Exploring medicine at the high school level can give you a head start in understanding specialized fields and developing technical skills. One way to get that experience is to participate in medical summer programs. Medical summer programs range from biomedicine research programs to hospital volunteer opportunities. Each of these programs gives you the chance to gain the knowledge and skills you would need to pursue medicine as a future academic or career path.
If you’re a high school student in San Antonio, here’s a guide to 10 medical summer programs that allow you to dive into research, gain clinical insights, and refine your skills. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.
1. Horizon’s Academic Research Program (HARP)—Medical courses
Subject Areas: Medical Sociology, Medicine, STEM, Humanities, Data Science, and more
Location: Virtual
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th/11th graders! Only a few tracks require formal prerequisites, more details of which can be found here
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs in areas like data science, machine learning, political theory, biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and psychology. Students interested in medicine can take their ‘Medical Sociology’ and ‘Gene Editing and CRIPSR Technology’ courses. You can choose either quantitative or qualitative research methods. After selecting your track, you’ll collaborate one-on-one with a professor or PhD scholar from a leading university to develop a 20-page research paper suitable for journal submission. The program provides specialized field knowledge, expert guidance, a recommendation letter, and feedback to improve future projects and college applications. Apply now for this unique opportunity!
2. Valero Young Scientist Program
Subject Areas: Infectious Disease Research, Data Literacy, Lab Skills, STEM Careers
Location: Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: High school students from the San Antonio area
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Program Dates: Not mentioned; four weeks in the summer
Cost: Not mentioned
The Valero Young Scientist Program provides high school students from San Antonio with exposure to biomedical research through lab experiments and data analysis. You will interact with infectious disease researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students, exploring STEM careers through panel discussions. Sessions also emphasize soft skills like networking and communication, while a showcase will allow you to present your collaborative research project.
3. Veritas AI + Medicine
Subject Areas: Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Medicine
Location: Remote
Program Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Cost: $2,290 for the AI Scholars program (10-week BootCamp) | $5,400 for the AI Fellowship (12–15 weeks, 1:1 mentorship) | $6,900 for both AI Scholars + Fellowship (Need-based financial aid is available)
Eligibility: High school students. Students applying to the AI Fellowship program must complete the AI Scholars program or provide evidence of previous experience in AI and Python
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort.
Veritas AI is an Artificial Intelligence program for ambitious high school students, founded and run by Harvard graduate students. In the AI + Medicine program, you will learn how AI is used in the healthcare and medical industry. You will get a chance to work on real-world projects using AI & ML models to diagnose diseases, sharpen medical scans, and explain their outcomes to aid doctors and patients. Here is the program brochure and the application form.
4. Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS)
Subject Areas: Biomedical Sciences, Coding, Engineering, Robotics, Forensic Science, Computer Science
Location: U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-12 who are U.S. citizens
Application Deadline: April 30
Program Dates: Three four-day sessions
Cost: Free (stipends available)
The GEMS program, hosted by United States U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research, offers hands-on lab experiences in biomedical science, coding, and engineering, introducing students to real-world research and lab techniques. The program offers three courses: Beginner (grades 6-8), Intermediate (grades 9-10), and Advanced (grades 11-12). You will explore life sciences and engage in activities in fields like robotics and forensic analysis, fostering teamwork and leadership skills. Mentored by scientists, engineers, and teachers, you will learn about the real-world applications of science and engineering while building problem-solving and analytical skills.
5. Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy Scholars
Subject Areas: Biomedical Research
Location: UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: Rising sophomores (minimum 15 years old by June 15, 2025) with a GPA of 90%+ in core subjects (85% for Pre-AP/AP). Students must be nominated by their schools to apply
Application Deadline: School nomination by January 28; final application by March 7
Program Dates: 7-week summer commitment over three years
Cost: Free (stipends provided)
The Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy Scholars Program at UT Health San Antonio is an intensive three-year commitment aimed at high school students with strong academic standings in science. The program focuses on mentored lab research, allowing you to explore disease mechanisms. You will work closely with faculty mentors, designing experiments, interpreting complex data, and developing skills in scientific writing and presentations. The Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy demands a significant time commitment, but it provides substantial working experience in a professional lab setting. Alumni gain practical research skills that translate well into future academic and career pursuits in healthcare and biomedical sciences.
6. Biomedical Excellence and Academic Training Academy
Subject Areas: Biomedical Sciences, Anatomy, Physiology, Molecular Biology, Neurodegeneration, Medicine
Location: UT Health San Antonio, Lozano Long Campus, San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: High school students in good academic standing; preference
given to juniors and seniors
Application Deadline: June 21
Program Dates: July 8 – 12
Cost: $700 + a nonrefundable application fee of $50
The Biomedical Excellence and Academic Training (BEAT) Academy at UT Health San Antonio gives high school students an in-depth introduction to biomedical research and healthcare fields. Through interactive labs and patient simulation exercises, you will explore topics like anatomy, physiology, molecular biology, and neurodegeneration. In addition to lab work, you will attend seminars with healthcare professionals, learning about both the scientific and practical aspects of patient care. The academy also includes a college-prep session designed to help you prepare for healthcare-related academic paths.
7. Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute’s (Greehey CCRI) Summer Research Program
Subject Areas: Cancer Biology, Genomics, Proteomics, Molecular Imaging, Bioinformatics, Genetics
Location: Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+
Application Deadline: March 15
Program Dates: June 3 – August 11
Cost: Stipend provided, but students are responsible for their own transportation, meals, and housing
This 10-week research program provides hands-on training in cancer research, focusing on experimental techniques in genomics, proteomics, and molecular imaging. This unique program focuses on studying cancer in children, and it aims to encourage a diverse group of students to pursue cancer research. You will work on projects under the guidance of faculty mentors, learning advanced lab protocols and data analysis. The program culminates in a research symposium where you will present and defend your findings, refining your scientific communication skills.
8. Teen Medical Academy
Subject Areas: Medicine, Healthcare Professions, Medical Careers
Location: Various healthcare facilities in San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: High school students in the San Antonio area
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: One week in the summer
Cost: Not mentioned
The Teen Medical Academy offers an immersive look into medical careers through hands-on workshops, site visits to healthcare facilities, and interactions with medical professionals. This week-long program for San Antonio high school students covers key aspects of patient care and introduces you to various roles within the healthcare sector. You will gain insights into potential career paths while exploring local healthcare infrastructure, getting a clearer understanding of the medical field.
9. University Health Junior Volunteer Program
Subject Areas: Healthcare, Patient Support, Administrative Skills
Location: University Health, San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-17
Application Deadline: February 23
Program Dates: July 8 – 19
Cost: Free
The University Health Junior Volunteer Program offers high school students a chance to gain experience in a hospital environment, focusing on patient support and administrative responsibilities. Over two weeks, you will assist in tasks such as patient greeting, navigating hospital protocols, and supporting families, gaining valuable insights into healthcare operations. You will receive training in hospital procedures and develop skills in communication, teamwork, and professionalism. This role prepares you for future healthcare careers through direct, hands-on experience in a clinical setting.
10. University of Texas Biomedical Engineering Camp
Subject Areas: Biomedical Engineering
Location: University of Texas at San Antonio, TX
Eligibility: Rising 9-12 grade students
Application Deadline: TBA
Program Dates: June 24 – 28
Cost: $550 (day camp), $750 (overnight camp), financial assistance available
This Biomedical Engineering Camp at UTSA introduces high school students to biomedical engineering through hands-on projects focused on real-world applications. You will work with industry-standard tools and materials. The program includes opportunities to collaborate with peers, learn from experienced biomedical engineers, and develop problem-solving skills through a “make-a-thon” competition that addresses healthcare challenges.
Image Source – University of Texas at San Antonio Logo
