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 (9:00am-12:00pm) and afternoon (2:00-4:30pm) sessions that include assigned readings and daily assignments. In between morning and afternoon sessions students have lunch and independent study. On evenings and weekends, students participate in social events, weekend outings, and college readiness seminars. Students will also complete three projects during the program: reflection essay, a disease investigation, and research symposium 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 to the history of medicine, medical diagnosis, and professions. Faculty and physicians from the Washington University community visit to share their current research and expert experience in their fields. Students will also learn about the importance of different clinical skills like taking patient histories, physical exams, and neurological exams. Students will also confront some of the issues currently facing the medical community.

Lecture topics may include:

• Neurology
• Oncology
• Emergency Medicine
• Immunology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Psychology
• Global Health
• Health Disparities
• Biomedical Ethics
• Overview of Healthcare Professions
• Cellular Biology Biology Basis of Medicine

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

• Disease Investigations: Research and present findings on the symptoms and treatment of various diseases.
• Biomedical Engineering Lab: Practice using medical diagnostic tests including EOG, EMG, and ECG.
• Bleeding Control 1.0 Training and Certification: Led by Stop the Bleed STL, students will learn about trauma first aid and receive certification in bleeding control.

Afternoon Session

After lunch, students attend afternoon sessions which include: 

• Microbiology labs: Learn about AU sequencing, DNA bacterial identiviation, and genetic variation in humans.
• 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!
• Case study analysis: Examine medical cases and make diagnostic observations.
• Practice MCAT
• Brain dissection
• Documentary viewings and discussions
• Off campus field trips (MidAmerican Transplant and the School of Occupational Therapy)

Reflection Essay

This institute is designed to give students exposure to a variety of health and medical-related topics. Students will choose an institute activity, such as a lecture, field trip, or lab, and write one 250-300 word double-spaced essay. In the essay, students will reflect on why they believe this activity had relevance to the development of their medical knowledge.  

Four essays will be chosen to be published in our pre-college publication “Reflections: A Collection of Student Essays” which is made available online and distributed to the WashU community. 

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. 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

Please note: The 2019 High School Summer Institute application process has closed. Applications for the 2020 summer will be available beginning October 1.