Medical Summer Programs or Internships?

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
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<p>Hi everybody. So I wanted to find an internship or summer program somewhere. I'm really interested in the medical field, especially with research and the whole pre-med science scope (biology, chemistry). I'm a rising junior but this summer I'll only be 14 because I skipped two grades. Most internships I'm seeing have an age requirement of 16 years old (how old I'll be at the end of senior year). And a lot of the summer programs I am not sure about. I'm seeing that some programs at good university are run as cash-cows. </p>

<p>With internships, the few that I have found are restricted in age. Does anybody know where I can find a good program for that? I live in NY if that helps because some programs are location restricted too. Also, should I contact a hospital or a professor to see if I can do something there? </p>

<p>Summer programs are an unsure thing for me. As in, I'm not sure exactly which programs are prestigious and which are run for the monetary profit of the hosts. Could someone broaden on that and tell me which programs are actual real, beneficial programs? Are most of them ones that I can get into (at my current age, grade)?</p>

<p>Sorry for this disorganized hassle of a post. It's only my first post on College Confidential, so maybe I'm asking bad questions here. But I would seriously appreciate any help you could give. Thank you!</p>

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<p>bump. Over 100 views now. Come on people. Anyone have any ideas??? Thanks!</p>

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<p>This is a typical problem for students who were grade skipped. Most programs have the age 16 cut off due to insurance and legal reasons. There are exceptions that I know but for high schoolers from the state of OH or WV. Both are non-medical. There may be programs I do not know of. My best bet would be approach faculty at different medical centers and ask to volunteer. Send a resume and a strong cover letter. Most will not entertain but someone might be open to it. It would help if there are any connections as well e.g. friend of a parent knowing the person etc.</p>

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<p>I thought so. That’s not good at all for me. Do you (or anybody here for that matter) know of any good summer programs involving medicine or biomedical research?</p>

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<p>No, there aren’t any that I know of. Your best bet is approach faculty directly or through connections at medical centers/universities near you for a summer position. Typically, these positions would be unpaid and voluntary but you would be able to pick up some good lab skills both by observation and by getting to some procedures. Will definitely be able to put it on your resume. Good Luck.</p>

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<p>Your age makes it hard to get into any labs unless you know someone (close family or friends). As 2coll mentioned, 16 is common insurance requirement at most college labs. </p>

<p>I think they may be more liberal in bioinformatics since you wont be dealing safety issues if you are good with math and computers. Again, you do need contacts to get in.</p>

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<p>@2coll @texaspg Okay, thanks for the help. Unfortunately, I don’t have anybody I would really be able to contact. I’ll still try and contact some people in or near my local medical centers and universities. </p>

<p>As a sophomore, are there any prestigious (selective and not solely run for money) research programs like Clark Scholars (although I’d probably not be able to get into that program with its selectivity). I mean, a good research program that would be worthwhile and beneficial for me.</p>

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<p>I think that I will subtly bump this thread back into the first page… BUMP</p>

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<p>Bump again. </p>

<p>I guess what I’m asking is, is there a prestigious science research summer program that would accept sophomores under 16? </p>

<p>I’ve done a bit of research and I found the UC Davis Young Scholars Program, Iowa SSTP, UPenn SAAST. Are any of those good programs? Are there any other programs I could try and apply to?</p>

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<p>Well, there are a few programs, that I’m not sure about the prestige, but accept students under 16:
[US</a> Navy SEAP Program](<a href=“https://seap.asee.org/]US”>https://seap.asee.org/): Some labs accept 15 year olds. I mean, it’s just general STEM so idk about the medical experiences. </p>

<p>I don’t know about the program’s eligibility but here’s something: <a href=“http://yns.nebraska.edu/index.shtml[/url]”>University of Nebraska High School | Store;

<p>There are some teaching hospitals that allow volunteers to shadow at clinics. I’m not sure if New York has any that have these sort of programs, but here’s a list:
<a href=“http://www.healthguideusa.org/teaching_hospitals_new_york.htm[/url]”>http://www.healthguideusa.org/teaching_hospitals_new_york.htm&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>You could try the Cold Spring DNA programs: [DNALC</a>, DNALC West and Collaborators :: Science Summer Camps 2012](<a href=“http://summercamps.dnalc.org/info/]DNALC”>2021 Camps | Science Camps | CSHL DNA Learning Center)</p>

<p>Some NASA lab sites are grades 9-12, so you could research those. </p>

<p>You may also try the RIBS program at UChicago.</p>

<p>Too bad you weren’t interested in oceanography; most of the opportunities for that are open from after 8th grade so there is no age requirement past that.</p>

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<p>My D did a paid medical internship at our local teaching medical center when she finished 10th grade and was 14 years old (fall b-day). The actual job portion varied depending on what part of the hospital you were assigned based on your interest. The interns who actually worked in depts for actual patient care consisted of basic floor duties (comfort cart-helping with paperwork), BUT interns were also able to shadow nurses, doctors and other medical personnel and observe medical treatment on a limited basis. There is technically nothing “medical” these interns can do because they are not medically trained, but the hospital provided a lot of training on basic hospital safety, protocols, HIPAA, and had quite a few inservices for the interns and was a wonderful learning experience, just observing how things are done. They had interns in every department and it is a big trauma center. The internship was paid for 2 summers (you are invited back if they feel you were a good fit and benefited from the experience) She was paid $10 per hour for ten hours per week and worked four weeks. She was also able to volunteer at our local children’s hospital part time as a volunteer and found that opportunity rewarding as well. Locally, our cancer hospital also has positions for research for HS interns. Contact every hospital near you, ask your pediatrician, family friends who are in any health related field and find out what’s out there. It is good you are starting now, because applications and interviews can be as early as Feb-March-April for summer. Best of luck. Internships are out there for younger people. In fact, there are college students who wish they could have had the experiences my D has had.</p>

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<p>@quidditchcat Thanks for the response!! SEAP and the Nebraska program wouldn’t work because of my age. :(</p>

<p>RIBS looks extremely expensive (Tuition + R&B = $8000), so I don’t know if it’s worth it or not. Often, pricey programs aren’t that great, so do you know anything more about this program?</p>

<p>I can’t find much about Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s program. Is it any good? </p>

<p>I think what I might to is contact some of the medical centers in my area from that list. I never saw that but that’s very useful. I’ll see what I can do. Thanks!!!</p>

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<p>@marybee333 I think I will do just that. Seeing how most programs are for rising seniors, 16+, this seems to be the best option. One question though, how did your daughter go about contacting the hospitals? Thank you!!!</p>

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<p>She actually looked at their websites and looked for volunteer opportunities and emailed and telephoned for applications. There are volunteer departments at every hospital. The paid internship was something someone just happened to mention to us from somebody who knew somebody, so it pays to ask around to someone who is connected to a teaching hospital. The paid internship was a competitive program for HS students who want to pursue a medical career and it is set up to give work experience as well as to expose students to a medical environment. (that program is a well kept secret as they receive 300 apps every year for about 60-70 spaces) You can get working papers in NY at the age of 14. Just start surfing the web and write a nice interest cover letter, explaining what type of position/experience and internship you are seeking and emailing for information. Most hospitals have their directory (with contact email) on the website. Call and ask your family doctor/pediatrician, because it helps to have an “in” with someone who can help you. Most doctors have affiliations with hospitals. If by any remote chance you live in WNY, PM me and I will tell which hospital to contact for the paid internship…</p>

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<p>I saw your age and then I went back to a list I had for programs that I was going to apply to a year ago. (I have a summer birthday, so I was in that awkward position where the program started a few days before my birthday and hence I was ineligible). </p>

<p>However, I guess perhaps they changed the age limits since then. T_T
The YSP program at UCD is pretty good although it’s pricey as well (just over $5000). You can’t do your own original research, so I’ve heard, but it’s a good experience overall. I don’t know about UPenn SAAST or Iowa SSTP, as I don’t know anyone who’s been to either. </p>

<p>But definitely, as marybee said, there are volunteer programs that are set up at nearly every hospital. I don’t know where in New York there are good programs, but marybee said she’d tell you over PM. </p>

<p>If you want to do research, however, you can directly email a professor at a university. It’s not really medical experience, but if you want to major in science as an undergrad, it’s great to have a research experience. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

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<p>@marybee333 Aw, I used to live in Western NY but I just moved more east a few years ago. I’m going to take your advice and try and find “ins” and contact the decent medical centers near where I live. Thanks a bunch!!</p>

<p>@quidditchcat UCDYSP does seem okay, but I see it might not be worth it at that price. Thanks for the help! I think I will just go ahead and e-mail some professors or hospitals. Thank you!!</p>

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<p>@marybee333 Aw, I need 15 posts to PM anyone. Time to go chance some people randomly (but genuinely).</p>

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<p>P.S. Do not let your age deter you from asking mentors for assistance. An earnest, intelligent and curious student, who is also a self-starter is impressive. You will hopefully find key people who want to help you succeed because of the ambition and maturity you demonstrate. Being younger only makes it more impressive. Get your resume and cover letter together. Good luck!</p>

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<p>I recommend both UCD YSP and Iowa SSTP. I went to YSP the past summer and know people from my school who have gone to SSTP.</p>

<p>My experience at YSP was wonderful; aside from doing my own research and learning from UC Davis faculty, I also made friends with people from all over the US and even a few from overseas. Also, the research that you do at YSP IS original research, meaning it’s never been done before. However, it’s usually part of a larger research project that’s being done by someone at UCD; since you’re only there for 6 weeks, there’s not enough time to do your own, completely individual, deep and meaningful research project (just look at PhDs who take maybe 4, 5 years for a single projet…). But you’re working on a subsection of the really-big project, and you’re going to be doing it on your own (aside from guidance provided by your professors and mentor). Also, you write your own research paper using the research you did, and at the end of the 6 weeks, you present your research to your peers and faculty for 10-15 minutes (just like at many actual research symposiums). Overall, a really great opportunity to do original research - which can be a huge boost in college admissions (we are rocking it this year! Not that this should be the only reason you apply to YSP; but research in high school can look pretty good on college apps) and getting future research opportunities.</p>

<p>Regarding the $5200 fee: yes, it isn’t the cheapest program, but I think it’s reasonable considering that it includes room and board AND you get 5 units of college credit for the program. Also, it includes all the field trips we go on (past summer: baseball game, two-day overnight trip to Donner Summit, and more awesome activities).</p>

<p>Oh yeah and the counselors are freaking awesome. We have a ton of independence (free time every day after lab ends at 5pm - you can go downtown, eat anywhere you want, shop, play pool or bowl, watch TV…), and it’s good preparation for college!</p>

<p>Sorry, shamelessly promoting YSP xD But I honestly think it’s a great experience and completely worth the money. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!</p>

<p>–
Iowa SSTP is similar to YSP in that you do original research, but at SSTP, there might be two students working on the same project. Also of course, it’s a completely different location. OH and also, at YSP, there’s no medical research; it’s mostly biology/agricultural research, though there were also people who did research in chemistry, computer science, etc. But I think at SSTP it’s possible to do medical-related research.</p>

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<p>@marybee333 Thanks a lot!!!</p>

<p>@archaic Would you consider the summer programs more beneficial than the internships? I mean internships could be more hands on at a medical center while these programs are more centered towards research, so I’m not sure. </p>

<p>On the most part, expensive summer programs don’t seem to be that prestigious or helpful, but would you count these two ($6200 and $5875) as exceptions? Are they worth it for the price and future?</p>