Extracurricular Opportunities

Section 1: Research

Aim for 1-2 published papers for strong applications. Research shows active participation and curiosity not only in the known knowledge and processes in Medicine, but the new technologies and pharmaceuticals that are still emerging. Research is especially important for prestigious schools and is an unspoken requirement for students applying to institutions such as Oxbridge. Choose topics in biology, neuroscience, public health, or other relevant medical fields.

Lumiere Research Scholar Program:

Pairs high school students with PhD mentors from top universities to develop and publish independent research papers.

Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR):

8-week biomedical research internship working directly with Stanford researchers.

Pioneer Academics:

Online, selective mentorship with university professors, culminating in original research that can be published or presented.

Research Science Institute (RSI) at MIT

Free, 6-week residential program combining advanced STEM coursework with research under MIT faculty guidance; extremely competitive.

Science Fairs & Competitions

Showcase research at prestigious competitions like ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair) or Regeneron Science Talent Search.

Online courses:

Use platforms like Coursera or edX for specialized courses in medicine, public health, or biomedical engineering.

Clinical Experience

Shadowing Doctors

Spend time with doctors in various specialties to explore interests. Finding opportunities to shadow Doctors is challenging, especially in the UAE, so having contacts and connections helps significantly. But, cold emailing and looking for opportunities from Hospitals, Doctors, and Clinics is always a great option to secure a shadowing opportunity! Otherwise, try to look for international opportunities such as the New York-Presbyterian Hospital - Lang Youth Medical Program.

Hospital or Clinic Internships:

Assist with administrative or patient-care work where allowed. Check our opportunities page to find potential internship and clinical opportunities as well as competitions!

Lab Internships:

Gain experience in biomedical, biotech, genetic, or biological research.

Hands on Medical Programs

Participate in programs that offer practical medical experience, such as:

Medics in Dubai: Engage in lab experiments and learn about human anatomy.
SHINE 2025 by ICMR-Bhopal Memorial Hospital: Explore medical research labs, including pathology, microbiology, and biochemistry, with demonstrations on analyzing blood samples and identifying infections. The Times of India
Club Scrubs at University of Oklahoma: A free program where high school students explore various healthcare specialties through hands-on activities led by current medical professionals. Link

Tip: Reach out proactively via email or contact forms, using concise messages that explain your interests and qualifications to secure these opportunities.

Passion Project

Is a long-term project that could include:

Founding a health-related non-profit (e.g., fundraising for underserved communities).
Creating an online platform to share resources for aspiring medical students.
Leading a community health awareness campaign (nutrition, hygiene, mental health).

Essentially, then creating a passion project idea, try to identify an issue in society of your interest and find a potential solution or a way you can aid as your project.

Aim for measurable impact and growth over time.

(Generally should target to start in Grade 9–10 and continue until graduation).

School Clubs and Leadership

Medical/Science-Focused Clubs:

Participate in health or science organizations like HOSA, Science Olympiad, or Biology Club. If your school doesn’t offer one, consider starting your own medical-related club, which shows initiative and aligns with your career interests.

Medical/Science-Focused Clubs:

Participate in health or science organizations like HOSA, Science Olympiad, or Biology Club. If your school doesn’t offer one, consider starting your own medical-related club, which shows initiative and aligns with your career interests.

Medical/Science-Focused Clubs:

Participate in health or science organizations like HOSA, Science Olympiad, or Biology Club. If your school doesn’t offer one, consider starting your own medical-related club, which shows initiative and aligns with your career interests.

Summer and Break Activities

Selective summer programs can greatly strengthen your application while giving you hands-on experience. Some medical-focused examples include:

In the United States:

Johns Hopkins University

CTY (Center for Talented Youth):
- 3-week academic program for gifted students. Admission based on standardized test scores (e.g., MAP), typically requiring 99th percentile performance. Offers biology, neuroscience, and medical science courses.

Johns Hopkins Summer Internship Program:
- 2-week selective internship for high school students, focusing on medical research, shadowing, and lab work in biomedical fields. Competitive admission.

Yale University

Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS):
- 2-week program with a Biological & Biomedical Science track. Extremely selective, requiring essays, transcripts, and recommendations. Provides lectures, seminars, and research simulations with Yale faculty.

Stanford University

Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR):
- 8-week immersive biomedical research internship for high school juniors and seniors. Very competitive; participants work alongside Stanford researchers.

Harvard University

Harvard Pre-College Program:
- 2-week program allowing students to take college-level courses in biology, neuroscience, or public health. Requires a written application and academic records.

Harvard Secondary School Program:
- 7-week program offering deeper study and research opportunities in medical sciences. Admission based on transcripts and essays.

Other Notable U.S. Programs

Boston University RISE Internship/Summer Challenge:
- 6-week program Biomedical and health science research internships or academic courses.

UPenn Biomedical Research Academy:
- 3-week program focusing on molecular biology, cancer biology, and genetics.

In the United Kingdom:

Oxford Royale Academy:
- Offers Medical School Preparation courses and Medicine Summer School programs for high school students. Includes anatomy, physiology, medical ethics, and hands-on simulations.

Cambridge University Immerse Education Medical Program:
- 2-week course covering medical sciences, patient care, and UK medical school entry preparation.

The Debate Chamber Medicine Summer School (London):
- Interactive program focusing on diagnosis, treatment, and medical ethics, ideal for students interested in UK or international medical careers.

Workshops & Conferences:
- Attend student medical conferences (e.g., London International Youth Science Forum in the UK), pre-med expos, or public health summits to gain global perspectives.

Volunteering:
- Maintain year-round service in hospitals, clinics, NGOs, or public health initiatives locally and abroad to show commitment beyond academics.

Make sure to research the application deadlines of these programs if interested to not miss out on any opportunities.

Additional Enhancements

Skills that can help increase your medical qualifications:

Certifications: Like CPR, First Aid, EMT (if allowed by age), or public health certifications.
Public Speaking & Advocacy: Participate in debate or TEDx to strengthen communication skills—vital for medicine.
Awards & Recognitions: Apply for scholarships (like the Coca-Cola Scholars Program), STEM awards, or volunteer honors.