10 Medical Internships for High School Students in Chicago, IL
Exploring medical internships as a high school student can be a solid step toward a future career in healthcare. Internships provide invaluable hands-on experience, allowing students to immerse themselves in the medical field and gain practical skills and insights that go beyond classroom learning. Whether you're interested in becoming a doctor, nurse, researcher, or any other healthcare professional, participating in an internship demonstrates your dedication to the field and provides you with experiences that can be highlighted in college applications, personal statements, and interviews.
Moreover, medical internships provide mentorship and networking opportunities that can open doors to future educational pathways and career prospects. By working alongside professionals in real-world settings, students can make informed decisions about their career interests and develop a deeper understanding of the healthcare industry.
In this blog, we’ll explore 10 medical internships available for high school students in Chicago, IL, that can help you take the first steps towards a rewarding career in healthcare.
Location: Virtual
Cost: Starts at $1,990 (financial aid available)
Eligibility: High school students who can contribute 5-15 hours/week for 8-16 weeks
Application Deadline:
Summer cohort (priority admission): March 17, 2024
Summer cohort (regular admission 1): April 14, 2024
Summer cohort (regular admission 2): May 12, 2024
Dates: The summer 2024 cohort starts on June 3 and runs till August
Ladder Internships offers high schoolers the opportunity to intern with nonprofits and startups around the world in an entirely virtual setup. A fairly selective program, founded by Harvard alumni, Ladder Internships allows students to choose the field they wish to work in, from a wide range of industries, including healthcare and medicine. As an intern, you will work on projects that contribute to the organization’s mission, and present your work at the end of the program. This internship program includes one-on-one training in communication and time management, among other skills, and group training sessions with fellow interns. You will be paired with a manager at the startup and with a Ladder coach, who serves as a second mentor.
For students interested in medicine and healthcare, there is an option to work with companies specializing in these fields. For example, one of the companies that you can expect to work with is JuneBrain- a health tech company that specializes in improving remote monitoring in ophthalmology/neurology.
Location: University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Stipend: $500 taxable stipend provided.
Eligibility:
Rising high school sophomore, junior, or senior OR rising college freshman
Strong interest in a career in scientific research or medicine
Ability to commit to the full two-week program (weekdays only, 4 hours/day)
Application Deadline: Admission to SHE is based on teacher nominations from participating Chicago high schools. For more information, please contact SHE@bsd.uchicago.edu.
Dates/Duration: SHE is a two-week, part-time program that typically runs the second half of July.
The "SHE in Oncology" program at UChicago Medicine is a virtual initiative designed for Chicago high school students passionate about science and medicine. This two-week program provides an in-depth exploration of oncology, allowing participants to engage in genetics-based research projects and patient case studies.
Throughout the program, students attend daily faculty lectures, participate in panel discussions, and engage in skill-building workshops. The curriculum covers critical aspects of cancer science and care, offering a solid foundation in oncology. By collaborating with peers and mentors, participants gain valuable insights into the challenges and innovations in cancer research and treatment.
"SHE in Oncology" aims to inspire and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals, fostering a deep interest in oncology and related medical fields.
Location: University of Chicago campus, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Taxable stipend of $3,000 provided.
Eligibility:
High school junior or senior at the time of application
At least 16 years of age at the start of the program
Strong interest in a career in scientific research or medicine
Ability to commit to 8 full weeks of programming, 40 hours/week
Application Deadline: January 22, 2024
Dates/Duration: ResearcHStart generally runs from the second full week of June through the first week of August.
ResearcHStart is an exceptional summer program designed for high-achieving high school students passionate about cancer research. This full-time, 8-week program immerses participants in the laboratories of renowned researchers, offering hands-on experience in advanced fields like cancer immunology, bioengineering, experimental cancer therapeutics, and cancer disparities.
Throughout the program, students collaborate with experts and acquire practical research skills essential for the field of oncology. Mentorship is a core component, with participants receiving guidance from university faculty, research professionals, program staff, and peers. This continuous support ensures you receive the guidance needed to effectively navigate your research journey.
Furthermore, ResearcHStart includes career development and skill-building workshops tailored to equip you with the tools and knowledge for a future in cancer research and beyond. These workshops cover a range of essential topics, enriching your overall learning experience. By participating in ResearcHStart, you not only contribute to impactful research but also lay a strong foundation for your academic and professional future.
Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus
Stipend: Not specified
Eligibility: Rising 10th - 12th Graders from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Iowa, or Wisconsin.
Application Deadline: 2024 Young Scholars Summer STEMM Research application is closed, check back for 2025 deadlines.
Dates/Duration: June 20 - August 2, 2024
The High School Summer STEMM Research Program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers an immersive experience for students interested in authentic STEM research. This program provides high school students the chance to explore a variety of fields, including cancer immunology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, physics, quantum mechanics, bioengineering, electrical engineering, and more.
Participants will engage in over 35 hours per week of hands-on research, working closely with established researchers from the university's engineering, computer science, and medical faculties. This intensive schedule ensures a deep and practical understanding of your chosen field, allowing you to hone your skills and expand your knowledge.
The program culminates in a symposium where you will present your research findings. This event not only allows you to share your work with peers and professionals but also helps build confidence in your abilities and accomplishments. The collaborative environment and mentorship from top-tier researchers will provide you with the insights and skills essential for success in these fields.
Location: The Discovery Program offers six chapters:
Cook County (City of Chicago and North Suburban Cook)
Lake County
McHenry County
DeKalb, Kendall, LaSalle, Lee and Ogle counties
DuPage County and Kane County
Will County and South Suburban Cook County
Stipend: Varies based on internship
Eligibility: First-year applicants must:
Be at least 15 years of age.
Be entering sophomore or junior year of high school. Suburban chapters will accept seniors on a limited basis.
Have an academic GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 GPA scale. Students with a GPA below 3.0 can explain any unique circumstances on their application, and they may still be considered.
Application Deadline: Applications for the 2023-2024 program were due on September 29, 2023. Please revisit this page in August 2024.
Dates/Duration: The 2024-2025 session is expected to begin in November 2024.
The Northwestern Medicine Governor's Summer Medical Discovery (GSM) Program is an excellent opportunity for high school students eager to explore careers in healthcare. This immersive program offers participants practical experience and deep insights into various medical fields and professions through a series of hands-on activities and educational sessions.
Through different sessions, students will engage in hands-on activities such as job shadowing healthcare professionals, participating in clinical skills workshops, and attending informative seminars on different medical specialties and healthcare topics. Students will also receive mentorship and guidance from Northwestern Medicine professionals, helping them to develop a deeper understanding of the healthcare industry and the diverse career paths available.
This program is particularly beneficial for those considering futures in medicine, nursing, biomedical research, or other health-related fields. By participating in the NM Discovery Program, students will not only enhance their knowledge and skills but also strengthen their college applications and gain valuable insights into their potential career paths.
Location: University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
Cost/Stipend: No cost. You will receive a stipend (amount not specified)
Eligibility: Illinois high school students who are at least 16 years old.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in April.
Dates/Duration: June 10 - August 2, 2024
The University of Illinois’ College of Medicine Rockford offers a highly regarded summer science internship that provides high school students with a unique opportunity to explore the medical research process. This internship is designed to help students understand how research drives new discoveries in medicine and offers hands-on experience in a professional research environment.
This internship is a collaborative effort by the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the College of Medicine Rockford, with sponsorship from Thermo Fisher Scientific (Pierce Biotechnology of Rockford). During the program, participants will join research teams and receive mentorship from professional scientists and faculty members.
The internship focuses on key areas of medical research, such as vaccine development, drug discovery, and cancer research. Students will learn essential laboratory skills and apply them to ongoing projects, gaining practical experience that is invaluable for those considering a career in healthcare or biomedical research.
Additionally, interns will receive career-building and professional development training. The program concludes with a science forum where participants will deliver oral presentations and display scientific posters. Note that only five students are accepted for this internship. There is also a week-long STEM camp available as an alternative.
Location: Northwestern University campus
Cost/Stipend: No cost; interns must arrange their own housing and transportation. Interns are paid a competitive stipend (amount not specified)
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors (juniors at the time of application) and undergraduate college/university students who are at least 16 years old.
Application Deadline: Applications typically close in February
Dates/Duration: Early June through the end of July every year (8 weeks)
The Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program at Northwestern University offers an intensive research experience for high school students interested in pulmonary and critical care medicine. This program provides students with the opportunity to engage in hypothesis-driven or hypothesis-generating research projects under the guidance of Northwestern faculty members.
Participants will be involved in meaningful lung disease research within a laboratory setting, learning essential research skills and techniques that are critical for scientific inquiry. In addition to lab work, students will participate in workshops and activities designed to enhance their college applications, prepare them for higher education, and advance their professional development.
The program also includes social events and campus tours, providing a well-rounded experience that goes beyond research alone. The summer culminates in the Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Symposium, where participants present their research findings, showcasing the skills and knowledge they have gained throughout the program.
8. Horizon Academic Research Programs
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: No cost
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA); most accepted students are 10th/11th graders. Some tracks require formal prerequisites, details of which can be found here.
Application Date: May 21, 2024 for the summer cohort, and September 25, 2024 for the fall cohort
Program Dates:
Summer seminar: June 24, 2024 - September 2, 2024
Fall seminar: October 23, 2024 - February 19, 2025
Lab dates are flexible, but you must apply 4 weeks in advance.
Horizon offers trimester-long virtual research programs that allow high school students to dive deep into a wide range of subjects, including data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, psychology, and more. One of the standout features of this program is the ability to choose between quantitative and qualitative research, offering flexibility based on your academic interests and career aspirations.
After selecting a subject track and research type, you’ll be paired with a professor or Ph.D. scholar from a top university who will mentor you throughout the research process. Under their guidance, you’ll develop a 20-page, university-level research paper, which can be submitted to prestigious journals for publication.
This program provides a unique opportunity to pursue specialized research under the guidance of a top scholar. Participants also receive a letter of recommendation and detailed project feedback, which can be invaluable for future projects and college applications.
Location: Two locations for the 2024 program:
Chicago, IL
Washington, DC
Cost: Not specified; for details on costs or stipends, refer to the official program website or contact the program administrators.
Eligibility: High school seniors and college students.
Application Deadline: Applications for 2024 are closed; Applications for 2025 will open in fall 2024.
Dates:
Chicago Derm Career Prep program: June 10 - June 14, 2024
DC Derm Career Prep program: June 24 - June 28, 2024
The Pathways program at the American Academy of Dermatology Association offers high school seniors and college students a hands-on introduction to the field of dermatology. Hosted in both Chicago and Washington, DC, this immersive program is specifically designed to foster inclusivity within the field, with a focus on students from Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities.
During the five-day program, participants will engage in a variety of activities that provide a comprehensive view of a career in dermatology. This includes opportunities to practice common dermatological procedures, attend interactive sessions with dermatologists, and learn from residents and medical students about the realities of working in the field. The program also offers guidance on successfully applying to medical school and building a career in medicine.
Location: Northwestern University campus, Evanston, IL
Cost: $6,795 (Residential Program); Scholarships are available.
Eligibility: Students must be between the ages of 14-18 and have completed at least one year of high school (students may attend NSLC through the summer following high school graduation).
Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
Program Dates: Multiple sessions are available:
June 23 - July 10, 2024
July 17 - August 3, 2024
The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) Medicine Intensive High School Summer Program at Northwestern University offers an exceptional opportunity for students passionate about the medical field to delve into their interests in a comprehensive and engaging setting. This immersive program provides a deep dive into the world of medicine through a combination of interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, and realistic simulations that mirror real-life medical challenges.
Participants work closely with professional medical practitioners, gaining firsthand insights into the complexities of healthcare. The program is designed to build a solid foundation of medical knowledge while enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Throughout the course, students will learn advanced clinical diagnostics, develop treatment plans, and handle critical medical situations.
In addition to clinical skills, participants will acquire essential techniques such as suturing, surgical knot tying, and even treating injuries in wilderness settings using natural resources. This program is particularly beneficial for students considering a future in medicine, providing both the practical experience and the academic enrichment needed to succeed in this competitive field.
One other option - Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you would like to participate in a rigorous research program open to high schoolers, you should also consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program, a selective online high school program for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students.
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.