phone on certain days, but it is not required daily.

Will food be provided?

Yes. Lunch, snacks, and drinks are provided daily.

Are forms required before the program?

Yes. Families must complete an online waiver and release packet, including dietary needs and allergies.

Is there an orientation?

Yes. A mandatory virtual orientation will be held prior to the program.

Will families receive updates?

Yes. An optional WhatsApp community group will provide daily updates, photos, and highlights.

What happens after registration?

Students receive follow-up communication with preparation materials and next steps.

Who should I contact with questions?

Arjun Kumar
akumar25 [at] mgh.harvard.edu (akumar25[at]mgh[dot]harvard[dot]edu)

Partnerships

The Aspiring Physician and Medical Scientist Program is part of a growing portfolio of educational offerings from the Center of Excellence in Healthcare Simulation Research.

We partner with schools, universities, and healthcare organizations to deliver this immersive program at external sites, expanding access to high-quality simulation-based medical education.

Our team provides curriculum, faculty support, and program design to ensure a consistent, high-impact experience.

To explore partnership opportunities, please contact Sarah Prout.