Gaining early exposure to the medical field through summer programs can be a great benefit for high school students. Summer medical programs not only provide hands-on experience in a range of healthcare disciplines but also allow students to explore potential career paths, build valuable skills, and develop professional networks. 

Participating in these programs demonstrates initiative, curiosity, and a commitment to learning—qualities that can significantly enhance your college application. For students in Houston, TX, medical summer programs offer a head start in an increasingly competitive field, giving you a glimpse of the challenges and rewards of a healthcare career. 

Here is a list of 8 medical summer programs for high school students in Houston, Texas!

Note: The following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.

1. Baylor College of Medicine—DocPrep Program

Location: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX

Cost: There is currently no information on the cost. For more information, applicants can email edoutreach@bcm.edu 

Program Dates: The program typically runs for a week in the summer

Application Deadline: Application is available with the affiliated schools starting in March

Eligibility: Rising seniors from South Texas affiliated high schools 

Each summer, Baylor College of Medicine hosts the DocPrep program, selecting 60 exceptional rising seniors from South Texas high schools and 12 teacher mentors for a week-long academic enrichment experience. Focused on health professions and science, the program takes place at the Texas Medical Center and includes medical lectures, college and medical school counseling, communication courses led by Rice University graduate students, and hands-on simulation lab experiences. You will engage with Baylor medical students, faculty, and staff, with medical students serving as counselors and accompanying you throughout the program. 

2. Houston Methodist—Summer High School Research Internship

Location: Houston Methodist Hospital, Texas Medical Center, Houston, TX

Cost: No cost or stipend

Program Dates: May 27 – August 1

Application Deadline: Applications will open on December 2, and close on January 31, 2025

Eligibility: High school students who are currently in their junior or senior year, will be at least 16 years old by the start of the program, and have a minimum 3.5 GPA

The Summer High School Research Internship at Houston Methodist offers high school juniors and seniors the chance to conduct research alongside college students. This program introduces a select group of academically talented students to the field of translational research, providing hands-on experience through individualized summer projects guided by mentors at Houston Methodist. You will receive instruction on essential laboratory techniques and engage in a scientific poster symposium at the program’s conclusion, presenting your research to faculty and peers. Additionally, the program includes career and professional development opportunities, preparing you for college and future career paths.

3. MD Anderson Cancer Center—Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program in Biomedical Sciences

Location: University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Cost / Stipend: There is no cost. Interns receive a $6,800 stipend for their participation in the 10-week program, and $6,120 if participating for nine weeks

Program Dates: June 3 – August 9

Application Deadline: January 17

Eligibility: Current Texas high school seniors who will be at least 18 years old at the start of the program 

This program offers young Texans interested in Allied Health careers the chance to explore research and gain hands-on experience at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Each year, up to 10 students are selected for this 10-week program, where they work alongside MD Anderson faculty on biomedical research projects. Emphasis is placed on understanding the foundational principles of scientific investigation. You will spend five days a week in the laboratory, gaining firsthand knowledge of biomedical research and the discipline it requires. You will attend faculty-led seminars and exclusive activities, including competitions and presentations. At the conclusion of the program, you’ll share your experiences during a presentation and a celebration luncheon.

4. Rice University—Digital Health Young Scholars Program

Location: Rice University, Houston, TX

Cost: No cost

Program Dates: TBA. Two sessions were offered in the past:

• June 10 – 27

• July 8 – 25

Application Deadline: April 10

Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who are residents of the Houston area 

This free 3-week summer program introduces students to the practical applications of engineering in healthcare, focusing on the intersection of digital design and medical treatment. Hosted by Rice University, the program covers topics such as digital circuitry, computer science, physics, and engineering research, emphasizing their use in medicine. You will engage in hands-on simulations and work with medical instruments like pulse oximeters, accelerometers, GPS devices, speakers, and microphones while exploring various college pathways. No prior programming experience is required, but the program is highly selective, admitting only 12 students and with applications needing school representative involvement.

5. University of Houston—MohanLab Summer Internship Program

Location: University of Houston, Houston, TX

Cost: No cost

Program Dates: June 3 – July 26

Application Deadline: March 31

Eligibility: Rising high school seniors who have completed 11th grade

Rising high school seniors with a strong interest in biomedical, bioengineering, and health-related careers can apply for this internship at the University of Houston’s MohanLab. The program starts with 1-2 weeks of foundational training in basic laboratory techniques, followed by eight weeks of hands-on bench research under the mentorship of a scientist or graduate student. You may have the option to extend your research beyond the program, focusing on manuscript writing and data analysis. The internship culminates with you presenting your research, with the possibility of contributing to scientific publications based on your project.

6. UTHealth Houston—Rio Grande Valley Summer Science Internship

Location: University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX

Cost / Stipend: No cost. Interns receive a stipend of  $750 upon successful completion 

Program Dates: June 6 – July 19

Application Deadline: May 9

Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors 

UT Health Houston offers this internship to introduce high school students to university-level research in STEM fields, with the goal of increasing the number of students pursuing STEM degrees in college. Over the course of six weeks, you will work closely with a mentor, completing 20 hours of science-related work per week. The program concludes with a formal presentation where you’ll showcase your research to faculty, friends, family, and the community. To apply, you have to submit an essay about why you want to attend this program and a letter of recommendation. 

7. The University of Texas—DACCPM Summer Research Program

Location: University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Cost: Free! 

Program Dates: 8-10 weeks between June and August

Application Deadline: January 21

Eligibility: High school seniors who are 18 years or older or graduating

The DACCPM (Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Medicine) Summer Research Program is a selective 10-week program offering high school students hands-on experience in advanced medical research. You will gain valuable skills in laboratory and clinical research, conduct medical literature reviews, and learn data management techniques. Under the mentorship of experienced researchers, you’ll work on assigned projects, which you will present at a poster symposium at the program's conclusion. Each student’s research abstract is featured in the annual CATALYST Summer Program abstract book. Additionally, the program provides academic and professional development opportunities, including guidance on exploring careers in medicine.

8. The Health Museum—Global Teen Medical Summit

Location: Students stay on campus at the University of Houston and venture to and from The Health Museum and the Texas Medical Center

Cost: The cost for the summit is $1,500, with some need-based scholarships offered

Program Dates: July 13 – 18

Application Deadline: June 7

Eligibility: High school students between the ages of 14 to 18 

The Global Teen Medical Summit is a week-long summer program offering students the chance to tackle modern healthcare challenges with experts from the Texas Medical Center. You will engage in simulated surgical procedures, meet leading professionals, explore career pathways, and work on team projects guided by top healthcare mentors. Throughout the program, students attend workshops and talks, gaining fresh perspectives on pressing medical issues and applying theory to real-world problems. 

The experience includes visits to the Texas Medical Center, a Level 1 Trauma Hospital, and a medical school. You will stay on the University of Houston campus, engaging in team-building and networking activities while exploring Houston’s healthcare environment.

Bonus Items!

Lumiere Research Scholar Program—Medical track

Location: Virtual

Cost: Need-based scholarship available

• Lumiere Individual Research Program: $2,990

• Lumiere Premium Research and Publication Program: $5,900

• Lumiere Research Fellowship: $8,900

Program Dates: The summer program typically runs in June

Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and typically close in May for the summer cohort  

Eligibility: All high school students

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a distinguished online research opportunity for high-achieving students eager to conduct original research. In this flagship program, students are paired 1-on-1 with PhD mentors to develop independent research projects, providing a unique chance to contribute to cutting-edge scholarship while still in high school. Participants refine their research methodologies, enhance critical thinking, and tackle complex issues under expert guidance. Whether interested in medicine, biology, or biotechnology, you’ll gain valuable skills for college applications and future academic pursuits. You can apply here!

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.