June 9-28 or July 14-August 2, 2019

The ever-changing world of medicine is a fast-paced and exciting atmosphere in which to spend the summer. The Pre-Medical Institute is designed to build on students’ strong scientific academic foundations and introduce them to topics that they may not otherwise experience before college. Through this research-based program, students are exposed to academic publications, theories, and resources that examine human health and medicine. 

This institute combines traditional undergraduate curriculum with guest lectures, discussion, field trips, and small group work in order for students to gain valuable academic and career experience. The institute is divided into morning and afternoon sessions that include assigned readings, daily assignments, and a final project. We offer the Pre-Medical Institute in both June and July. 

Morning Session

All students attend the same morning general session. Students will attend general lectures that provide an introduction and history of medicine, medical diagnosis, and infection. Faculty and physicians from the Washington University community visit to share their current research and expert experience in their fields. Lecture topics may include:

• Neurology
• Oncology
• Emergency Medicine
• Immunology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Psychology
• Internal Medicine
• Radiology
• Surgery

In addition to physician and faculty lectures, students participate in a number of small-group activities designed to expand students’ scientific knowledge including:

• Case Study Analysis: Examine medical cases and make diagnostic observations.
• Disease Investigations: Research and present findings on the symptoms and treatment of various diseases.
• Clinical Skills Overviews: Learn the importance of taking patient histories, physical exams, and neurological exams and practice these techniques with partners.

Afternoon Session

After lunch, students attend afternoon lecture, lab, and discussion sessions. These sessions are designed for students to understand the many different perspectives when studying health and medicine and include themes such as the history of medicine, biomedical ethics, forensic anthropology, and global health. Students will also participate in microbiology lab sessions and learn about AU sequencing, DNA bacterial identiviation, and genetic variation in humans.

In addition to lectures, students will also participate in a variety of off campus field trips and hands-on activities to build on their current medical knowledge and to experience different fields of medicine including:

• Tour of the Body: Tour the cadaver lab at Logan University and gain first-hand introduction to the body's organs and systems.
• Anatomy and Physiology Activities: Explore the structure and function of the human body as you develop your critical thinking and analytical skills through hands-on activities...and have a little fun!
• Visit to the College of Pharmacy
• Visit to Mid-America Transplant
• WashU Physical Therapy presentation
• Practice MCAT

Research Symposium Project

Working in teams, students create a research symposium project on a topic of their choice that is relevant to the current medical community as discussed in their afternoon course. The project must demonstrate both critical-thinking and undergraduate-level research skills. Projects are presented to Washington University faculty and staff on the final day of the program. Parents and other family members are also welcome to attend.

Program Fees

The 2019 program fee is $5,785 and includes all academic and residential expenses. Need-based scholarship assistance is available. See 2019 Institute Program Fees for more information on fees and scholarship assistance.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a High School Summer Institute students should:

• Be a current freshman, sophomore, or junior in high school (graduating in 2020, 2021, or 2022). 
• Have an academic average of B+ (3.3/4.0) or better.
• As an international student, provide documentation of your ability to complete coursework in English (equivalent of a TOEFL score of 90).

How to Apply

In order to apply to a High School Summer Institute, students must complete an online application, including two short essays, and submit the following supplemental information:

• Transcript
• Teacher Recommendation
• International applicants must send proof of English ability

We review applications on a rolling basis. Once we receive all of the required supplemental information to complete an application, students are notified by email of the admission decision within 10-12 business days. Qualified applicants are admitted until all spaces in the program are filled or until April 1. Please note that many of our programs fill before the April 1, 2018 deadline, so we strongly encourage students to apply early.
 

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