14 Medical Programs for High School Students in San Diego

If you are a high school student interested in medicine and healthcare, structured medical programs can help you explore the field beyond what is covered in your regular classes. These programs introduce you to areas such as clinical practice, laboratory research, biotechnology, and public health while helping you build skills in scientific thinking, data analysis, and professional communication. Participating in a medical program can also clarify your academic interests and give you early insight into potential healthcare career pathways.

Why should you attend a program in San Diego?

San Diego is home to leading universities, research institutes, hospitals, and biotechnology companies, creating strong opportunities for students interested in medicine and biomedical science. Through programs across the region, you may contribute to laboratory research, analyze health-related data, observe clinical environments, or engage with professionals working in genomics, bioengineering, and healthcare innovation. These programs are accessible to both students in the San Diego area and those from outside the region seeking exposure to the city’s established medical and scientific community.

To help you get started, we have 14 medical programs for high school students in San Diego.

If you’re looking for summer programs in San Diego, check out our blog here.

1. Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars Program – Salk Institute

Location: Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla (San Diego), CA
Cost/Stipend: No program fee; interns receive a stipend, with public transportation support available
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 5
Eligibility: High school students from San Diego County who are at least 16 years old, have a minimum GPA of 2.75, and have completed at least one year each of biology and chemistry

The Heithoff-Brody High School Summer Scholars Program at the Salk Institute is an eight-week paid research internship that places high school students directly into professional scientific laboratories. You'll work closely with a Salk scientist on projects in fields such as neuroscience, cancer biology, genetics, computational biology, and bioengineering. Interns typically commit 30–40 hours per week in the lab, following a schedule aligned with their research group. In addition to lab work, the program includes seminars on research methods, data analysis, bioinformatics, and scientific communication, as well as community-building workshops. The internship concludes with a research symposium, where you'll present your findings via a poster or an oral presentation.

2. Veritas AI’s AI + Medicine

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies by program format (financial aid available)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size not publicly disclosed
Dates: Varies by cohort
Application Deadline: Rolling; you can apply to the program here.
Eligibility: High school students with prior Python experience or completion of the AI Scholars program

Veritas AI’s AI + Medicine program introduces high school students to the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare. You'll explore how machine learning models and AI-driven tools are used in medical research, diagnostics, and imaging analysis. The curriculum emphasizes practical problem-solving, allowing you to examine how technology supports disease detection and clinical decision-making. As you progress through the program, you'll build hands-on experience with technical tools while developing skills relevant to both medicine and computer science. The program is designed to help students interested in healthcare-related careers develop a strong foundational skill set in both domains. 

3. Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) – Student Research Internship Program

Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla (San Diego), CA
Cost: Free to attend; students are responsible for housing, meals, and transportation
Dates: June 2 – August 8; June 16 – August 22
Application Deadline: March 31
Eligibility: High school, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students (including medical, law, and business) who are at least 16 years old at the start of the program

The SRTI Student Research Internship Program offers students the opportunity to work alongside researchers on projects that bridge scientific discovery and real-world healthcare applications. As an intern, you'll be matched with mentors and participate in research spanning fields such as genomics, bioinformatics, digital health, and community-focused studies. While most projects are computational or data-driven, a limited number of wet-lab roles are available, and applicants may indicate their preference during the selection process. Over the 10-week internship, you'll receive training in translational research methods, study design, mobile health technologies, and clinical trial practices. The program concludes with a formal research presentation at a final symposium, where you showcase your work.

4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote 
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is an academic experience tailored for high school students who want to pursue in-depth, independent research. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work one-to-one on an independent research project. Over the course of 12 weeks, you'll work closely with your mentor to design and complete your research project. At the end of the program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! You can choose research topics across a wide range of subject areas, including psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find additional details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here. 

5. Internship Program – J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI)

Location: J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla (San Diego), CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; interns receive an hourly stipend based on education level.
Dates: Summer internships are most common; some semester-long opportunities last 10–15 weeks
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions once positions are posted
Eligibility: High school students aged 16+, with a minimum 3.0 GPA, residing in the U.S.; students under 18 must obtain a work permit in California or Maryland

The J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) Internship Program offers high school, undergraduate, and graduate students the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge STEM research alongside faculty mentors. Interns work on projects aligned with their interests in fields such as genomics, synthetic biology, environmental science, and related disciplines, gaining hands-on experience with advanced lab equipment and techniques used in professional settings. The program also includes seminars, journal clubs, and workshops on scientific methods, professional development, and career planning. Through this combination of research and mentorship, you'll build both technical skills and a deeper understanding of the scientific process.

6. NextVet Internship 

Location: Nationwide (Banfield Pet Hospitals)
Stipend/Cost: Paid internship (varies by location)
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Summer (part-time)
Application Deadline: Varies by hospital/location
Eligibility: Students aged 16+ with an interest in veterinary science

The NextVet Internship offers high school students the opportunity to explore veterinary medicine and gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting. You will shadow veterinarians and veterinary technicians, assist in patient care, and learn the day-to-day operations of a veterinary hospital. In addition to in-clinic experiences, you'll participate in virtual group sessions, connect with local doctors and market leaders, and build professional relationships in the field. By the end of the program, you'll gain a clear understanding of veterinary careers, build practical skills, and acquire industry knowledge.

7. Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego – Summer Medical Academy

Location: Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego
Cost:. $3,000 (As per previous years); Scholarships available for eligible students
Acceptance Rate Competitive
Dates: June 16 – 27; July 7 – 18
Application Deadline: February 21 (Tentative)
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-19 who have completed at least 9th grade

Rady Children’s Hospital’s Summer Medical Academy is a two-week program that provides high school students with insights into the real world of pediatric healthcare. Through lectures from physicians, hands-on simulations, and clinical workshops, you will get exposure to different specialties such as surgery, emergency medicine, and radiology. The program also offers guidance on medical school pathways. As a student, you don’t conduct research; instead, you gain direct exposure to clinical practice and medical decision-making.

8. SEACAMP San Diego: School-Year Programs

Location: SEACAMP San Diego, San Diego, CA
Cost: Varies by program
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: September – November (fall program)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Middle and high school students interested in marine science

SEACAMP San Diego offers school-year programs in the fall and spring that introduce high school students to marine biology through hands-on exploration and field-based learning. As a participant, you’ll conduct lab experiments, study marine ecosystems, and take part in snorkeling and tide-pool research sessions. The program integrates science with environmental stewardship to help you understand the importance of ocean conservation and ecology. Guided by marine biologists, you will gain valuable research experience in a collaborative, outdoor setting that strengthens both your scientific knowledge and your connection to the natural world.

9. UC San Diego – Research Experience for High School Students (REHS)

Location: University of California, San Diego, CA
Cost: Free (non-research track); $1,500 for the research track (financial aid available; fee waived for students eligible for free or reduced lunch)
Dates: June 16 – August 8
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: High school students in grades 10–12 from San Diego County, at least 16 years old, with a minimum GPA of 3.0

The Research Experience for High School Students (REHS) program at UC San Diego introduces high school students to academic research through the San Diego Supercomputer Center. During this eight-week program, you'll contribute to active research projects and learn core components of the scientific process, including forming research questions, conducting computational experiments, and analyzing results. Project areas may include computer science, neuroscience, software development, and medical diagnostics,  providing exposure to interdisciplinary applications of science and technology. Participants typically dedicate 15–20 hours per week to research activities, supplemented by guided training sessions and mentorship from researchers and graduate students. The experience culminates in a scientific poster presentation at the program’s closing event.

10. COSMOS – California State Summer School 

Location: University of California campuses (residential)
Cost: $5,564
Acceptance Rate: Competitive (160–200 students per campus)
Dates: July 5 - 31
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: California high school students entering grades 9–12 with strong academic records

COSMOS – California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science is a 4-week residential summer program for California high school students in grades 8–12 who demonstrate a strong interest and ability in STEM. You'll work with University of California faculty, researchers, and scientists to explore advanced topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on and lab-intensive learning. Participants can choose to attend one of six UC campuses: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, UC Merced, UC San Diego, or UC Santa Cruz, each offering a unique curriculum aligned with its academic strengths. COSMOS fosters intellectual curiosity and awareness of STEM careers and educational pathways. The program is highly selective, typically admitting students with strong academic performance.

11. Pre-Med Summer Program – UC San Diego

Location: UC San Diego, California
Cost: Residential: $5,998 | Commuter: $3,298 | Supplement: $250
Dates: June 28 – July 10; July 12 – 24; July 26 – August 7
Deadline: Online enrollment available; early application recommended due to limited spots
Eligibility: High school students (rising grades 9–12)

The Pre-Med Summer Program at UC San Diego is a two-week pre-college experience designed for high school students interested in exploring medical careers. You'll rotate through multiple medical specialties throughout the program, practice skills in simulation labs, conduct research on emerging medical issues, and interact with physicians, residents, and medical students to better understand the realities of medical training. In addition, you'll earn CPR & AED certification and gain real-world observation experience at healthcare facilities. Alongside clinical exposure, the program introduces key aspects of the medical journey, including medical school admissions, residency planning, and the role of research in medicine.

12. Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI)

Location: Online (students participate from anywhere worldwide)
Cost/Stipend: Free (no submission or publication fees)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly stated; rolling submissions throughout the year
Dates: Rolling, year-round publication with monthly issues
Application Deadline: None (rolling submissions accepted year-round)
Eligibility: Middle and high school students (Grades 6–12) with a teacher or advisor mentor

The Journal of Emerging Investigators (JEI) is an open-access, peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes original research conducted by middle and high school students across biological, physical, and social sciences. It provides a formal platform for students to share their research projects completed in classrooms, science fairs, or through independent inquiry under the guidance of a teacher or mentor. Each submission undergoes a structured peer-review process led by graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and professors, who provide detailed educational feedback rather than simple acceptance or rejection. JEI places strong emphasis on mentorship, revision, and scientific thinking, helping students understand how academic publishing works in practice. Accepted papers are published online and become part of the permanent scientific record, thus allowing you to contribute meaningfully to the broader academic community.

13. Harvard Medical School Pre-College HMX Program

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $1,895/course
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple start dates offered year-round
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 13 and older

The Harvard Medical School Pre-College HMX Program offers high school students the opportunity to take college-level medical science courses online.  Taught by HMS faculty, the curriculum covers foundational subjects such as genetics, immunology, biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology. Courses are delivered through interactive videos, simulations, and assessments that mirror medical school teaching methods. You'll complete coursework at your own pace, typically dedicating around 30 hours per course. Throughout the program, learners receive academic support and guidance from experienced mentors, helping them navigate challenging concepts and stay on track.

14. Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship

Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Application Fee: $45; Program Fee (if accepted): $2,400 (Financial Aid Available)
Dates: Session A: June 15–26; Session B: July 6–17
Application Deadline: February 20
Eligibility: High school students attending a U.S. high school (entering Grades 9–12 in Fall 2026); Must be 14 years or older by the start of the program

Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging offers a two-week summer internship for high school students interested in artificial intelligence and its applications in healthcare. This program provides an introduction to how AI tools are transforming medical research, diagnostics, and clinical workflows. As an intern, you will attend AI in healthcare lectures and participate in research projects. Due to the nature of the internship, you will work closely with Stanford AI research engineers who will provide technical instructions and mentorship throughout the experience. You will also attend virtual career lunch-and-learn sessions with guest speakers from academia, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies, helping you explore potential careers.

Image source - UCSD