15 Medical Internships for Undergraduates in San Diego

If you are a college student, internships can be a great way to strengthen your resume, explore career options, and develop key professional skills early on. For those interested in medicine, internships can provide early exposure to clinical settings, research environments, and public health initiatives that deepen their understanding of healthcare. Internships also help you build a professional network, learn from mentors, and stand out in competitive graduate or medical school applications.

San Diego, home to many well-known medical institutions, research centers, and biotechnology companies, offers a wealth of opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals. Whether you are looking to shadow doctors, participate in lab-based research, or assist with community health projects, the city provides diverse options for meaningful experiences. 

In this post, we have compiled 15 medical internships for undergraduates in San Diego. Here you will find programs conducted in hospitals, public health departments, and academic institutions to pick an opportunity that aligns with your interests.

1. Medical Student Research Internship Program @ Scripps Research Translational Institute

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; varies annually
Location: Scripps Research Translational Institute, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: $4,000 stipend (no housing) or $8,000 (with housing)
Dates: May 19 – July 28
Application deadline: January 26
Eligibility: Current medical students

Hosted by the Scripps Research Translational Institute, this internship offers medical students an eight-week experience in patient-centered, precision medicine research. You will work 1:1 with a physician-scientist mentor on a personalized translational research project, gaining experience in genomics, digital health, data science, and clinical study design in the process. Weekly activities include translational science seminars, journal clubs, skills workshops, and clinical rounds. The program culminates in a poster symposium where you’ll present your findings to peers and faculty.

2. Ladder University Internship Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; varies by cohort
Location: Virtual
Dates: Multiple cohorts; the upcoming fall cohort begins September 15
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines depending on cohort; upcoming application window closes on August 24
Eligibility: College students and young professionals

Designed to offer flexibility and high-impact learning opportunities, the Ladder University Internship Program connects undergraduates with startups and mission-driven organizations for project-based internships in areas such as technology, marketing, research, and social impact. Here, you will gain hands-on experience while working remotely on real-world problems, with structured deliverables and regular team collaboration. You will be matched to work one-on-one with a mentor, receiving personalized guidance on career development and technical skills. In addition to weekly check-ins, you will benefit from curated professional development sessions, resume feedback, and exposure to startup operations. The program is worth exploring for students seeking a supportive, flexible professional experience.

3. UC San Diego Department of Biomedical Informatics Summer Internship

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited funded positions available
Location: Department of Biomedical Informatics at UC San Diego Health, San Diego, CA
Stipend: ~$5,500; no travel/housing support beyond stipend
Dates: June 24 – August 15
Application deadline: February 7
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students who reside in and are eligible to work in the U.S.

Hosted by UC San Diego Health, this internship places students in research groups focused on biomedical informatics, including natural language processing, precision medicine, and patient data integration. You will select a project and a mentor during the application process. Then, you will work full-time under the guidance of your faculty mentor and participate in weekly bootcamps, journal clubs, and a final poster symposium. The experience is designed to simulate real research lab environments while emphasizing technical training, mentorship, and interdisciplinary teamwork. You must be available 40 hours per week and attend the program in person. 

4. Bridges to Stem Cell Research Internship – CSU San Marcos & Partners

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; open to students from five partner colleges
Location: Various San Diego labs, including at the Scripps Research Institute, University of California-San Diego, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Allele Biotech/Scintillon, Modulo bio, and other biotech companies
Stipend: $3000/month + tuition of upto $8,000 covered
Dates: 12-month program; start dates vary
Application deadline: December 9
Eligibility: Students enrolled at CSU San Marcos, MiraCosta, Palomar, Miramar, or Mt. San Jacinto College in a BS, MS, or certificate program at the time of internship

This year-long research internship immerses students in the fast-evolving field of regenerative medicine through lab training in stem cell research. You will begin with a two-week techniques course. Then, you will be placed in an academic or industry lab where you will receive specialized mentorship, conduct full-time research, and complete a 12-unit biotechnology course tailored to your placement. Other key program components include oral and poster presentations, research seminars, scientific meetings, and training in patient advocacy and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). You may also engage in activities outside the lab, like connecting with patients and their families, volunteering for the JDRF Walk in Balboa Park, or helping with Super STEM Saturday at CSU San Marcos.

5. Stanford Clinical Summer Internship

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Location: Virtual option available for San Diego students
Cost: Summer: $95 application fee + $4,380 program fee; Fall: $35 application fee + $1,980 program fee
Dates: Summer: July 28 – August 8; Fall: September 10 – November 12
Application deadline: Summer: February 24; Fall: June 2
Eligibility: High school juniors, seniors, and undergraduate premedical students who are 16+

The Stanford Clinical Summer Internship introduces students to core medical skills through a mix of lectures, lab training, and interactive simulations. You will learn how to suture, take patient histories, administer injections, and approach trauma scenarios in both individual and team-based settings. You will conclude the program with a team presentation discussing your simulated medical case. You will learn how to diagnose, treat, and communicate effectively with patients during the program. The program also offers opportunities to interact with Stanford faculty, medical professionals, and Stanford School of Medicine students to help you gain insights into career paths and academics in the field of medicine.

6. Summer of Science Internship Program @ Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Location: Novartist Institutes for Biomedical Research (West Coast site), San Diego, CA
Stipend: Paid; amount competitive with local internship wages
Dates: 10 weeks starting from May 27
Application deadline: November 25
Eligibility: Students who are at least 18, are enrolled at a U.S. college/university with at least three semesters completed and a GPA of 3.4+, and are eligible to work in the U.S.

This full-time internship at Novartis offers undergraduate students a chance to gain hands-on biomedical research experience in areas like drug discovery, disease biology, and translational science. You will be matched with a mentor and work on your own research project, contributing to the company’s mission to develop patient-centered therapies. Alongside lab work, you will participate in seminars, workshops, and networking events with scientists and peers. The program culminates in a presentation of your research findings to the broader Novartis biomedical community, allowing you to build both technical and communication skills.

7. California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Internship Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; based on placement and education level
Location: Remote options available for San Diego students
Stipend: Paid; hourly wage based on education level and placement
Dates: Spring: February 4 – May 16 | Fall: September 3 – December 12
Application deadline: TBA
Eligibility: Students who live in California, are enrolled at an affiliated college or university, and meet minimum unit requirements; DACA and international students are eligible

The CDPH Internship Program offers paid, part-time internships to students interested in public health fields, including epidemiology, data science, communications, health policy, and more. You will work 18–29 hours per week, gaining exposure to state-level healthcare systems and public service initiatives. You will work with professionals in diverse CDPH departments and contribute to real-world projects in health education, informatics, or administration. This is an opportunity designed for students seeking to make a meaningful impact and build professional experience and skills in public health.

8. Student Ambassador/Liaison (SAL) Program @ San Diego County Behavioral Health Services

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; based on available placements
Location: Hybrid, with in-person components at County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services offices or other sites in San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: Paid; hourly wage
Dates: 10–12 months; commitment of (up to 20 hours/week)
Application deadline: Spring
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate or graduate students with a GPA of at least 2.0; applicants must reside within a two-hour distance of San Diego County’s borders

The SAL Program offers year-long paid internships to students interested in behavioral and public health careers. You will work on non-clinical outreach, education, and community engagement efforts focused on topics such as stigma reduction, suicide prevention, and overdose prevention. You will help organize public events, develop health promotion materials, and support ongoing projects related to mental and behavioral health. A portion of the work is conducted in-person, with flexible weekday hours and occasional weekend events. The program emphasizes professional development through mentorship and training sessions.

9. Student Research Internship Programs @ Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI)

Acceptance rate: Competitive; ~40 total spots across all education levels
Location: Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla (San Diego), CA
Stipend: Funding TBA; unpaid roles may come with academic credit
Dates: June 2 – August 8 | June 16 – August 22
Application deadlines: March 31
Eligibility: Students in high school, college, and professional training programs

Scripps Research Translational Institute offers the 10-week Student Research Internship Program to students interested in biomedical research and translational science. During the program, you will work alongside researchers and receive 1:1 mentorship while contributing to real studies on genomics, community health engagement, digital health, and clinical trials. You will gain insights into the steps involved in setting up clinical trials, including proposing, designing, conducting, and analyzing them. The program also offers training in data analysis and research design, as well as workshops on scientific communication. At the end of the internship, you will present your findings to peers and Scripps mentors.

10. Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy at City of Hope

Acceptance rate: 9.5%; 71 students selected last year, with ~40% of them being undergraduate students
Location: City of Hope, Duarte, CA (less than two hours away from San Diego, CA)
Stipend: $4,500
Dates: June 2 – August 8
Application deadline: March 12
Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students who are 16+ and U.S. citizens or permanent residents

The Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy gives students the chance to work alongside leading biomedical researchers at City of Hope. Over 10 weeks, you will work on laboratory-based projects addressing critical health challenges like cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening diseases. You will work on a biomedical research topic with a physician-scientist or postdoctoral fellow, who will guide you throughout the program. The program includes weekly seminars, training workshops, and instruction in scientific ethics and communication. During the program, you will prepare a formal research paper and present your findings at the end of the session. Social events and field trips are also part of the experience.

11. Health Equities Fellows Program

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; 15 students per cohort
Location: Various sites in San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; no stipend
Dates: Fall semester
Application deadline: Varies by semester; typically early fall
Eligibility: University of San Diego students who are sophomores or higher with a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrated pre-health interests

The Health Equities Fellows Program introduces USD students to the structural and social determinants of health through a non-clinical, community-engaged lens. You will attend seminars led by local health providers and social justice advocates, covering topics such as environmental health, education disparities, and barriers to healthcare access. You will also engage in a 10-hour community engagement experience and a site visit to local nonprofits, becoming eligible to receive a certificate upon completion. This program can help aspiring physicians, public health professionals, and health policy advocates develop a deeper understanding of health inequities in underserved communities.

12. Scripps Mercy Trauma Surgery Internship 

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited to eligible USD pre-med students
Location: Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: $94 background and drug screening fee; no stipend
Dates: Semester-based; two clinical shifts/month plus weekly meetings
Application deadline: Varies by semester; typically in fall and spring
Eligibility: University of San Diego pre-med juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.2 GPA who have completed or are enrolled in Psych 101 and Chem 331; must be available Fridays at 3 p.m.

This clinical internship provides USD pre-med students with direct exposure to trauma surgery at Scripps Mercy Hospital. You will shadow trauma surgeons and gain insight into both the clinical and psychosocial dimensions of medicine. The program requires attendance at regular Friday meetings, completion of two clinical shifts per month, and submission of a written project for academic credit. You will earn one psychology unit for successful participation. The internship is designed to build maturity, professionalism, and a deeper understanding of patient-centered care.

13. San Diego County Dental Society (SDCDS) Volunteer and Committee Opportunities

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selection varies by committee
Location: San Diego County, CA
Cost/Stipend: Volunteer-based; unpaid
Dates: Year-round; commitment varies by role
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Dental professionals, students, and community members; some roles may require SDCDS membership or prior experience

The San Diego County Dental Society offers a range of volunteer and committee roles that support the local dental community and public health initiatives. You can assist with editorial work, ethics reviews, legislative advocacy, or wellness programming for dental professionals. You can explore volunteer opportunities in community outreach (e.g., screenings and clinics), peer review, continuing education planning, and fundraising through the San Diego Dental Health Foundation. You will find roles that match your interests, whether you want to support new dentists or contribute to health fairs or educational events. These positions can be opportunities to network, build leadership experience, and support oral health in San Diego.

14. UC San Diego Health’s Volunteer Program

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective; based on application screening and references
Location: UC San Diego hospitals and clinics across San Diego County
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid; no cost to participate
Dates: Rolling enrollment; 6–8 month minimum commitment
Application deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Individuals who are 16 years or older who can commit to at least 100 hours over 6–8 months

UC San Diego Health offers a hospital-based volunteer program where you will support clinical staff in delivering high-quality patient care. Tasks may include transporting patients, stocking supplies, delivering lab samples, greeting visitors, and offering companionship to patients. Volunteers are placed at various hospitals and clinics based on program needs, and all applicants must complete a formal application process with two non-family references. This opportunity is worth exploring if you are interested in gaining insights into healthcare, public service, or exploring future careers in medicine. You will commit to a regular weekly four-hour shift.

15. Volunteer Program @ Rady Children’s Hospital

Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified; acceptance is based on application review and opportunity availability
Location: Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: 1-year commitment; applications open in August
Application deadline: Opens in August
Eligibility: Individuals able to commit to at least 100 hours over one year

As a Rady Children’s Hospital volunteer, you will support young patients and their families through play, companionship, and service in high-impact hospital areas. You can choose from various opportunities, including Activity Room support, Surgery Ambassador, Physical and Occupational Therapy support, Speech Therapy Assistant, and participation in Alexa’s PLAYC autism programs. You may engage in creative play, read to children, assist therapists, or provide patients with support and comfort in surgery waiting rooms. All roles require a strong commitment to cleanliness, compassion, and consistency. You must commit to one year of weekly shifts, totaling at least 100 hours.

Image Source - Scripps Research Translational Institute