Please note that the application process for 2018 has closed. All spots have been filled. Applications for 2019 will open October 1, 2018.

June 10-29 or July 15-August 3, 2018

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 foundation and expose them to topics that they may not otherwise experience before college. We offer the Pre-Medical Institute in both June and July. 

This institute combines traditional undergraduate curriculum with organized field trips, guest lectures, and hands-on activities 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. 

Morning Session

All students attend the same morning general session. Faculty and physicians from the Washington University community visit to share their current research and expert experience in their fields. Lecture topics include:

• History of Medicine
• Neurology
• Biology of Aging
• "So you want to be a doctor?" 
• Oncology
• Emergency Medicine
• Immunology
• Forensic Anthropology
• Biomedical Engineering

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

• Anatomy and Physiology Activities: Explore the structure and function of the human body as you develop your critical thinking and analytical skills through lab-based activities.
• Case Study Analysis: Examine medical cases and make diagnostic observations.
• Clinical Skills Sessions: Learn about the importance of clinical techniques including taking patient histories, giving physical exams, and conducting neurological exams. Practice these skills with fellow students.
• Disease Investigations: Research and present findings on the symptoms and treatment of various diseases.
• Tour of the Body at Logan University: First-hand introduction to the body's organs and systems.
• Practice MCAT exam

Afternoon Session

After lunch, students attend one of three afternoon courses. Each session includes lecture, discussion, small group activities, guest lectures, and field trips. These sessions are designed for students to understand the many different perspectives when studying health and medicine.

History of Medicine

In this course, students will study the contributions of some of the most important figures in the development of medical science and examine how Western and Eastern medicine intersect. Students will explore topics such as the role of the physician, development of modern surgery, the rise of pathology, and improvements to diagnostic techniques and how these topics effect the practice of modern medicine.

Global Health

This course introduces students to important social theories by examining the roles that anthropology, clinical medicine, and public health play in the study of global health. This course will explore how interventions operate when global issues and health concerns transcend national borders. During this course students will: explore the history of global health, the issues and ethics embedded in interventions, and think critically about global health units. Students will learn about cultural anthropological methods and analyses to foster a comprehensive understanding of human diversity.  

Biomedical Ethics

This course provides students a critical examination of some of the moral issues arising out of medical practice and experimentation in our society and encourages students to evaluate philosophical arguments and questions. Topics may include euthanasia, genetic engineering, the allocation of medical resources, and patient rights. Students will engage with a variety of ethical principles, namely: autonomy, responsibility, obligation, and values.

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 2018 program fee is $5,585 and includes all academic and residential expenses. Scholarship assistance is available to students who demonstrate financial need. See 2018 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. 
• 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 three short essays, and submit the following supplemental information:

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

The deadline to submit applications and supplemental information is April 1, 2018. 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. 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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