Aspiring Physician and Medical Scientist Summer Program

young adults stand around a plastic replica of the inside of a body

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

Seats Available: 35

Application Deadline: Rolling (payment due upon acceptance)
Time to Complete: 2 weeks
Format: Onsite
2026 Program Dates: July 20-31 & Aug 3-14
Apply Now
Request Info

Designed for motivated and high-achieving students, this exclusive program provides an opportunity to engage with world-renowned medical professionals from the MGH IHP and instructors from Harvard Medical School. With only 35 seats available, the program offers unparalleled access to medical education and career guidance.

Sample Schedule (subject to change):

Week 1:

Day 1: Introduction to Anatomy & Physiolog
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 specialities to provide insight on the career path 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 from faculty.

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

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

 

Applications for the MGH IHP Aspiring Physician and Medical Scientist Summer 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.

students wrap another student's arm in a splint

Interactive Learning & Fun

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

nursing students at a computer in a hospital hallway

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 MGH IHP 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

Read Article

Faculty

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

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

alex morton in front of a green wall

Alex Morton, PhD, MSHS, RN

Associate Director 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

Program Manager Center of Excellence in Healthcare Simulation Research

Sarah Prout

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

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

July 20–31, 2026 and August 3–14, 2026.

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

MGH Institute of Health Professions, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA.
 

No. This is a commuter program. MGH IHP does not offer on-campus housing.

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

MGH IHP faculty and Massachusetts General Hospital residents.

No prerequisites are required.

Applications are reviewed and scored by a faculty admissions committee.
 

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

No scholarships are available for 2026. We are actively working toward future opportunities.

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

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

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

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). 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sarah Prout.
sbprout [at] mgb.org 

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. 
 

Take the next step

Apply Today
Request Info

MGH Institute of Health Professions Charlestown Navy Yard 36 1st Avenue Boston MA 02129-4557
CONTACT US