15 Medical Summer Programs for High School Students in Florida
If you are a high school student in Florida dreaming of a career in healthcare, joining one of the many medical summer programs for high school students in the state is an affordable way to get started. These programs let you explore the field of medicine through labs, workshops, and mentorship, giving you real experience while still in school. They also create opportunities to connect with peers and experts in various fields, building networks that may support future academic and career goals.
Hosted by some of Florida’s leading colleges and organizations, these medical summer programs for high school students in Florida are both accessible and impactful. Students interested in medicine or health sciences gain the chance to explore careers, practice skills, and learn about educational pathways in healthcare. To help out find the best fit, we have highlighted 15 of the best medical summer programs for high school students in Florida.
1. Max Planck Florida Internship for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL
Cost: $13/hour
Dates: 6 weeks in the Summer
Application Deadline: March 4
Eligibility: Students entering their junior or senior years in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school; 16 years of age or older by the start date of the summer internship
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) Summer Research Internship is a six-week program for high school students interested in brain science. As an intern, you’ll work with MPFI researchers on projects focused on neural structure, function, and development. This medical summer program for high school students in Florida offers three focus areas: Neuroscience, Scientific Programming, and Mechanical Engineering. In the Neuroscience track, you’ll practice wet lab methods such as genetic engineering, staining, and microscopy. In the Scientific Programming track, you’ll learn coding and software development using Python and C++, to process large-scale brain data And in the Mechanical track, you’ll use your engineering skills to design and build equipment used in neuroscience research.
2. Ladder Internships
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available | None
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter; Fall cohort: September 14
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Fall cohort: August 24
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective program that provides high school students with practical experience at rapidly growing start-ups. Held remotely, these internships connect you with companies in fields such as technology, deep tech, AI/ML, health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Many of these start-ups are Y Combinator-backed and led by founders with experience at organizations such as Google, McKinsey, and Microsoft. During the internship, you will collaborate with both a start-up manager and a Ladder Coach while contributing to real projects. The program concludes with a formal presentation of your work to the company. The current opportunities are detailed in the application form, so you can choose the track that excites you the most.
3. JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship at UMiami’s School of Medicine
Location: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Stipend: Paid
Dates: June 16 - August 8
Application Deadline: January 31
Eligibility: Juniors from Miami and Broward-area high schools
The JJ Vance Memorial Summer Internship at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine provides high school juniors with a paid, eight-week experience in biological and computational sciences. As an intern, you’ll conduct research under the mentorship of faculty and staff while receiving training in scientific methods and data analysis. The internship combines hands-on laboratory practice with computational approaches, allowing you to build skills in both areas. To conclude the experience, you will present a brief oral summary of your research findings.
4. Lumiere Research Scholar Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on program type; financial aid available | None
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including summer (June - August), Fall (September - December), Winter (December - February), and Spring (March - June); upcoming cohort: Fall on September 14
Application Deadline: Varying deadlines based on cohort; Fall cohort: August 24
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school | Students must demonstrate a high level of academic achievement (Note: accepted students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3 out of 4)
The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is designed for high school students interested in academic research. It offers one-on-one mentorship with a Ph.D. scholar, who will guide you through the process of designing and completing an independent research project. The program also features workshops on research methods and provides structured support for writing a full-length research paper. Over the 12-week duration, you will complete and submit your own original paper in your chosen field. Topics include psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. Application information can be found here.
5. High School Summer Internship Program at FIU’s Center for Translational Science
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost: TBA
Dates: June 9 - July 10
Application Deadline: TBA
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors who live and attend school in St. Lucie County
The FIU’s Center for Translational Science program is a five-week experience that gives high school students an opportunity to step into the world of biomedical research. You will investigate fascinating topics such as cardiovascular and pulmonary physiology, infection and immunity, and spinal cord injury, while working under the guidance of expert mentors. In FIU’s advanced laboratories, you’ll run experiments that show how scientific questions lead to new discoveries. This medical summer program for high school students in Florida will conclude with a poster presentation at an internship luncheon and special recognition for outstanding projects. You’ll also walk away with a certificate of completion, a signed letter from the director, and more than 100 volunteer service hours.
6. FIU’s Summer Research Internship in Cardiovascular Health
Location: Florida International University, Miami, FL
Cost/Stipend: Free | No information available
Dates: June 13 - August 8
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school juniors or graduated seniors who have committed to attend FIU or are accepted as FIU transfer students. Applicants must be at least 16 years old by the start of the program and hold an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher
FIU’s Summer Research Internship in Cardiovascular Health offers high school students a blend of structured coursework and hands-on research experience. You’ll attend workshops, journal discussions, and case studies, while spending at least 15 hours each week in research, under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The program kicks off with an orientation, covering lab safety, program expectations, and campus resources. Throughout the internship, you’ll work in interdisciplinary labs that connect basic science with cardiovascular research, strengthening skills in critical thinking and experimental design. To conclude the program, you will prepare an abstract and deliver a final presentation summarizing your work.
7. Medicine Encompassed
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
Dates: Opportunities are available year-round
Application Deadline: Applications are on a rolling basis
Eligibility: High school students
Medicine Encompassed is a student-led nonprofit that works to make the medical field accessible to one and all. Operating through 18 committees, the organization offers year-round internship positions in areas such as writing, editing, sponsorship, graphic design, marketing, social media, or resource development. As an intern, you might research medical topics, create educational resources, and write articles and guides to introduce others to various areas of medicine. The program is a great way to gain practical experience while supporting efforts to make medical education more accessible.
8. Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internships at the University of Florida Health
Location: Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Jupiter, FL
Stipend: $4,480
Dates: June 2 - August 1
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents; will begin their junior or senior year in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school in the fall, have a minimum grade point average of 3.0, and are at least 16 years old by the first day of the program
The Kenan Fellows High School Summer Internship at UF Health offers students a structured introduction to the world of biomedical research. The program begins with a one-week course at Palm Beach State College, where you learn essential laboratory techniques commonly used in the field. After this preparation, you will spend eight weeks working full-time in a UF Scripps laboratory under the mentorship of a scientist. During the internship, you’ll focus on experimental design, research planning, and data analysis, while also participating in seminars to deepen your understanding of the field. You’ll wrap up the program by preparing a research abstract, and sharing your findings through both a poster and an oral presentation.
9. FSU College of Medicine Summer Institute
Location: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Cost: $1,650
Dates:
Session 1: June 8 - 13
Session 2: June 22 - 27
Session 3: July 13 - 18
Application Deadline: January 15
Eligibility: Students who have completed their sophomore or junior year of high school with a minimum 3.3 unweighted GPA
The FSU College of Medicine Summer Institute is a weeklong residential program designed for students interested in exploring medical careers. During the program, you will shadow physicians, participate in labs, and gain exposure to the realities of patient care. Workshops cover topics such as medical ethics, vital signs, and CPR training, while faculty-led sessions introduce elements of the medical school curriculum. You will also tour an anatomy lab, learn about rural medicine, and work on a team-based research project focused on a health topic. The experience includes college admissions and financial aid seminars to prepare you for future academic steps. The week concludes with group research presentations and an awards ceremony.
10. University of Florida’s Gator Pharmacy Exploration Camp
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $20 application fee
Dates: June 8 - 14
Application Deadline: March 17
Eligibility: Florida rising high school seniors
The Gator Pharmacy Exploration Camp at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy is a one-week program that lets you step into the world of pharmacy. You’ll take part in hands-on labs, math-based exercises, and compounding activities where you’ll practice creating custom treatments. Along the way, you’ll meet pharmacists across various specialties, from hospital practice to research, and explore the broad career options available in the profession. With the guidance of pre-pharmacy and PharmD students, you will get valuable guidance on preparing for pharmacy school. Alongside academic sessions, the program includes team-based public health projects, wellness workshops, and seminars on admissions and financial planning.
11. University of Florida’s Gator Vet Camp
Location: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Cost: $800 - $1,200 + $25 application fee
Dates:
Session 1: June 8 - 13
Session 2: June 22 - 27
Session 3: July 6 – 9
Application Deadline: March 3
Eligibility: Rising 10th-12th graders residing in the following south Florida counties: Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Monroe, and Tribe/Reservation residences in south Florida/Treasure Coast
The Gator Vet Camp at the University of Florida is a weeklong residential program in Gainesville that gives high school students a closer look at veterinary medicine. Through academic workshops, interactive exercises, and group projects, you will gain insight into college readiness and career pathways in animal care. The camp is designed to support talented students, including those with limited exposure to veterinary medicine, but with prior animal experience. Activities focus on both personal and academic development, encouraging you to explore the diverse areas of veterinary practice. For students in South Florida, the Mini Gator Vet Camp provides a shorter, four-day version of the program.
12. Junior Doctors of Tomorrow Summer Program
Location: FIU Modesto Maidique Campus, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL
Cost: Free
Dates: June 23 – 27
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0+ GPA
The Junior Doctors of Tomorrow Summer Program is a one-week enrichment experience for high school students interested in medicine and healthcare. You will take part in clinical workshops that introduce you to practical skills used by healthcare professionals, along with interactive sessions on patient care, medical ethics, and the healthcare system. Throughout the week, you’ll be mentored by experienced doctors and practitioners, giving you insights into the realities of the medical field. The program is capped at 30 students per session, ensuring a small-group learning environment. By the end of the program, you will have a clearer picture of what it takes to succeed in healthcare and whether medicine is the right path for you.
13. Johns Hopkins Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS)
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None | None
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: 5 weeks in the summer between June and August
Application Deadline: March 1
Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors
The Johns Hopkins Virtual Internship in Brain Sciences (JHIBS) is a five-week online program for high school juniors and seniors interested in neuroscience. It introduces you to neuroscience through interactive lectures, educational materials, and research-focused projects. You will study topics such as mental health disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain development, while gaining exposure to basic laboratory methods and experimental design, in a virtual format. You’ll receive mentorship and career guidance throughout the program, helping you build both scientific skills and professional outlook. Students from across the country participate in the program, making it a collaborative learning environment. At the end of the program, you will receive a certificate of completion recognizing your work.
14. American Cancer Society - High School Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None | $500
Acceptance rate: Varies as per institute
Dates: 2 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the institute
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are at least 16 years old when the program starts
The American Cancer Society’s High School Program provides high school students with a two-week virtual summer experience focused on cancer research and healthcare careers. Designed for students interested in healthcare, cancer research, or health sciences, the program blends practical learning with career exploration. You will collaborate with the eCLOSE Institute on case studies and research projects to expand your knowledge of cancer biology and related career paths. The program doesn’t stop after summer – you will have the option to continue participating in career development and networking opportunities throughout the year. By the end of the program, you’ll have both research exposure and guidance for your future academic and professional journey in science and health.
15. The Stanford Center for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Imaging (AIMI) - Summer Research Internship
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: $850 + $40 application fee (full financial aid available for both application and program fees) | None
Acceptance rate: Highly selective
Dates: June 16 – 27
Application Deadline: February 28
Eligibility: Students entering 9-12 grade in the fall, over the age of 14 by the start of the program
The Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship is a two-week online program that introduces high school students to the role of artificial intelligence in transforming healthcare. You will participate in technical lectures covering AI fundamentals and their applications in medicine, while also putting your knowledge into practice through collaborative research projects under the daily guidance of a mentor. “Lunch and Learn” sessions will provide insights into career opportunities at the crossroads of technology and healthcare. On completing the core program, you may continue working on research projects. In the end, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion acknowledging your work.
Image Source - University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Logo