medical research topics for high school students

79+ Medical Research Topics for High School Students In 2024

• Post author By Ankit
• February 8, 2024

Medical research is vital for improving healthcare. As diseases change and new health issues arise, the research develops innovative prevention and cures. High school students play a vital role in contributing to study and gaining skills. 

Research projects give first-hand experience with the scientific method and spark interest in healthcare careers. The medical discoveries of the future rely on the interest of young scientists. Thus, engaging high schoolers enables valuable contributions and critical thinking. 

This blog discusses potential medical research topics for high school students. The options cover health topics needing different time and resources. Thus, research participation benefits students through advancing knowledge, problem-solving, and passion for science. 

Table of Contents

Benefits of Medical Research for High School Students

Read the benefits of medical research topics for high school students.

1. Develops Critical Thinking Skills

As we all know, doing medical research helps improve students’ critical thinking. They learn to make ideas, design experiments, survey data, think logically, solve problems, and draw conclusions from evidence.

2. Provides Real-World Experience

Medical research gives hands-on experience outside the classroom. Students work alongside professionals in different medical fields. This exposes them to possible careers.

3. Sparks Interest in STEM

Seeing how science leads to medical treatments gets students excited about STEM. Research can make them want to study STEM majors and pursue STEM careers.

4. Offers Mentorship

Through research, students get mentored by doctors, nurses, and researchers. This advice can impact their academic and career paths.

5. Boosts College and Career Prospects

Research experience impresses colleges and employers. Having their name on published studies further improves prospects for college and jobs.

Now, let’s move on to the great medical research topics for high school students in 2024.

Also Read: 51 Kinesiology Research Topics for College Students [2024]

Medical Research Topics for High School Students 

Here are some of the latest medical research topics for high school students.

Infectious diseases

• How does handwashing stop germs from spreading?
• Look at different face mask types to see which ones work best against viruses.
• Studying how the typical cold spreads in schools.
• Seeing how vaccines help prevent infectious diseases.
• Learning about how viruses infect cells.
• Looking at why it’s important to handle food safely to avoid getting sick.
• Examining how different cleaning products kill germs.

Mental health

• Understanding how stress affects school performance.
• Seeing if meditation helps reduce anxiety.
• Studying how social media affects teenagers’ mental health.
• Exploring how exercise can improve mood.
• Looking at how many teenagers have depression and ways to cope.
• Seeing how not getting enough sleep affects mental health.
• Looking at how having friends can help with loneliness.

Chronic illnesses

• Looking at how diet and exercise help manage diabetes.
• Seeing how technology can help manage asthma symptoms.
• Studying how smoking causes lung cancer.
• Learning about the genes that can cause heart disease.
• Seeing how physical therapy helps people with arthritis.
• Exploring how being overweight increases the risk of diabetes.
• Exploring various methods to handle long-lasting pain.

Public health initiatives

• Seeing why it’s vital for communities to get vaccinated.
• Studying how having clean water helps people stay healthy in poor countries.
• Learning how school nutrition programs affect public health.
• Seeing how campaigns to promote exercise can lower obesity rates.
• Exploring how banning smoking can reduce tobacco-related illnesses.
• Looking at how bike lanes and walkways help public health.
• Studying how well public health campaigns raise awareness about HIV/AIDS.

Genetics and hereditary conditions

• Looking at how genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis are passed down.
• Seeing how genetic testing can find inherited diseases.
• Studying how genes affect allergies.
• Knowing about the genes that define eye color.
• Seeing how genes cause sickle cell anemia and how it can be treated.
• Looking at how blood types are inherited.
• Studying how genes affect what foods people like or dislike.

Nutrition and dietetics

• Looking at the health benefits of different fruits and vegetables.
• Seeing how eating fast food affects overall health.
• Studying how portion sizes affect weight gain.
• Learning why balanced meals are essential for energy.
• Seeing how drinking enough water helps with sports.
• Looking at how probiotics help with digestion.
• Studying how food additives affect health and behavior.

Environmental Health

• Studying how air pollution affects breathing.
• Seeing how plastic pollution hurts oceans and people.
• Learning about the health risks of pesticides in farming.
• Seeing how climate change spreads diseases.
• Exploring how parks and green spaces help both physical and mental health.
• Studying how indoor air pollution affects health.
• Looking at how noise pollution affects sleep and health.

Drug abuse and addiction

• Looking at how drugs affect the brain.
• Studying how peer pressure leads to trying drugs.
• Seeing how healthy programs in schools prevent drug use.
• Learning about the genes that make people more likely to get addicted.
• Studying how using drugs for a long time hurts both body and mind.
• Looking at how support groups help people quit drugs.
• Researching other ways to treat opioid addiction, like acupuncture or mindfulness.

Pediatric Health

• Looking at how breastfeeding helps babies stay healthy.
• Studying how much time on screens affects kids’ weight.
• Seeing how preschool programs affect how kids think.
• Learning about how many kids have ADHD and how to help them.
• Studying how vaccines protect kids from diseases.
• Looking at how sleep affects how well kids do in school.
• Seeing how playing outside helps kids stay healthy.

Biomedical engineering

• Learning about making better artificial limbs.
• Seeing how 3D printing helps make medical implants.
• Studying how wearable devices help monitor health.
• Learning about making artificial organs for transplants.
• Seeing how virtual reality helps with medical training and treatment.
• Looking at how tiny technology helps deliver medicine.
• Studying how biosensors help find diseases early.

Epidemiology

• Looking at how diseases spread in schools.
• Studying how tracking contacts helps stop diseases.
• Seeing what affects how many people get vaccinated.
• Learning about how where people live affects how healthy they are.
• Studying how often different groups get chronic diseases.
• Looking at how well quarantine works during big disease outbreaks.
• Seeing how tracking diseases helps prevent them.

Aging and gerontology

• Studying how exercise and food help people stay healthy as they get older.
• Learning about how many older people have trouble thinking and how to help them.
• Seeing how having friends helps older people stay happy.
• Learning about programs that help people take care of older family members.
• Studying how changes in vision and hearing affect older people’s lives.
• Seeing how programs to prevent falls help older people stay safe.
• Learning about how talking about the past helps people with dementia

Why Ethics Matter in Medical Research?

Medical research helps advance knowledge but can sometimes be unethical and harm people. Ethics in medical research protect participants and uphold scientific integrity.

1. Preserving Participant Dignity

Participants should always be treated with respect, not just as data sources. Their privacy and confidentiality should also be saved.

2. Obtaining Informed Consent

Researchers must explain the goal, methods, risks, and benefits to potential participants. People can then pick if they want to participate. It is a good idea not to use coercion.

3. Ensuring Scientific Validity

Studies must be scientifically valid and helpful. Wasting resources and putting people at risk for useless research is unethical.

4. Minimizing Risks

Participants should not face unnecessary harm. Risks should be reasonable compared to benefits. Oversight committees help ensure this standard.

5. Promoting Inclusive Research

Historically, minorities and vulnerable groups were exploited or excluded. Diversity should be ensured and burdens/benefits equitably distributed.

6. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest

Financial motives or personal agendas can distort science. Researchers must disclose and manage any real or perceived conflicts.

Ethics uphold participant dignity, scientific integrity, and public trust. They are crucial for medical progress.

Resources and Support for High School Students On Medical Research

Here are the ways how students can get help with medical research topics.

• School Libraries

Most high schools have libraries that contain books, magazines, newspapers, and online databases. This can help you to get references for your research projects. Seek assistance from librarians in searching out good resources. Your school provides this free resource.

• Public Libraries

There are also many study materials available at community public libraries. Some enable entry into academic journals and databases via partnerships with local institutions of higher learning.

Pick a library card and learn how to browse through catalogs and databases; nevertheless, librarians can assist you.

• Online Databases

Sometimes, your school will provide you access to some of these online databases for research work. These contain millions of articles, journals, newspapers, magazines, and primary sources, which you must learn to search well.

• Academic Journals

When writing research papers or projects, scholarly journals are very resourceful in providing information about the topics. Look for reviewed professional magazines in your area of interest or read summaries online or at the library.

• Talk to Teachers

Teachers will assist you during the research process. They may give suggestions such as topic ideas, where to find resources, and how to conduct research. Fix appointments with them over project discussions.

• Find a Mentor

Professors, graduate students, or professionals can serve as mentors for your study program. As a result, they might shed light on concepts, give recommendations on sources, and offer critique on your paper’s development, among others.

Final Words

Healthcare’s transformation and life-saving ability can be attributed to medical research. Inspiring them to take up research opportunities with open minds is a great idea for young learners starting their education journey. 

This will help them find projects in science that may cause major discoveries in the future. If they work hard now, these young scholars might be able to save lives tomorrow through their research efforts. 

Despite how difficult it seems, have faith in the students who could be tomorrow’s doctors, working devotedly and rationally on research.

Can high school students work with professionals on medical research projects?

Some high schoolers can partner with doctors or scientists through mentorship or internship programs.

What resources do high school students interested in medical research have?

High schools have online databases, academic journals, and libraries. Additionally, some schools have study clubs and workshops to encourage students’ interests.

What do high school students need to do to make sure their sources for medical research are credible enough?

They should prioritize peer-reviewed articles, reliable websites, and information from educational institutions or federal agencies. They can also approach their teachers or librarians for assistance.

• Tags Medical Research Topics for High School Students
• australia (2)
• duolingo (13)
• Education (284)
• General (78)
• How To (18)
• IELTS (127)
• Latest Updates (162)
• Malta Visa (6)
• Permanent residency (1)
• Programming (31)
• Scholarship (1)
• Sponsored (4)
• Study Abroad (187)
• Technology (12)
• work permit (8)

Recent Posts

77 interesting medical research topics for 2024

Last updated

25 November 2023

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

Short on time? Get an AI generated summary of this article instead

Medical research is the gateway to improved patient care and expanding our available treatment options. However, finding a relevant and compelling research topic can be challenging.

Use this article as a jumping-off point to select an interesting medical research topic for your next paper or clinical study.

• How to choose a medical research topic

When choosing a research topic , it’s essential to consider a couple of things. What topics interest you? What unanswered questions do you want to address? 

During the decision-making and brainstorming process, here are a few helpful tips to help you pick the right medical research topic:

Focus on a particular field of study

The best medical research is specific to a particular area. Generalized studies are often too broad to produce meaningful results, so we advise picking a specific niche early in the process. 

Maybe a certain topic interests you, or your industry knowledge reveals areas of need.

Look into commonly researched topics

Once you’ve chosen your research field, do some preliminary research. What have other academics done in their papers and projects? 

From this list, you can focus on specific topics that interest you without accidentally creating a copycat project. This groundwork will also help you uncover any literature gaps—those may be beneficial areas for research.

Get curious and ask questions

Now you can get curious. Ask questions that start with why, how, or what. These questions are the starting point of your project design and will act as your guiding light throughout the process. 

For example: 

What impact does pollution have on children’s lung function in inner-city neighborhoods? 

Why is pollution-based asthma on the rise? 

How can we address pollution-induced asthma in young children? 

• 77 medical research topics worth exploring in 2023

Need some research inspiration for your upcoming paper or clinical study? We’ve compiled a list of 77 topical and in-demand medical research ideas. Let’s take a look. 

• Exciting new medical research topics

If you want to study cutting-edge topics, here are some exciting options:

COVID-19 and long COVID symptoms

Since 2020, COVID-19 has been a hot-button topic in medicine, along with the long-term symptoms in those with a history of COVID-19. 

Examples of COVID-19-related research topics worth exploring include:

The long-term impact of COVID-19 on cardiac and respiratory health

COVID-19 vaccination rates

The evolution of COVID-19 symptoms over time

New variants and strains of the COVID-19 virus

Changes in social behavior and public health regulations amid COVID-19

Vaccinations

Finding ways to cure or reduce the disease burden of chronic infectious diseases is a crucial research area. Vaccination is a powerful option and a great topic to research. 

Examples of vaccination-related research topics include:

mRNA vaccines for viral infections

Biomaterial vaccination capabilities

Vaccination rates based on location, ethnicity, or age

Public opinion about vaccination safety 

Artificial tissues fabrication

With the need for donor organs increasing, finding ways to fabricate artificial bioactive tissues (and possibly organs) is a popular research area. 

Examples of artificial tissue-related research topics you can study include:

The viability of artificially printed tissues

Tissue substrate and building block material studies

The ethics and efficacy of artificial tissue creation

• Medical research topics for medical students

For many medical students, research is a big driver for entering healthcare. If you’re a medical student looking for a research topic, here are some great ideas to work from:

Sleep disorders

Poor sleep quality is a growing problem, and it can significantly impact a person’s overall health. 

Examples of sleep disorder-related research topics include:

How stress affects sleep quality

The prevalence and impact of insomnia on patients with mental health conditions

Possible triggers for sleep disorder development

The impact of poor sleep quality on psychological and physical health

How melatonin supplements impact sleep quality

Alzheimer’s and dementia 

Cognitive conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are on the rise worldwide. They currently have no cure. As a result, research about these topics is in high demand. 

Examples of dementia-related research topics you could explore include:

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in a chosen population

Early onset symptoms of dementia

Possible triggers or causes of cognitive decline with age

Treatment options for dementia-like conditions

The mental and physical burden of caregiving for patients with dementia

• Lifestyle habits and public health

Modern lifestyles have profoundly impacted the average person’s daily habits, and plenty of interesting topics explore its effects. 

Examples of lifestyle and public health-related research topics include:

The nutritional intake of college students

The impact of chronic work stress on overall health

The rise of upper back and neck pain from laptop use

Prevalence and cause of repetitive strain injuries (RSI)

• Controversial medical research paper topics

Medical research is a hotbed of controversial topics, content, and areas of study. 

If you want to explore a more niche (and attention-grabbing) concept, here are some controversial medical research topics worth looking into:

The benefits and risks of medical cannabis

Depending on where you live, the legalization and use of cannabis for medical conditions is controversial for the general public and healthcare providers.

Examples of medical cannabis-related research topics that might grab your attention include:

The legalization process of medical cannabis

The impact of cannabis use on developmental milestones in youth users

Cannabis and mental health diagnoses

CBD’s impact on chronic pain

Prevalence of cannabis use in young people

The impact of maternal cannabis use on fetal development 

Understanding how THC impacts cognitive function

Human genetics

The Human Genome Project identified, mapped, and sequenced all human DNA genes. Its completion in 2003 opened up a world of exciting and controversial studies in human genetics.

Examples of human genetics-related research topics worth delving into include:

Medical genetics and the incidence of genetic-based health disorders

Behavioral genetics differences between identical twins

Genetic risk factors for neurodegenerative disorders

Machine learning technologies for genetic research

Sexual health studies

Human sexuality and sexual health are important (yet often stigmatized) medical topics that need new research and analysis.

As a diverse field ranging from sexual orientation studies to sexual pathophysiology, examples of sexual health-related research topics include:

The incidence of sexually transmitted infections within a chosen population

Mental health conditions within the LGBTQIA+ community

The impact of untreated sexually transmitted infections

Access to safe sex resources (condoms, dental dams, etc.) in rural areas

• Health and wellness research topics

Human wellness and health are trendy topics in modern medicine as more people are interested in finding natural ways to live healthier lifestyles. 

If this field of study interests you, here are some big topics in the wellness space:

Gluten sensitivity

Gluten allergies and intolerances have risen over the past few decades. If you’re interested in exploring this topic, your options range in severity from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to full-blown anaphylaxis. 

Some examples of gluten sensitivity-related research topics include:

The pathophysiology and incidence of Celiac disease

Early onset symptoms of gluten intolerance

The prevalence of gluten allergies within a set population

Gluten allergies and the incidence of other gastrointestinal health conditions

Pollution and lung health

Living in large urban cities means regular exposure to high levels of pollutants. 

As more people become interested in protecting their lung health, examples of impactful lung health and pollution-related research topics include:

The extent of pollution in densely packed urban areas

The prevalence of pollution-based asthma in a set population

Lung capacity and function in young people

The benefits and risks of steroid therapy for asthma

Pollution risks based on geographical location

Plant-based diets

Plant-based diets like vegan and paleo diets are emerging trends in healthcare due to their limited supporting research. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the potential benefits or risks of holistic, diet-based medicine, examples of plant-based diet research topics to explore include:

Vegan and plant-based diets as part of disease management

Potential risks and benefits of specific plant-based diets

Plant-based diets and their impact on body mass index

The effect of diet and lifestyle on chronic disease management

Health supplements

Supplements are a multi-billion dollar industry. Many health-conscious people take supplements, including vitamins, minerals, herbal medicine, and more. 

Examples of health supplement-related research topics worth investigating include:

Omega-3 fish oil safety and efficacy for cardiac patients

The benefits and risks of regular vitamin D supplementation

Health supplementation regulation and product quality

The impact of social influencer marketing on consumer supplement practices

Analyzing added ingredients in protein powders

• Healthcare research topics

Working within the healthcare industry means you have insider knowledge and opportunity. Maybe you’d like to research the overall system, administration, and inherent biases that disrupt access to quality care. 

While these topics are essential to explore, it is important to note that these studies usually require approval and oversight from an Institutional Review Board (IRB). This ensures the study is ethical and does not harm any subjects. 

For this reason, the IRB sets protocols that require additional planning, so consider this when mapping out your study’s timeline. 

Here are some examples of trending healthcare research areas worth pursuing:

The pros and cons of electronic health records

The rise of electronic healthcare charting and records has forever changed how medical professionals and patients interact with their health data. 

Examples of electronic health record-related research topics include:

The number of medication errors reported during a software switch

Nurse sentiment analysis of electronic charting practices

Ethical and legal studies into encrypting and storing personal health data

Inequities within healthcare access

Many barriers inhibit people from accessing the quality medical care they need. These issues result in health disparities and injustices. 

Examples of research topics about health inequities include:

The impact of social determinants of health in a set population

Early and late-stage cancer stage diagnosis in urban vs. rural populations

Affordability of life-saving medications

Health insurance limitations and their impact on overall health

Diagnostic and treatment rates across ethnicities

People who belong to an ethnic minority are more likely to experience barriers and restrictions when trying to receive quality medical care. This is due to systemic healthcare racism and bias. 

As a result, diagnostic and treatment rates in minority populations are a hot-button field of research. Examples of ethnicity-based research topics include:

Cancer biopsy rates in BIPOC women

The prevalence of diabetes in Indigenous communities

Access inequalities in women’s health preventative screenings

The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension in Black populations

• Pharmaceutical research topics

Large pharmaceutical companies are incredibly interested in investing in research to learn more about potential cures and treatments for diseases. 

If you’re interested in building a career in pharmaceutical research, here are a few examples of in-demand research topics:

Cancer treatment options

Clinical research is in high demand as pharmaceutical companies explore novel cancer treatment options outside of chemotherapy and radiation. 

Examples of cancer treatment-related research topics include:

Stem cell therapy for cancer

Oncogenic gene dysregulation and its impact on disease

Cancer-causing viral agents and their risks

Treatment efficacy based on early vs. late-stage cancer diagnosis

Cancer vaccines and targeted therapies

Immunotherapy for cancer

Pain medication alternatives

Historically, opioid medications were the primary treatment for short- and long-term pain. But, with the opioid epidemic getting worse, the need for alternative pain medications has never been more urgent. 

Examples of pain medication-related research topics include:

Opioid withdrawal symptoms and risks

Early signs of pain medication misuse

Anti-inflammatory medications for pain control

• Identify trends in your medical research with Dovetail

Are you interested in contributing life-changing research? Today’s medical research is part of the future of clinical patient care. 

As your go-to resource for speedy and accurate data analysis , we are proud to partner with healthcare researchers to innovate and improve the future of healthcare.

Should you be using a customer insights hub?

Do you want to discover previous research faster?

Do you share your research findings with others?

Do you analyze research data?

Start for free today, add your research, and get to key insights faster

Editor’s picks

Last updated: 18 April 2023

Last updated: 27 February 2023

Last updated: 22 August 2024

Last updated: 5 February 2023

Last updated: 16 August 2024

Last updated: 9 March 2023

Last updated: 30 April 2024

Last updated: 12 December 2023

Last updated: 11 March 2024

Last updated: 4 July 2024

Last updated: 6 March 2024

Last updated: 5 March 2024

Last updated: 13 May 2024

Latest articles

Related topics, .css-je19u9{-webkit-align-items:flex-end;-webkit-box-align:flex-end;-ms-flex-align:flex-end;align-items:flex-end;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:wrap;-ms-flex-wrap:wrap;flex-wrap:wrap;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;row-gap:0;text-align:center;max-width:671px;}@media (max-width: 1079px){.css-je19u9{max-width:400px;}.css-je19u9>span{white-space:pre;}}@media (max-width: 799px){.css-je19u9{max-width:400px;}.css-je19u9>span{white-space:pre;}} decide what to .css-1kiodld{max-height:56px;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;}@media (max-width: 1079px){.css-1kiodld{display:none;}} build next, decide what to build next, log in or sign up.

Get started for free

• Research Paper Guides
• Research Paper Topics
• 300+ Medical Research Topics & Ideas for Students to Choose
• Speech Topics
• Basics of Essay Writing
• Essay Topics
• Other Essays
• Main Academic Essays
• Basics of Research Paper Writing
• Miscellaneous
• Chicago/ Turabian
• Data & Statistics
• Methodology
• Admission Writing Tips
• Admission Advice
• Other Guides
• Student Life
• Studying Tips
• Understanding Plagiarism
• Academic Writing Tips
• Basics of Dissertation & Thesis Writing

• Essay Guides
• Formatting Guides
• Basics of Research Process
• Admission Guides
• Dissertation & Thesis Guides

300+ Medical Research Topics & Ideas for Students to Choose

Table of contents

Use our free Readability checker

Every healthcare research begins with a single step. But in the world of academia, that step often involves hours of pondering over the perfect medical research topic idea. When it comes to medical research paper topics, there's a seemingly limitless array of options that stretches as far as the mind can wander. The potential of this field is exciting but can also be challenging to explore.

To help you narrow down your choices and research effectively, our research paper writer team compiled a list of interesting medical research topics. Whether you want to write about the latest developments in public health or explore the implications of emerging technologies, this blog won't disappoint you.

What Are Medical Research Paper Topics?

Medical research topics are the ideas or concepts related to health and medicine. They often explore new treatments, developments in diagnosis, prevention of illnesses, or even the effects of lifestyle choices. The scope of topics in medicine is vast and can include such aspects:

• Clinical medicine
• Biomedical research
• Public health
• Mental health research topics
• Medical technology
• Health services research.

Your choice should stem from your interests and existing gaps that need to be filled.

Characteristics of Good Medical Research Topics

Choosing the right medical topic for a research paper is like finding a golden ticket to a successful study. Here's what makes a medicine research idea a real showstopper:

• Engagement Research should be engaging and relevant to the audience.
• Precision Good ideas are always specific, so that you can focus your research on a particular area without being too vague.
• Authenticity A good topic needs to address an issue that hasn't been studied before.
• Feasibility Ensure your topic is realistic. Good research topics in healthcare should fit within your budget, timeframe, and available resources.
• Relevance Winning medical research project topics should address current and pressing issues in healthcare.

How to Choose a Medical Research Topic?

Selecting the best idea out of multiple medicine research topics can be a daunting task, especially when you have so many fields to explore. Here are a few steps that will help you settle on a theme:

• Brainstorm and come up with as many ideas as possible.
• Narrow down your list by considering factors such as your interest and resources.
• Look for current tendencies in healthcare research.
• Consult your supervisor or a librarian to verify the pertinence of the topic that you have chosen.
• Make sure your topic is specific enough to be addressed within the scope of your project.

Once you come up with a fitting medical research topic, consider half the battle won. But in case you have difficulties creating an original title, our online paper writers prepared a list of research ideas for medical students you might like.

List of Top Medical Research Topics

Below we collected various medical topics to research in your study. From groundbreaking technologies to emerging diseases, there are countless avenues to investigate. If you're on the hunt for a compelling topic, here are some of the top medical researches topics capturing attention in 2023:

• Effective strategies for medical talent acquisition and retention.
• The best methods for enhancing preventative care measures in contemporary medicine.
• The role and impact of telemedicine in reinventing healthcare management.
• Implications of artificial intelligence on diagnostics and treatment plans.
• The rising threat of antimicrobial resistance and its effects on global health.
• The link between environmental changes and public health outcomes.
• Complexities of vaccine development and human immune responses.
• Health inequities: Causes, consequences, and potential solutions.
• New treatment approaches for neurodegenerative disorders.
• A multidisciplinary approach to tackling obesity and metabolic disorders.

Good Medical Research Topics

Navigating countless medical topics for research papers can often feel like a journey through a labyrinth. Here are some intriguing ideas that could ignite your curiosity and fuel your research:

• How does climate change impact human health?
• Communication disorders: A closer look at deafness.
• The hidden dangers of household air pollution.
• The escalating threat of diabetes in the public sphere.
• Coronavirus and how it changed the landscape of public health.
• Assessing oral health: Beyond the basics.
• Tobacco and alcohol control: A public health perspective.
• Health implications of a sedentary lifestyle.
• Urban pollution and its impact on respiratory diseases
• The role of healthy diets in disease prevention.
• Exploring the mental health impact of social media.
• How do cultural factors influence public health initiatives?
• The role of nutrition in managing chronic diseases.
• Investigating the genetics of neurodegenerative disorders.
• What are some ethical considerations in gene editing?

Interesting Medical Research Topics

Exploring the depths of medicine can be an exciting experience. You'll discover that every issue has a plethora of complexities and avenues to investigate. Here are some interesting medical topics for research paper that could pique your curiosity:

• The influence of lifestyle changes on cardiovascular health.
• What are some psychological impacts of chronic illness?
• Connection between gut health and mental well-being.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of telehealth during the pandemic.
• How do genetic factors influence addiction susceptibility?
• Autoimmune diseases and their peculiarities.
• How does stress affect immune function?
• What are some health impacts of sleep disorders?
• The link between socioeconomic status and health outcomes.
• Exploring innovations in pain management.
• Analyzing implications of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
• Effect of climate change on infectious disease patterns.
• A look into advancements in cancer immunotherapy.
• Exploring the potential of stem cells in treating degenerative diseases.
• How does diet influence the progression of Alzheimer's disease?

Easy Medical Research Topics

You may be looking for simple research topics in medicine that won't take too much time and effort to complete. Explore these straightforward ideas that could make your paper stand out:

• Importance of proper sanitation in healthcare settings.
• Exploring the role of patient support groups in disease management.
• Analyzing the efficacy of physical therapy interventions.
• What are the cost-effective interventions for healthcare delivery?
• What are some effects of new pharmaceuticals?
• What are some health consequences of air pollution?
• How does meditation improve outcomes in mental health care?
• Evaluating the role of nutritionists in weight loss management.
• An analysis of trends and patterns in emerging diseases.
• Exploring alternative medicines in contemporary healthcare.
• Examining the impact of healthcare policies on public health outcomes.
• Can the use of herbs provide an effective remedy for certain illnesses?
• How does mental health stigma affect access to treatment?
• Drug abuse: Causes, consequences and prevention strategies.
• What are some psychological issues associated with chronic illnesses?

Best Medical Research Topics

When it comes to choosing medical research topics, you need something that's striking and meaningful. Hover over these ideas to spot the fitting idea for your medical research:

• Exploring new strategies for treating neurological disorders.
• What is the role of medical ethics in modern healthcare?
• What are some implications of genetics in personalized healthcare?
• Exploring innovations in non-invasive diagnosis techniques.
• Effect of temperature on patient outcomes in critical care.
• How does air pollution influence healthcare costs?
• How do changes in lifestyle lead to better health outcomes?
• Implications of electronic health records for patient privacy.
• Role of nutritionists in disease prevention.
• How technology is being used to revolutionize healthcare?
• What are the most effective treatments for rare diseases?
• How have medical imaging techniques advanced over the years?
• Investigating potential treatments for autism spectrum disorder.
• Exploring innovative approaches to mental healthcare delivery.
• What are some implications of artificial intelligence in medical diagnosis?

Controversial Medical Topics for a Research Paper

Navigate through the most contentious research topics in health and explore the debate that surrounds them. Consider these thought-provoking ideas and medical controversial topics:

• Ethical implications of genetic engineering.
• Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide - where do we draw the line?
• Are mandatory vaccinations an infringement on personal freedom or a public health necessity?
• Evaluating medical and legal perspectives on the use of medical marijuana.
• Ethical concerns around animal testing in medical research.
• How do we navigate the morality and legality of abortion?
• Should the criminal justice system focus more on mental health treatment than punishment?
• Is stem cell research a moral dilemma or a medical breakthrough?
• Ethical considerations in organ trading and transplantation.
• Who should shoulder the burden of healthcare costs?
• Is access to healthcare a privilege or a human right?
• Ethics of using placebo in clinical trials – is it justified?
• Assessing the role of Big Pharma in healthcare - is it a necessary evil?
• Can genetic screening lead to discrimination, despite its benefits?
• Should modern medicine take precedence over traditional medicine, or is there room for both?

New Medical Research Topics

Discover the latest studies in healthcare and explore the newest topics for a medical research paper. Below we prepared some cutting-edge topics for you to consider:

• Can gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR transform the treatment of genetic disorders?
• How does microbiome therapy potentially influence the treatment of autoimmune diseases?
• Exploring the advent of personalized medicine through genomics and precision diagnostics.
• How is virtual reality altering the landscape of surgical training and rehabilitation therapies?
• How can telehealth improve healthcare access, particularly in remote and underserved areas?
• The role of nanotechnology in developing more efficient drug delivery systems.
• What are some implications of the rising antimicrobial resistance, and where does the future of antibiotics lie?
• How are advances in non-invasive treatments changing the face of chronic disease management?
• Is precision oncology the future of cancer treatment?
• What are some implications and potential of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering?
• Can advancements in wearable technology revolutionize personal health monitoring?
• How are gut microbiota affecting our understanding and treatment of metabolic disorders?
• What role do nanobots play in medical treatments?
• Can big data analytics be used to improve the accuracy of medical diagnosis?

Medical Research Topics Ideas for Students

There are multiple medical topics to write about. But as a student, you're probably looking for something more specific. For your convenience, we divided the titles by academic levels. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to explore these health topics for research that your professor will surely appreciate.

Medical Research Topics for High School

For students who want to investigate different aspect of healthcare, we provided these examples of ideas. Browse through these medical research topics for high school students to spot the most relevant theme:

• How does the human immune system work?
• Vaccinations as an essential tool in preventing diseases.
• A basic overview of genetic disorders.
• What makes viruses unique?
• How does the body fight off bacterial infections?
• The impact of lifestyle factors on heart health.
• Diabetes: Types, causes, and prevention strategies.
• The importance of mental health in the medical field.
• Skin health: Understanding common skin conditions like acne and eczema.
• Structure and function of the human heart.
• Role of antibiotics and how do they fight bacteria?
• Journey of a pill: From ingestion to action.
• What happens in an allergic reaction?
• How does physical exercise impact the body and mind?
• Racial disparities in healthcare and access to treatment.

Medical Research Topics for College Students

At the college level, you may be asked to write a research paper on a complex issue. We prepared these health research topics for college students to help you get started on your assignment:

• Exploring the implications of health insurance reform.
• Genomic sequencing in the early detection of genetic disorders.
• Machine learning in diagnostic imaging: A new era in radiology?
• The role of diet in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.
• Exploring the link between circadian rhythms and health disorders.
• The role of personalized medicine in cancer treatment.
• Development and use of prosthetics in physical rehabilitation.
• Understanding autoimmune diseases: The body fighting itself.
• Addressing health disparities through community-based interventions.
• Inflammation in the development of chronic diseases.
• The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria: Causes and implications.
• Innovations in drug delivery systems: From nanoparticles to smart pills.
• How can we address the opioid crisis in America?
• Investigating the use of mobile technology for delivering healthcare services.
• Exploring medical implications of 3D printing technology.

Medical Research Topics by Subjects

We've also provided some research topics for medical students grouped by specific subjects. Check them out and pick the one you find most captivating.

Medical Research Topics in Pediatrics

Pediatrics involves the care and health of children. As such, it is a broad field ripe with interesting medical topics. Given the unique physiology needs of these younger populations, pediatric research is crucial for understanding illnesses. Below you can find captivating research topics in pediatrics:

• Exploring the impact of nutrition on childhood development.
• Assessing the effects of screen time on adolescent mental health.
• Investigating genetic factors in pediatric cancers.
• The role of vaccinations in preventing common childhood illnesses.
• Strategies for managing childhood obesity.
• The impact of prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol on infant health.
• Development and evaluation of therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
• Understanding the rise of food allergies in children.
• Advances in the treatment of congenital heart defects.
• Exploring the causes and treatment strategies for pediatric asthma.
• The impact of environmental toxins on child health.
• Evaluation of therapeutic approaches for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
• Implications of early life stress on mental health in adolescence.
• The role of gut microbiota in pediatric diseases.
• Understanding the genetic basis of rare childhood disorders.

Medical Research Topics on Anatomy

Anatomy is the study of the organization and structure of the body. It encompasses many topics for medical research papers, from bones and organs to cell structures. Consider these ideas when writing your next anatomy paper:

• The role of genetics in bone fragility disorders.
• A comparative study of the skeletal systems across different species.
• The role and function of the lymphatic system in human health.
• Investigating complexities of the human brain's structure.
• Development and growth of human muscles.
• Impact of aging on bone health and structure.
• Exploring the intricate workings of the human cardiovascular system.
• Understanding structural changes in lungs in chronic respiratory diseases.
• The anatomical basis of speech and language development.
• Neuroanatomy of pain: Understanding pain pathways and mechanisms.
• Structural adaptations of the human body for athletic performance.
• Anatomy of the human eye and its role in vision.
• How does connective tissue support body structures?
• How does endocrine system impact hormone production?
• How does female anatomy change during pregnancy?

Medical Anthropology Research Topics

Medical anthropology looks at health and illness from a cultural perspective. It draws on expertise from across disciplines such as biology, psychology, and sociology to better understand how medical systems can work within different communities. If you’re interested in this field, use these ideas for med research topics:

• Investigating cultural beliefs and practices surrounding childbirth.
• Impact of socioeconomic status on health outcomes in different cultures.
• Understanding the role of traditional medicine in modern healthcare systems.
• An exploration of how cultural beliefs influence mental health perceptions.
• Effect of migration on health outcomes.
• The role of diet and nutrition in health from a cultural perspective.
• Cultural competence in healthcare delivery: Challenges and opportunities.
• Intersection of gender, culture, and health.
• Impact of societal norms and values on disease prevalence.
• Health disparities among indigenous populations.
• Role of social support networks in health and wellness across cultures.
• The impact of stigma on health outcomes in HIV/AIDS patients.
• The role of cultural anthropology in global health interventions.
• Ethnobotany and its implications for drug discovery.
• Understanding health practices in post-conflict societies.

Medicine Research Topics on Physiology

Physiology studies how living organisms function. This branch covers a range of medicine topics and ideas you might like. Here are some suggestions for your next med paper in physiology:

• How does nervous system contribute to the perception of pain?
• What physiological changes are triggered by acute and chronic stress?
• How does regular exercise influence cardiovascular health and overall well-being?
• How do hormones influence our metabolic rate and energy utilization?
• A detailed study on physiological transformations during pregnancy and lactation.
• How does the process of aging affect the function and resilience of various organs?
• Exploring the role of homeostasis in maintaining the body's internal balance.
• What are the key physiological processes involved in the sleep cycle?
• Unraveling complexities of the human digestive system from ingestion to excretion.
• How does the renal system contribute to maintaining blood pressure?
• Physiological adaptations humans undergo when living at high altitudes.
• How does dehydration disrupt normal bodily functions?
• Implications of obesity on respiratory function and efficiency.
• How does the endocrine system orchestrate growth and development?
• Investigating the neurophysiological underpinnings of memory formation and retrieval.

Medical Research Topics on Dermatology

From understanding skin conditions to exploring new procedures, dermatological research is a crucial part of improving skin health. Look through these medical research ideas centered around dermatology:

• Investigating the causes and treatments of acne in adolescents.
• Diet and the development of psoriasis.
• Understanding genetic factors involved in atopic dermatitis.
• Skin cancer: Risk factors, prevention, and treatment strategies.
• How do environmental factors cause skin aging?
• Exploring new treatments for hair loss.
• Understanding the correlation between stress and skin conditions.
• The role of the microbiome in skin health and disease.
• New approaches in the treatment of vitiligo.
• The impact of UV radiation on skin health.
• Exploring the pathophysiology of rosacea.
• The role of telemedicine in dermatology.
• Clinical advancements in the treatment of fungal skin infections.
• The correlation between skin health and mental health.
• Advances in cosmetic dermatology: Safety and effectiveness of new procedures.

Medical Research Paper Topics on Nursing

Nursing is a versatile profession that covers many areas of health care. It’s also an ever-changing field, with new research and advancements being released all the time. Here are some topics for medical research paper focusing on nursing:

• The impact of nurse-patient communication on patient outcomes.
• Exploring the effects of nurse fatigue on job performance.
• How does nurse practitioner autonomy influence patient care?
• Importance of bedside manner in nursing.
• The role of technology in nursing practice.
• Understanding challenges associated with ethical decision-making in nursing.
• How does nurse burnout affect patient safety?
• Analyzing factors contributing to nurse retention and turnover rates.
• The effects of staffing ratios on nurse and patient satisfaction.
• Exploring the role of leadership in nursing practice.
• What are implications of nurse workload on healthcare outcomes?
• The impact of health policy on nursing education and practice.
• Ethical dilemmas faced by nurses in end-of-life care.
• How does culture affect perceptions of healthcare and nursing.
• What are some effects of managed care on nurse autonomy?

>> Read more: Nursing Research Paper Topics

Medical Research Topics on Primary Care

Primary care is the first point of contact between patients and medical professionals. This branch is often overlooked, but it’s an important area of research that can improve health outcomes in communities around the world. Check out these interesting health topics to discuss in primary care:

• Exploring the impact of primary care physician shortages on health outcomes.
• How do socio-economic factors influence health outcomes in primary care?
• Strategies to improve patient adherence to treatment.
• What are some challenges and opportunities of providing mental health services?
• The role of primary care in managing chronic diseases.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of preventive measures in primary care.
• How does patient education influence health outcomes in primary care?
• The role of health technology in improving primary care delivery.
• What are some best practices for managing multimorbidity in primary care?
• Developing effective communication strategies for diverse patient populations in primary care.
• The impact of health policy changes on care delivery.
• How can primary care practices be adapted to meet the needs of an aging population?
• Assessing the effectiveness of integrated care models.
• The role of primary care in addressing health disparities.
• Strategies for improving patient satisfaction in primary care.

Medical Research Topics on Public Health

Public health is an important area of research - understanding how to improve health in communities and prevent illness and injury are crucial skills for medical professionals. Here are some medical related research topics that could kick-start your next project:

• What are the causes, implications and solutions to food insecurity?
• The role of public health in the management of infectious diseases.
• Assessing the effectiveness of smoking cessation programs.
• The role of public health initiatives in combating the obesity epidemic.
• What are some policy interventions that can improve public health?
• The impact of racism and discrimination on public health outcomes.
• Exploring new models for delivering mental health services in underserved communities.
• The impact of urbanization on public health outcomes.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of school-based health education programs.
• Strategies for managing public health crises during natural disasters.
• The implications of antibiotic resistance for public health.
• How can community engagement improve public health initiatives?
• The role of public health in the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases.
• What are the effects of environmental toxins on human health?
• How can mutual efforts reduce maternal and infant mortality rates?

>> View more: Public Health Research Topics

Medical Research Topics on Mental Health

Mental health is an important area of research, as it affects so many people around the world. Here are some medical research paper ideas to get you started on your next mental health project:

• The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating anxiety disorders.
• How does social media influence adolescents' mental health?
• Exploring the link between gut health and wellbeing.
• The role of mindfulness in managing stress and enhancing mental well-being.
• Understanding the genetic factors in schizophrenia.
• How can stigma associated with mental illness be reduced in society?
• How do traumatic events influence mental health?
• Potential art therapy application in emotional health treatment.
• The role of mental health in managing chronic diseases.
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global mental health.
• Understanding the correlation between sleep deprivation and emotional wellbeing.
• Strategies for improving mental health services in rural areas.
• How can nutrition benefit mental health?
• Exploring the effectiveness of peer support in mental health recovery.
• The benefits and challenges of telepsychiatry.

>> View more: Mental Health Research Paper Topics

Medical Ethics Research Topics

Medical ethics is an important direction in healthcare research. Check these fascinating health topics to research for your next paper:

• Exploring moral implications of assisted suicide.
• How do ethical considerations come into play during organ transplantation?
• The ethical conundrum of maintaining patient confidentiality in the digital age.
• The integral role of informed consent in the physician-patient relationship.
• What ethical dilemmas arise from genetic testing and gene editing technologies?
• Ethical considerations of implementing artificial intelligence in healthcare.
• Is it ethical to use placebos in clinical trials?
• Balancing individual rights and public health in the context of a pandemic.
• Navigating ethical issues surrounding end-of-life care.
• Ethical challenges involved in the rationing of limited healthcare resources.
• What ethical considerations are necessary when conducting clinical research in low-resource settings?
• Ethical debate surrounding the use of animals for medical research.
• Ethical questions raised by advancements in reproductive technologies and rights.
• What are ethical implications of mandatory vaccination policies?
• Understanding ethical dilemmas associated with using health data for research.

Extra Medical Research Papers Topics

Medical research is an important topic for many people. Below you can find more medical research topic ideas that didn't fall in any of categories offered above.

Health Research Topics

Health research paper topics are crucial to understanding the effects of trends and developments in the medical field. Here are some ideas to get you inspired:

• How does virtual reality change physical rehabilitation?
• Investigating the effects of pollution on respiratory health.
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in mental health.
• The role of nutrition in managing cardiovascular diseases.
• Assessing health impacts of climate change.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of health education programs in schools.
• Strategies for promoting mental health in the workplace.
• Investigating the links between diet and cognitive function.
• How does health literacy influence individual health outcomes?
• Implications of stress on immune function.
• Effectiveness of public health campaigns on smoking cessation.
• Exploring the effectiveness of herbal remedies in treating diseases.
• The role of sports in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Strategies to reduce the prevalence of substance abuse.
• Pros and cons of electronic record systems in healthcare.

Clinical Research Topics

Clinical ideas are essential for approaching healthcare from a scientific point of view. Find some medical research paper topics to cover in your project:

• Exploring the effectiveness of novel treatments in rare diseases.
• The role of biomarkers in disease diagnosis and treatment.
• How do medical interventions influence patient satisfaction?
• Exploring links between nutrition and cancer prevention.
• How do lifestyle modifications influence diabetes management?
• Understanding the implications of drug interactions.
• How does genetic testing influence medical decision-making?
• What are some challenges associated with disseminating medical evidence?
• Predicting disease progression through machine learning.
• Assessing the accuracy of various diagnostic tools.
• Implications of medical robotics and automation in healthcare.
• Evaluating the impact of patient-centered care on quality outcomes.
• Clinical trials: Challenges and opportunities.
• How can vulnerable populations access medical care?
• How can public-private partnerships benefit healthcare delivery?

Bottom Line on Medical Topics to Research

Choosing healthcare research paper topics can be quite overwhelming. We hope our suggestions will help you in developing an engaging medical research topic for your upcoming project or assignment. Remember to always check with your instructor before starting any project, so that you are aware of all specific requirements.

Why not pay for research paper crafted by professionals? With our team of skilled writers, you will get a quality, plagiarism-free research paper delivered on time. Invest in your academic success today!

Joe Eckel is an expert on Dissertations writing. He makes sure that each student gets precious insights on composing A-grade academic writing.

You may also like

70+ Captivating Research Topics for Medical Students

Explore a variety of research topics for medical students, from public health and internal medicine to pediatrics and surgery. Discover exciting projects that can shape your future in medicine.

The medical field is always evolving, and research is a great way to dive into health topics, make new discoveries, and contribute to the field.

In this post, I’ll walk you through getting started with research. You’ll find tips on picking topics, using different methods, and taking key steps. Whether you’re curious about a specific disease, new technologies, or public health, this guide will help you kick off a meaningful research project.

Table of Contents

Research Topics for Medical Students PDF

Importance of research in medical field.

Research is the foundation of modern medicine. It drives advances that have greatly improved healthcare. Here’s why it’s so important:

In short, research fuels medical progress, enhances care, and saves lives.

Benefits of research for medical students

Research benefits medical students in many ways:-

In short, research helps medical students become skilled professionals and leaders.

Research Topics for Medical Students

Check out research topics for medical students:-

Public Health and Preventive Medicine

• Objective : See how platforms like Instagram and TikTok influence teen mental health.
• Details : Survey teens about their social media use and mental health. Look for links between online time and feelings of anxiety or depression.
• Objective : Check how common obesity is and what health problems it causes in a specific area.
• Details : Collect data on obesity rates and related issues like diabetes. Find out what’s contributing to these health problems.
• Objective : Find out if vaccination programs are effectively stopping diseases.
• Details : Compare disease rates before and after vaccination efforts. Look at how vaccine coverage and public info influence these rates.
• Objective : See how different diets help prevent long-term diseases.
• Details : Study how certain foods impact diseases like diabetes or heart disease. Look at the benefits of specific nutrients.
• Objective : Understand how things like air pollution impact lung health.
• Details : Measure air quality in different areas and link it to respiratory disease rates. Find ways to reduce health risks through environmental changes.
• Objective : Explore how moving from rural to city areas affects health.
• Details : Compare health outcomes in urban and rural settings. Look at lifestyle changes, healthcare access, and pollution.
• Objective : Assess how well local programs help people quit smoking.
• Details : Review programs like smoking cessation workshops and their effectiveness. Measure changes in smoking rates and health improvements.
• Objective : See if public campaigns are getting people to exercise more.
• Details : Track activity levels before and after campaigns. Look at what strategies work best in promoting exercise.
• Objective : Explore how different economic backgrounds impact mental health.
• Details : Survey people from various socioeconomic levels. Analyze how income, education, and job status affect mental well-being.
• Objective : Investigate how having clean water helps prevent diseases.
• Details : Compare disease rates in areas with and without reliable water sources. Look at improvements in health after water sanitation efforts.

Internal Medicine

• Objective : Find out if sleep problems are linked to heart disease.
• Details : Study patients with sleep issues and check their heart health. Look for connections between poor sleep and heart disease risk.
• Objective : Compare different treatments for managing type 2 diabetes.
• Details : Review outcomes from various treatments like medications and lifestyle changes. See which methods work best for controlling blood sugar.
• Objective : Assess how diet and exercise impact metabolic syndrome.
• Details : Track patients who make lifestyle changes. Measure improvements in symptoms like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Objective : Explore how gut bacteria affect inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Details : Analyze gut bacteria from IBD patients. Look at how imbalances might contribute to disease flare-ups.
• Objective : Find early signs of chronic kidney disease.
• Details : Test blood and urine markers for early kidney damage. See which markers best predict disease progression.
• Objective : Study how different diets help manage high blood pressure.
• Details : Review outcomes from various diets, like low-sodium or DASH . Assess changes in blood pressure and heart health.
• Objective : Compare how different medications control high blood pressure.
• Details : Review patient results from different antihypertensive drugs. Find out which medications are most effective and have fewer side effects.
• Objective : Look at how long-term stress affects autoimmune conditions.
• Details : Survey patients with autoimmune diseases about their stress levels. See if stress correlates with disease activity.
• Objective : Investigate how early diagnosis of high blood pressure affects long-term health.
• Details : Track patients over time to see how early treatment impacts their health and disease progression.
• Objective : Explore how genetic factors influence the risk of chronic diseases.
• Details : Study genetic data from people with chronic conditions. Identify genes that might increase disease risk.
• Objective : See how screen time affects children’s growth and development.
• Details : Survey parents about their children’s screen time and developmental milestones. Look for links between screen use and developmental issues.
• Objective : Investigate the rate of obesity in children and related health risks.
• Details : Collect data on obesity rates and associated problems like diabetes. Find out what factors contribute to these health risks.
• Objective : Compare how different treatments manage childhood asthma.
• Details : Review outcomes from medications and lifestyle changes for asthma. See which treatments provide the best relief for kids.
• Objective : Explore ways to prevent mental health issues and suicide among teens.
• Details : Evaluate mental health programs and their effectiveness. Look at strategies like counseling and school-based interventions.
• Objective : Study how diet can prevent allergies in children.
• Details : Examine the effects of early introduction of certain foods on allergy development. Look at dietary patterns that might reduce allergy risk.
• Objective : Assess how early treatment impacts developmental disorders.
• Details : Track outcomes for kids who get early intervention services. Measure improvements in cognitive and social skills.
• Objective : See how involved parents influence diabetes management in kids.
• Details : Survey parents and children about diabetes care practices. Assess how parental support impacts blood sugar control and overall health.
• Objective : Check if different vaccination schedules prevent illnesses effectively.
• Details : Compare illness rates with different vaccination timings. Evaluate which schedules work best in protecting kids.
• Objective : Review how successful programs are in treating childhood obesity.
• Details : Track weight loss and health improvements in kids participating in treatment programs. Identify what makes programs successful.
• Objective : Explore how socioeconomic status affects children’s health.
• Details : Analyze health data across different economic groups. Look at how factors like access to care and living conditions impact health outcomes.
• Objective : Compare recovery between minimally invasive and open surgeries.
• Details : Review patient outcomes for both types of surgeries. Look at recovery times, complications, and overall results.
• Objective : Study how infections at surgery sites affect recovery.
• Details : Track infection rates and their impact on healing and recovery. Find ways to prevent infections.
• Objective : See how robotic technology improves surgical outcomes.
• Details : Compare surgeries done with robots versus traditional methods. Evaluate precision, safety, and recovery.
• Objective : Assess different methods for managing pain after surgery.
• Details : Compare pain relief options like medication, physical therapy, and alternative methods. Measure patient satisfaction and recovery.
• Objective : Identify what influences how well surgical wounds heal.
• Details : Study factors like wound care techniques and patient health. Look at how these factors impact healing times.
• Objective : Compare different techniques for repairing hernias.
• Details : Review success rates and recovery for various hernia repair methods. Identify the best approach based on patient outcomes.
• Objective : Study how nutrition before surgery affects recovery.
• Details : Examine patient recovery based on their nutritional status before surgery. Look at how specific nutrients aid in healing.
• Objective : Explore how the length of surgery affects complications.
• Details : Track complications related to surgery duration. Find ways to minimize complications by reducing surgery time.
• Objective : Compare different strategies for preventing infections at surgery sites.
• Details : Review protocols like sterilization and antibiotics. Measure their impact on infection rates.
• Objective : Evaluate how new surgical instruments impact patient outcomes.
• Details : Compare outcomes using advanced instruments versus older technologies. Assess improvements in precision and safety.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Objective : Explore how gestational diabetes affects mothers and babies.
• Details : Study birth outcomes and health impacts on both mother and child. Look at management strategies to improve outcomes.
• Objective : See how common postpartum depression is and how it affects bonding.
• Details : Survey new mothers about depression and their interactions with their babies. Assess the impact on bonding and early relationships.
• Objective : Compare different contraception methods in preventing unintended pregnancies.
• Details : Review success rates and user satisfaction for methods like pills, implants, and IUDs. Find out which methods work best.
• Objective : Study how genetics contribute to gynecological cancers.
• Details : Explore genetic mutations linked to cancers like ovarian and cervical cancer. Assess the role of genetic screening in early detection.
• Objective : Evaluate how effective screening programs are for detecting cervical cancer early.
• Details : Compare results from Pap smears and HPV tests. Find out which methods work best for early detection.
• Objective : Study how different levels of prenatal care affect birth outcomes.
• Details : Review outcomes based on prenatal care frequency and quality. Look at how comprehensive care impacts maternal and infant health.
• Objective : Explore how obesity affects pregnancy complications.
• Details : Analyze complications like preeclampsia and diabetes in obese women. Investigate ways to manage risks.
• Objective : Compare different treatments for menstrual disorders like heavy bleeding.
• Details : Review outcomes from hormonal therapies and lifestyle changes. Measure improvement in symptoms and quality of life.
• Objective : Assess how family planning education influences reproductive health.
• Details : Review education programs and their effect on contraceptive use and reproductive planning. Measure changes in unintended pregnancy rates.
• Objective : Investigate long-term health effects of cesarean deliveries.
• Details : Track health outcomes like future pregnancies and scar issues. Assess the overall impact on women’s health.

Psychiatry and Mental Health

• Objective : Compare the effectiveness of various depression therapies.
• Details : Evaluate outcomes from therapies like CBT, psychotherapy , and medication. Measure improvements in mood and daily functioning.
• Objective : Explore how social media impacts mental health in teens.
• Details : Survey teens about their social media use and mental health. Look for links between online activity and feelings of anxiety or depression.
• Objective : See how common anxiety disorders are in college students.
• Details : Conduct surveys to identify anxiety rates and causes. Assess the impact on academic performance and social life.
• Objective : Study how genetics influence bipolar disorder.
• Details : Analyze genetic data from individuals with bipolar disorder. Identify genes associated with the condition and potential treatment implications.
• Objective : Investigate how sleep issues affect mental health.
• Details : Examine patients with both sleep disorders and mental health issues. Look at how improving sleep affects mental health outcomes.
• Objective : Compare cognitive-behavioral therapy to medication for treating anxiety.
• Details : Track patient progress with CBT versus medication. Measure anxiety reduction and overall well-being.
• Objective : Assess how mindfulness practices impact stress levels.
• Details : Study participants undergoing mindfulness training. Evaluate changes in stress levels and overall mental health.
• Objective : See how early treatment affects schizophrenia progression.
• Details : Track patients starting treatment early versus later. Measure differences in symptom severity and long-term outcomes.
• Objective : Explore how family involvement helps manage chronic mental health conditions.
• Details : Survey patients and families about support systems. Assess how family support affects treatment adherence and recovery.
• Objective : Examine how trauma-informed care helps with PTSD recovery.
• Details : Evaluate recovery outcomes for patients receiving trauma-informed care. Compare with traditional care models in terms of symptom relief and overall improvement.

Other Potential Areas

• Objective : Explore current ethical issues in medicine.
• Details : Study topics like patient consent and experimental treatments. Analyze case studies and debates in medical ethics.
• Objective : Investigate differences in healthcare access across various populations.
• Details : Examine disparities based on race, income, and location. Identify barriers and propose solutions to improve access.
• Objective : Assess how technology changes healthcare delivery.
• Details : Review innovations like telemedicine and electronic health records. Analyze their impact on patient care and outcomes.
• Objective : Explore how to enhance medical training for future professionals.
• Details : Review current teaching methods and curricula. Propose updates based on new needs and technologies.
• Objective : Study global challenges in managing infectious diseases.
• Details : Investigate outbreaks, vaccination efforts, and health policies. Assess the effectiveness of international health initiatives.
• Objective : See how telemedicine affects patient care and outcomes.
• Details : Compare results from telemedicine visits versus in-person visits. Look at patient satisfaction and access to care.
• Objective : Explore the ethical issues of using AI in medicine.
• Details : Study concerns like data privacy and algorithmic bias. Analyze how AI impacts patient care and provider responsibilities.
• Objective : Find strategies to boost healthcare access in underserved communities.
• Details : Review successful programs and policies. Propose additional solutions to improve access.
• Objective : Investigate how health policy changes affect patient care.
• Details : Analyze recent policy shifts and their impact on healthcare quality and access. Gather data from patients and providers.
• Objective : Study how focusing on patient needs improves treatment adherence.
• Details : Examine patient experiences with patient-centered approaches. Assess how these methods impact adherence and health outcomes.

Why Research is Crucial for Medical Students?

Research is vital for medical students. Here’s why:

In short, research helps medical students become skilled and effective professionals.

Choosing a Research Topic for Medical Students

Choosing a research topic can be challenging. Here’s a quick guide:

Find Your Interests

• Passion: What medical areas excite you?
• Clinical Experience: Any patient issues that caught your attention?
• Knowledge Gaps: What topics do you want to learn more about?

Do a Literature Review

• Explore: Look at current research in your area.
• Identify Gaps: Find unanswered questions or areas needing more study.
• Niche: Focus on a specific part of a larger topic.

Check Feasibility

• Resources: Do you have the data, tools, and help you need?
• Time: Can you complete it within your schedule?
• Ethics: Make sure your research follows ethical guidelines.

Develop Your Question

• Clear: State your question clearly.
• Relevant: Ensure it addresses an important medical issue.
• Measurable: Decide how you’ll measure the results.

Brainstorm and Refine

• Mind Map: Connect ideas and concepts.
• Feedback: Talk with classmates or mentors about your ideas.
• Refine: Be ready to adjust your topic as you research.

Remember, picking the right topic is key to a successful project. Take your time, explore options, and get advice from mentors.

Types of Medical Research

Check out the types of medical research:

Pre-clinical

• Basic: Studies fundamental biology.
• Applied: Develops new treatments.
• Translational: Moves lab findings into practice.
• Interventional: Tests treatments.
• Trials: Evaluates new methods.
• RCTs: Randomly assigns participants.
• Observational: Collects data without intervention.
• Epidemiological: Studies disease trends.
• Health Services: Examines healthcare delivery.
• Quality Improvement: Enhances healthcare quality.

Finding a Research Mentor

Check out the best ways for finding a research mentor:

Identify Mentors

• Faculty Interests: Check their research areas.
• Department Resources: Use directories.
• Peer Recommendations: Ask fellow students.

Build Relationships

• Attend Events: Go to seminars and conferences.
• Office Hours: Visit professors.
• Volunteer: Help with research.

Approach Mentors

• Be Clear: State your interests and goals.
• Show Enthusiasm: Be genuinely interested.
• Be Professional: Keep it respectful.

Good Mentor Traits

• Expertise: Strong in your research area.
• Supportive: Offers guidance and feedback.
• Accessible: Available and approachable.
• Compatible Style: Fits your learning style.

Note: Finding a mentor takes time. Keep trying and connecting.

Research Methodology

Research Methodology: Your plan for how to conduct research.

Key Components

• Type: Experimental, correlational, descriptive, exploratory.
• Design: Pre-experimental, quasi-experimental, true experimental.
• Sampling: Choosing participants or data.
• Primary: Directly from sources (surveys, interviews).
• Secondary: Existing data (reports, databases).
• Tools: Questionnaires, guides.
• Qualitative: Analyzing text (thematic analysis).
• Quantitative: Analyzing numbers (statistical tests).
• Consent: Participants agree to take part.
• Privacy: Protecting information.
• Integrity: Being honest and accurate.
• Reliability & Validity: Ensures credible findings.
• Guides Research: Provides a clear plan.
• Replicability: Allows others to repeat the study.
• Efficiency: Uses resources wisely.
• Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research
• Sampling Techniques
• Data Analysis Methods
• Ethical Considerations

Popular Research Areas in Medicine

Top Research Areas in Medicine:

Emerging and Infectious Diseases

• New disease mechanisms
• Vaccines and antiviral treatments
• Antibiotic resistance
• Zoonotic diseases
• Cancer genomics
• Immunotherapy
• Prevention and early detection
• Pain management

Neuroscience

• Alzheimer’s and dementia
• Parkinson’s disease
• Brain-computer interfaces
• Mental health

Cardiovascular Disease

• Stem cell therapy
• Cardiovascular genetics
• Heart failure treatment
• Stroke research

Diabetes and Endocrinology

• Diabetes management
• Obesity and metabolism
• Hormone imbalances

Genetics and Genomics

• Gene editing (CRISPR)
• Genetic disease studies
• Personalized medicine

Public Health

• Epidemiology
• Global health disparities
• Health policy
• Environmental health

Other Areas

• Regenerative medicine
• AI and machine learning in healthcare
• Telemedicine
• Medical imaging

Writing a Research Proposal for Medical Student

Check out the best ways for writing a research proposal for medical students:-

Research Proposal Essentials

• Check Guidelines: Follow your medical school’s format and length requirements.
• Alignment: Show how the research benefits your medical training and career.
• Feasibility: Ensure the project fits your schedule.
• Ethics: Address any ethical issues, especially with human subjects.

Core Sections

• State your research question.
• Describe the problem and its significance.
• Outline your objectives.
• Summarize existing research.
• Identify gaps your study will fill.
• Explain your theoretical framework.
• Describe your research design.
• Specify data collection methods.
• Outline data analysis.
• Address ethical concerns.
• Include key milestones and deadlines.
• List resources and costs if needed.
• Cite sources properly.

Additional Points

• Mentorship: Mention your faculty mentor.
• IRB Approval: Describe the IRB approval process if required.
• Impact: Explain how your research could benefit patient care.

Example Topics

• Social factors and chronic diseases
• Patient education for medication adherence
• Sleep quality and student performance
• Health apps for chronic conditions
• Get advice from your mentor.
• Keep it clear and concise.
• Proofread carefully.

Presenting Research Findings

Communicating Research Findings

Key Elements

• Know Your Audience: Tailor to their level and interests.
• Clear Structure: Use intro, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion.
• Visual Aids: Use simple graphs and charts.
• Storytelling: Make your findings relatable.
• Practice: Rehearse for smooth delivery.
• Slides: Simple and visual.
• Delivery: Clear speech, eye contact, and gestures.
• Q&A: Prepare for questions.
• Design: Clear, attractive layout.
• Content: Key findings and methods.
• Engagement: Discuss details with viewers.
• Clarity: Avoid jargon.
• Structure: Follow IMRAD format.
• Visuals: Include graphs and tables.
• Highlight Key Findings: Focus on main results.
• Use Plain Language: Keep it simple.
• Visualize Data: Use clear charts and graphs.
• Storytelling: Create a narrative.
• Handle Questions: Be confident.
• Ethics: Follow ethical guidelines.
• Engagement: Use interactive elements.
• Time Management: Stay within time limits.

Publishing Your Research

Tips for publishing your research

Choosing the Right Journal

• Identify Audience: Know who will read your research.
• Select Journal: Pick one relevant to your field.
• Check Guidelines: Ensure your paper fits the journal’s requirements.

Preparing Your Manuscript

• Follow Format: Stick to journal’s style.
• Organize Clearly: Use abstract, intro, methods, results, discussion, and references.
• Write Clearly: Be concise and straightforward.

Peer Review Process

• Submit: Send your manuscript.
• Review: Experts evaluate your paper.
• Revise: Make changes based on feedback.
• Decision: Editor decides on acceptance or rejection.

Publication and Beyond

• Proofread: Check for errors.
• Understand Rights: Know about copyright and permissions.
• Promote: Share your work online and with peers.
• Measure Impact: Track citations and other metrics.

Additional Tips

• Start Early: Begin the process early.
• Seek Advice: Consult experienced researchers.
• Be Persistent: Don’t get discouraged.
• Consider Open Access: Reach a wider audience if possible.

Overcoming Challenges in Medical Research

Check out best tips for overcoming challenging in medical research:-

Common Challenges

• Funding Shortages: Limited money can slow down research.
• Ethical Considerations: Balancing progress with patient safety.
• Patient Recruitment: Finding suitable participants for trials.
• Data Management: Handling large, complex datasets.
• Publication Bias: Pressure to publish only positive results.
• Collaboration Issues: Effective teamwork can be tough.

Overcoming Challenges

• Strategic Funding: Seek diverse funding sources like grants and partnerships.
• Ethical Frameworks: Follow ethical guidelines and get necessary approvals.
• Patient Recruitment: Build trust, offer incentives, and use technology.
• Data Management: Use strong data systems and statistical support.
• Open Science: Share data openly to reduce bias.
• Collaboration: Promote teamwork and clear communication.

Additional Strategies

• Mentorship: Provide strong guidance and training.
• Technology: Use tools like AI for efficiency.
• Policy Support: Advocate for supportive research policies.
• Public Outreach: Raise awareness about research importance.

The medical field is packed with chances to make a real difference. Research lets you improve healthcare and patient lives in exciting ways. Whether you’re looking into diseases or developing new treatments, there’s so much you can do.

Picking a research topic might seem tough, but if you follow what interests you and stay curious, it can be really rewarding. Research is all about asking questions and finding answers. Jump in, have fun with it, and you could become a future leader in medicine.

Related Posts

149+ Most Interesting Civil Engineering Research Topics For Undergraduates

179+ Top-Rated Quantitative Research Topics For Accounting Students [Updated 2024]

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category
• College Admissions
• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

61 Great Medical Programs for High School Students + Advice

Extracurriculars

Thinking about a career in medicine? I highly recommend trying out some medical experiences in high school before committing to a pre-med track . Many of my high school friends who hoped to go into medicine ended up changing their major during college when the pre-med courses got too difficult.

Doing a medical internship, summer program, or community service project in high school can help you decide if medicine is the right track for you before you waste time and money going pre-med in college. This guide will explain what experiences are open to you as a high school student, what those experiences involve, and how you will benefit from them.

What Medical Experiences Are Available to High School Students?

There are lots of ways to get a taste of what it's like to work in medicine. In my opinion, the best time to do this is over the summer. You have the most free time during the summer, and there are more experiences available.

There are many summer medical programs and summer medical internships for high school students across the country. These opportunities range from research experiences to in-hospital experiences. Some of these programs and internships charge you a fee to attend, some are paid for, and some even pay you to attend.

I've compiled a list of over 60 summer medical programs for high school students. Several of these programs and internships are limited to students from a specific state or area, so be sure to check specific programs for application requirements and fees. I've provided links to each program below.

If you'd like to get experience during the school year (on weekends and after school), you should consider shadowing a doctor or volunteering at a hospital. I'll discuss the details of volunteering and job shadowing later in the article.

List of Summer Medical Programs for High School Students

I've divided up the summer medical programs into three categories: Medical Programs, Medical Research Programs, and general Science Research Programs.

Medical Programs

In the medical programs category, I list programs that offer high school students the chance to get hands-on experience in medicine (non-research related) such as learning simple medical procedures, watching surgeries, shadowing doctors, working in hospitals, interacting with patients, and more . There are very few programs that offer this type of experience to high school students, and I highly recommend them since they'll give you the most realistic look at what life's like as a pre-med student, medical student, and medical professional.

Medical Research Programs

If you're unable to do one of the above medical programs, the next best thing is a medical research program. In these programs, you'll be working in a lab and helping with medical research that's in progress (i.e. looking at slides under a microscope, recording changes) or assisting with on-going clinical research (i.e. interviewing participants in an on-going trial of new medication, logging participant information in the computer). Many of these programs pair you with a mentor who works at your location. Also, several of these programs require you to give a presentation at the end of the program.

These medical research programs are extremely valuable because, as a pre-med student, you'll likely end up doing lab work either for class or as an extracurricular for your medical school application. If you do one of these programs in high school, you'll be a step ahead of your pre-med classmates.

(One quick note: many of these programs are free or pay stipends, but not every program provides free housing . Make sure you check each program's housing accommodations before you apply!)

Science Research Programs

If you can't do one of the medical research or medical programs, you should consider trying to do a science summer program/internship . These programs are not medicine-specific and cover a wide range of science topics (from plant life to space). However, these programs are still very valuable because as a pre-med student, you'll be learning a ton of science. As a part of your pre-med track, you'll be required to take Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, and more. Doing one of these science programs will give you a preview of the coursework ahead of you.

Also, many of these programs are lab work, and, although they're not focused on medical research, they will still give you good general insights into how to do lab work . As I said before, as a pre-med student, you'll likely end up doing lab work either for class or as an extracurricular for your medical school application. If you do one of these programs, you'll be well-prepared to do that research.

What Are the Pros and Cons of These Programs?

These medical programs can be a great experience for many high school students, but they can have some drawbacks. In this section we'll look at the pros and cons of medical programs for high school students.

• These programs and internships provide a real look at what life's like as a researcher, scientist, or medical student. You'll have a great sense of whether or not you'd like to pursue a career in the medical field after you finish your program.
• If you do a college campus program, you'll get a preview of college life . You can experience living away from home, and you can decide if you like the college. I did a summer program at UCLA during high school, and it made me realize that UCLA was not the school for me.
• As I said before, these opportunities give you the chance to evaluate if pre-med is the track you want to go down before you waste time and money in college. If you love your program, you'll be even more motivated to work hard to become a medical professional .
• You'll meet like-minded students who're interested in medicine/science.
• You'll have a great program or internship on your college application . By actually participating in a medical/science program, you'll show colleges that you're committed to pursuing a career in the medical field.
• If you attend a college campus program, and you're interested in going to college at the school that hosted the program, you'll have shown real interest in that college (which admissions officers always like to see).
• These programs can be expensive . However, some programs pay you to attend! Make sure you check out the individual program websites to find out the cost. And like we mentioned before, pay careful attention to housing! Some programs might offer stipends, but they may not cover housing or transportation costs.
• Also, these summer medical programs for high school students can be highly competitive (some admit very few students or have special qualifications such as having a 3.5 GPA or higher).
• Some programs may not provide you with the best insight into medicine , especially those that are less hands-on or only offer research exposure (which is not what you'll necessarily be interested in).

Other Options: Hospital Volunteer or Shadowing a Doctor

Volunteering and job shadowing are both great ways to participate in medical experiences at your local hospital. You can do them during the school year or the summer. Also, both opportunities are free!

What's the difference between volunteering & job shadowing a doctor? As a hospital volunteer, you'll have to apply (and likely interview) to be a volunteer (along with getting a TB test and filling out paperwork). You'll attend a hospital volunteer orientation and be assigned a specific "job" at the hospital, such as assisting the nurses or assisting hospital visitors in navigating the hospital. As a volunteer, you'll be required to commit to volunteering for a certain number of shifts per week. You also may have to commit to volunteering for six months or more.

Job shadowing is a shorter experience and much less formal. You can shadow a doctor for as little time as a few hours or a day or two. While shadowing, you follow a doctor around while they go about their normal activities. They may ask you to help them with basic tasks (grabbing a chart or taking notes), but probably not. You'll be there to see what a doctor does in their daily routine to determine if it interests you.

To sign up to be a hospital volunteer, apply through the hospital's website. If you're having trouble locating the hospital's website or contact information, check with your school academic advisor. They may have a connection to the local hospital or might know another student who has volunteered or job shadowed there and who could help you get involved.

To find a job shadowing opportunity, reach out to any friends or family who work in the medical field. See if they know any doctors whom you could shadow. Also, ask your school's academic advisor if they know other students who shadowed a doctor and could give you more information. If your school can't help you, get in touch with the hospital directly to see if they can help you set up a job shadowing opportunity. If you need more advice on job shadowing, read our other guide.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Shadowing a Doctor or Being a Hospital Volunteer?

Shadowing a doctor or being a hospital volunteer is a significantly different experience than participating in a summer medical program, and they have their own set of pros and cons.

• As opposed to summer programs, these experiences are always free. As I said above, some medical programs and internships can cost a lot of money. Job shadowing and being a hospital volunteer are free experiences that will only cost you your time. These are great options if you can't afford the cost of a summer program.
• Job shadowing and being a hospital volunteer can provide a real look into life as a doctor or nurse. By following them around or working in a hospital, you'll get a sense of the work environment and what life is like on a day-to-day basis for a medical professional.
• As I said before, these opportunities give you the chance to evaluate if pre-med is the track you want to go down before you spend time and money in college. If you don't like your experience job shadowing or as a volunteer, you might realize pre-med isn't the right path for you. However, if you love your experience, you'll feel more motivated to work towards your goal of becoming a medical professional.
• Job shadowing is a great experience if you don't have a lot of time to commit. You can choose to job shadow for a few hours, a full day, or for several days. It's very flexible.
• If you want to be pre-med, volunteering at a hospital is a great extracurricular activity for your college application. While volunteering elsewhere (at a homeless shelter, animal shelter, etc.) can be great for a college application, it's good to keep your extracurriculars focused on your future goals. Volunteering at a hospital will show colleges that you're serious about a career in medicine.
• Volunteer experience may not provide you with quite the medical experience you're looking for. Volunteering may not be very hands-on, and your duties may be repetitive and not directly related to medicine, such as answering phones, filing papers, and helping visitors find where they're going.
• If you only job shadow for a day, it's not a great experience for your college application. It's not an extracurricular activity if you only do it once because that doesn't show enough commitment. However, I recommend doing job shadowing just to get insight into the medical field.

How to Choose the Right Medical Experience for You

Each of the medical experiences listed in this article has value, but to decide which is right for you, you should ask yourself three questions:

#1: What Is Your Main Medical Interest?

Are you more interested in research or patient care? If research, look into one of the summer research programs. If patient care, look into one of the hospital-based programs, job shadowing or being a hospital volunteer.

#2: How Much Money Are You Willing to Spend?

Do you have money to spend, do you have no money to spend, or do you need to have a job that pays? If you have money to spend, you can consider all of the options. If you have no money to spend, look into an all-expenses paid program (or one with financial aid). Also, consider volunteering or job shadowing since both are free experiences. If you need a job that pays, look into the programs with stipends for participants.

#3: How Much Time Do You Want to Invest in Your Experience?

Do you want to spend a day, a few hours per week, or a few weeks full-time on this experience? If you want a quick experience, consider job shadowing a doctor for a day or two. If you'd like an on-going experience to use as an extracurricular, consider volunteering since you could do that a few hours per week throughout the school year. If you'd like an intensive experience, consider doing one of the summer programs or internships.

Also, always make sure to research a program or experience before you commit to it. Doing so will help avoid a bad experience (such as a program that's not very hands-on or volunteer work that's mostly grunt work). Whatever you're interested in doing, try to find another student who did it previously and ask them about their experience. For the programs, get in touch with the program coordinator to see if they can put you in contact with a program alum you can speak with.

College take a close look at your extracurriculars. Like, a really close look.

How Will Colleges View These Experiences?

Colleges mainly look for extracurriculars that show your commitment, passion, and ability to handle responsibility and leadership. Job shadowing isn't a great experience for your college application because it's not enough of a commitment if you only do it for a few days. On the other hand, volunteering at a hospital is a great extracurricular activity for your college application because it shows a commitment to medicine.

The summer programs and internships are also great experiences for your college application because they show that same interest in and commitment to medicine. Also, many of these programs and internships are competitive, and colleges know that. If you're accepted into one of those programs or internships, colleges will view it like you won a prestigious award.

What's Next?

Doing a medical program is a great step, but what else do you need to do to prepare for med school? Check out our step-by-step guide to preparing for med school as a high school student and our list of the best books for pre-med students .

Also, you should learn about how to write about extracurriculars on college applications . Check out four amazing examples of extracurriculars for college applications.

Interested in a BS/MD program? They can be a great way to save some time and get your medical degree sooner. Read our guide on getting into BS/MD programs to learn more.

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

As an SAT/ACT tutor, Dora has guided many students to test prep success. She loves watching students succeed and is committed to helping you get there. Dora received a full-tuition merit based scholarship to University of Southern California. She graduated magna cum laude and scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. She is also passionate about acting, writing, and photography.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Explore the Best Medical and Health Research Topics Ideas

Table of contents

• 1 How to Choose Medical Research Paper Topics
• 2 New Medical Research Paper Topics
• 3 Medical Research Topics for College Students
• 4 Controversial Medical Topics for Research Paper
• 5 Health Research Topics
• 6 Medicine Research Topics
• 7 Healthcare Research Topics
• 8 Public Health Research Topics
• 9 Mental Health Research Paper Topics
• 10 Anatomy Research Topics
• 11 Biomedical Research Topics
• 12 Bioethics Research Topics
• 13 Cancer Research Topics
• 14 Clinical Research Topics
• 15 Critical Care Research Topics
• 16 Pediatric Research Topics
• 17 Dental Research Topics Ideas
• 18 Dermatology Research Topics
• 19 Primary Care Research Topics
• 20 Pharmaceutical Research Topics
• 21 Medical Anthropology Research Topics
• 22 Paramedic Research Paper Topics
• 23 Surgery Research Topics
• 24 Radiology Research Paper Topics
• 25 Anatomy and Physiology Research Paper Topics
• 26 Healthcare Management Research Paper Topics
• 27 Medical Ethics Research Paper Topics
• 28 Environmental Health and Pollution Research Paper Topics
• 29 Conclusion

Writing an original and compelling research paper is a daunting task in such a complex and broad field as medicine. Each student decides where his interests lie, from investigating public care concerns to cancer treatment studies. We aim to help students find new angles to study and focus on relevant topics. With our resources, you can write an engaging and rigorous paper.

How to Choose Medical Research Paper Topics

Choosing good research paper topics is often more challenging than the writing process itself. You need to select a captivating subject matter that will grab the reader’s attention, showcase your knowledge of a specific field, help you progress in your studies, and perhaps even inspire future research.

To accomplish that, you need to start with brainstorming, followed by thorough research. Here are some great tips to follow:

• Pick an interesting topic – The key is to pick something that you find interesting, and yet make sure it’s not too general or too narrow. It should allow you to delve deep into the subject matter and show that you’re a professional who is ready to take on a challenge when it comes to your chosen field of medicine.
• Narrow down your focus – Once you have a list of potential topics, sift through recent medical research papers to get up-to-date with the latest trends, developments, and issues in medicine and healthcare. Check out textbooks, news articles, and other relevant sources for more information related to your potential topics. If a particular condition or disease interests you (perhaps something that drew you to a career in medicine), there’s your cue for narrowing down your topic.
• Pinpoint the “why,” “how,” and “what” – Whether you are looking into nutrition research paper topics , controversial medical topics, nursing research topics, or anything in-between, ask yourself why each of them is important. How could they contribute to the available medical studies, if any? What new information could they bring to improve the future of medicine? Asking these questions will help you pick the right medical research paper topic that suits you and helps you move forward and reach your aspirations.

To help you on that quest, we’ve compiled a list of topics that you could use or that might inspire you to come up with something unique. Let’s dive in.

New Medical Research Paper Topics

Are you interested in the newest and most interesting developments in medicine? We put hours of effort into identifying the current trends in health research so we could provide you with these examples of topics. Whether you hire a research paper writing service for students or write a paper by yourself, you need an appealing topic to focus on.

• Epidemics versus pandemics
• Child health care
• Medical humanitarian missions in the developing world
• Effectiveness of mobile health clinics in rural Africa
• Homeopathic medicines – the placebo effect
• Comparative study of the efficacy of homeopathic treatments and conventional medicine in managing chronic pain
• Virus infections – causes and treatment
• Trends in COVID-19 vaccine uptake
• Advancements in the treatment of influenza
• Is medical research on animals ethical
• Vaccination – dangers versus benefits
• Artificial tissues and organs
• Rare genetic diseases
• Brain injuries
• Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
• Social behavior shifts due to COVID-19

Medical Research Topics for College Students

You don’t know where to start with your medical research paper? There are so many things you could write about that the greatest challenge is to narrow them down. This is why we decided to help.

• Antibiotics treatments
• Efficacy of mRNA vaccines against viral diseases
• Viability and function of 3D printed tissues
• Chronic diseases
• Palliative treatment
• Battling Alzheimer’s disease
• How modern lifestyle affects public health
• Professional diseases
• Sleep disorders
• Changes in physical and mental health due to aging
• Eating disorders
• Terminal diseases

Controversial Medical Topics for Research Paper

In healthcare, new discoveries can change people’s lives in the blink of an eye. This is also the reason why there are so many controversial topics in medicine, which involve anything from religion to ethics or social responsibility. Read on to discover our top controversial research topics.

• Ethical debates on artificial tissue engineering
• Public opinions on vaccination safety
• Implementing food standards
• Telehealth’s Role in Chronic Illness Management
• Gluten allergy
• Assisted suicide for terminal patients
• Testing vaccines on animals – ethical concerns
• Moral responsibilities regarding cloning
• Marijuana legalization for medical purposes
• Abortion – medical approaches
• Vegan diets – benefits and dangers
• Increased life expectancy: a burden on the healthcare system?
• Circumcision effects

Health Research Topics

Students conducting health research struggle with finding good ideas related to their medical interests. If you want to write interesting college papers, you can select a good topic for our list.

• Impact of location, ethnicity, or age on vaccination rates
• Uses of biomaterials in vaccination technology
• Deafness: communication disorders
• Household air pollution
• Diabetes – a public danger
• Coronaviruses
• Oral health assessment
• Tobacco and alcohol control
• Diseases caused by lack of physical exercise
• How urban pollution affects respiratory diseases
• Healthy diets

Medicine Research Topics

Regardless of the requirements in your research assignment, you can write about something that is both engaging and useful in your future career. Choose a topic from below.

• Causes for the increasing cancer cases
• Insulin resistance
• How terrorism affects mental health
• AIDS/HIV – latest developments
• Treating pregnant women versus non-pregnant women
• Latest innovations in medical instruments
• Genetic engineering
• Successful treatment of mental diseases
• Is autism a disease
• Natural coma versus artificial coma
• Treatments for sleep disorders and their effectiveness
• Role of melatonin supplements in sleep quality

Healthcare Research Topics

Healthcare research includes political and social aspects, besides medical. For college students who want to explore how medicine is affected by society’s values or principles, we provide examples of topics for papers. Select yours from the list below.

• Government investment in healthcare services in the EU versus the USA
• Inequalities in healthcare assistance and services
• Electronic health records systems – pros and cons
• Can asylums treat mental issues
• Health care for prison inmates
• Equipment for improving the treatment of AIDS
• Correlation between economic development and health care services across countries
• Impact of smoking on organs
• Heart attacks – causes and effects
• Breast cancer – recent developments
• Materials used in artificial tissue and their impacts

Public Health Research Topics

For current examples of public health topics, browse our list. We provide only original, researchable examples for which you can easily find supporting data and evidence.

• Public versus private hospitals
• Health Disparities in Diabetes Management Across Different Socioeconomic Groups
• Health care professionals – management principles
• Surgery failures – who is responsible
• What legal responsibilities has the hospital administration
• Patient service quality in public versus private hospitals
• What benefits do national health care systems have
• Estimated costs of cancer treatments
• Public health in developing countries
• Banning tobacco ads – importance for public health
• Government solutions to the anti-vaccine’s movement
• How the COVID-19 pandemic has changed public health regulations

Mental Health Research Paper Topics

Mental health is one of the most complex areas of medicine, where things are never as clear as with other medical issues. This increases the research potential of the field with plenty of topics left for debate.

• Mental Health Impact of Social Media on American Teenagers
• Causes of anxiety disorders
• Bulimia versus anorexia
• Childhood trauma
• Mental health public policies
• Impact of Lifestyle Factors on the Progression of Dementia in the Elderly Population
• Postpartum Depression
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
• Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Stress and its effects on sleep quality
• Insomnia and its relation to mental health disorders

Anatomy Research Topics

Anatomy covers everything about the human body and how it works. If you find that intriguing and want to pay for medical research paper, start by selecting a topic.

• Causes and treatments of virus infections
• Chemotherapy: how it affects the body
• Thyroid glands – functions in the body
• Human endocrine system
• Preventative Measures and Treatments for Common Liver Diseases
• Heart diseases
• How does the human muscular system develop
• Lymphatic system – importance
• Investigating genetic diseases
• Digestive system
• Role of the Spleen in the Human Immune System and Related Disorders

Biomedical Research Topics

Biology and medicine often work together. For the newest changes in the biomedical field, check our topics.

• Comparative Efficacy of Alternative Medicine Practices in Chronic Pain Management
• Alzheimer’s disease – paths for treatment
• Vaccines and drug development in the treatment of Ebola
• Antibiotic resistance
• Biological effects caused by aging
• Air pollution effects on health
• Infectious disease past versus present
• Regenerative medicine
• Biomedical diagnostics
• Biomedical technology
• Advanced biomaterials for vaccine delivery

Bioethics Research Topics

A controversial area of medicine, bioethics is where you get the chance to add personal input to a research topic and come up with new insights. You could consider these subjects.

• Organ donation
• Alternative or complementary medicine
• Assisted suicide or the right to die
• Artificial insemination or surrogacy
• Chemical and biological warfare
• Contraception
• Environmental bioethics
• In Vitro Fertilization
• Ethical considerations in medical research on animals

Cancer Research Topics

Are you writing a paper related to cancer causes, diagnosis, treatment or effects? Look below for a hot topic that it’s easy to research and important for medical advance.

• The ability of immune system cells to fight cancer
• Computational oncology
• Metastasis affected by drug resistance
• Stem cells – applications for cancer treatment
• Tumor microenvironment
• Obesity and age in cancer occurrence
• Early cancer detection – benefits
• Artificial intelligence predicting cancer
• Hematologic malignancies
• Pathogen-related cancers
• Impact of COVID-19 on cancer treatment studies

Clinical Research Topics

Learn more about clinical medicine by conducting more in-depth research. We prepared for you a list of relevant issues to touch upon.

• Ethical concerns regarding research on human subjects
• Subject recruitment
• Budget preparation
• Human subject protection
• Clinical trials – financial support
• Clinical practices for health professionals
• Using vulnerable populations in clinical research
• Quality assurance in clinical research
• Academic clinical trials versus clinical trials units
• Data collection and management
• Evolution of clinical symptoms in COVID-19 patients

Critical Care Research Topics

Critical care is a key area in medical studies. Explore these topics in your research paper to gain more valuable knowledge in this field. You can also get in contact with nursing research paper writers .

• Obesity and asthma – clinical manifestations
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Rhythm analysis for cardiac arrest
• Traumatic brain injury – fluid resuscitation
• Hydrocortisone for multiple trauma patients
• Care and nutrition for critically ill adults
• Diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• Coma and sedation scales
• Artificial airways suctioning
• Arterial puncture and arterial line
• Long-term cardiac and respiratory effects of COVID-19

Pediatric Research Topics

Any topic that refers to health care for children, pregnant women, mothers, and adolescents goes under pediatric care.

• Early Intervention Methods for Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Preventive healthcare strategies for children
• Impact of early childhood nutrition on long-term health
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Congenital heart disease in newborns
• Adolescent medicine
• Neonatal medicine
• Rare diseases in children and teenagers
• Obesity and weight fluctuations
• Behavioral sleep problems in children
• Children with anemia
• Child healthcare enhancements and innovations

Dental Research Topics Ideas

Choose a topic on oral health or dental care from this list of the most interesting topics in the field.

• How smoking affects oral health
• Children’s risk for dental caries
• Causes of Dental Anxiety and Effective Interventions for Reducing Fear in Patients
• Types of dental materials – new advances
• Bad breath bacteria
• How diabetes affects oral health
• Oral cancer
• Dental pain – types, causes
• Dental implants
• Oral health-related quality of life
• Advancements in treatments for virus infections

Dermatology Research Topics

Find the best research topic for your dermatology paper among our examples.

• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Epidemiology behind uncommon skin disorders
• Cutaneous aging
• Risk factors of melanoma skin cancer
• Acne versus rosacea
• Genetic testing for skin conditions
• Effects of cosmetic agents on skin health
• Improving skin barrier with pharmaceutical agents
• Skin manifestations of autoimmune disorders
• Study of virus effects on skin health

Primary Care Research Topics

Write a primary care paper that can demonstrate your research skills and interest in powerful scientific findings.

• Primary care for vulnerable/uninsured populations
• Interpersonal continuity in care treatment
• How primary care contributes to health systems
• Primary care delivery models
• Developments in family medicine
• Occupational/environmental health
• Pharmacotherapy approaches
• Formal allergy testing
• Oral contraception side effects
• Dietary or behavioral interventions for obesity management

Pharmaceutical Research Topics

Pharma students who need paper topics can use one from our list. We include all things related to pharmacy life.

• Drugs that can treat cancer
• Drug excretion
• Elimination rate constant
• Inflammatory stress drug treatment
• Aspirin poising
• Ibuprofen – dangers versus benefits
• Toxicodynamics
• Opioid use disorder
• Pharmacotherapy for schizophrenia
• Ketamine in depression treatment

Medical Anthropology Research Topics

Medical anthropology unites different areas of human knowledge. Find powerful ideas for a paper below.

• Cultural contexts regarding reproductive health
• Women sexuality
• Anthropological aspects of health care
• Contributions of social sciences to public health
• Euthanasia and medical ethics across cultures
• Health-related behavior in adults across cultures
• Transcultural nursing
• Forensic psychiatry
• Symptoms of Celiac Disease – a disease with no symptoms
• Nursing ethics

Paramedic Research Paper Topics

Topics for paramedic research must be based on evidence, data, statistics, or practical experience. Just like ours.

• Trends and statistics in EMS
• Disaster medicine
• Mass casualties
• Pandemics and epidemics
• Infection control
• Basic versus advanced life support
• Scene safety in EMS
• Shock management
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Challenges in medical humanitarian missions during pandemics

Surgery Research Topics

Discover all the intricacies of surgeries that save lives by writing about our topics.

• Medical malpractice and legal issues
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
• Early Detection and Management Strategies for Sepsis in Hospital Settings
• Pain management
• Perioperative nursing
• Wound management
• Colorectal cancer surgery
• Breast cancer surgery
• Minimally invasive surgeries
• Vascular disease
• Changes in surgical practices during pandemics

Radiology Research Paper Topics

Find a radiology topic related to your academic interests to write a successful paper.

• Using MRI to diagnose hepatic focal lesions
• Multidetector computer tomography
• Ultrasound elastography in breast cancer
• Assessing traumatic spinal cord injuries with MRI diffusion tensor imaging
• Sonographic imaging to detect male infertility
• Role of tomography in diagnosing cancer
• Brain tumor surgery with magnetic resonance imaging
• Bacterial meningitis imaging
• Advanced imaging techniques for virus infection detection

Anatomy and Physiology Research Paper Topics

Any ideas for a medical research paper? We have included the most important topics for an anatomy and physiology paper.

• What role has the endocrine system
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Environmental factors that affect development of human muscular system
• What role has the lymphatic system
• An investigation of genetic diseases
• Explaining the aging process
• The digestive tract
• Effects of stress on cells and muscles
• Evolution of the human nervous system
• What role has the cardiovascular system
• Impact of viruses on respiratory health in urban settings

Healthcare Management Research Paper Topics

There are numerous topics you could write about when it comes to healthcare management. There’s a wide range of options to pick, from infrastructure, staff, and financial management to HR and patient management. Here are some of the top healthcare management research paper options.

Medical Ethics Research Paper Topics

Medical ethics is a field that opens the door to numerous compelling topics for research papers. Here are some of the most appealing ones you could tackle.

• Clinical research on humans
• Vaccines and immunization
• Religious beliefs in healthcare
• Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide
• Ethical issues across cultures
• Amniocentesis or prenatal birth defect testing
• Medical malpractice and going back to work
• Racial and ethnic preferences and perceptions in organ donations
• Racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare
• Ethical concerns of AI in healthcare
• Debates on animal ethics in medical research
• Free unlimited checks
• All common file formats
• Accurate results
• Intuitive interface

Environmental Health and Pollution Research Paper Topics

• Environmental Pollutants and Respiratory Health in Urban Areas of the USA
• How environmental changes affect human health
• Long-Term Impact of PM2.5 Exposure on Lung, Heart, and Brain Function
• Health Risks of Air Pollution Across Different Life Stages
• Hospital Admissions and Air Quality in the USA
• Risk Reduction Strategies for Indoor Air Pollution from Gas Stoves
• Impact of Air Pollution on Cognitive Development and Socioeconomic Achievements
• Long-Term Health Effects of Early Childhood Exposure to Air Pollution
• Impact of Traffic Noise on Cardiovascular Health

Selecting the right medical research topic is essential, but the writing process can be equally challenging. If you’re seeking expert help, professional research paper writing services can assist in crafting a well-researched and meticulously written paper.

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Just fill out the form, press the button, and have no worries!

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.

Research Topics & Ideas: Healthcare

F inding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a healthcare-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of healthcare-related research ideas and topic thought-starters across a range of healthcare fields, including allopathic and alternative medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, optometry, pharmacology and public health.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the healthcare domain. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. In it, we cover the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from start to end. Be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic.

Overview: Healthcare Research Topics

• Allopathic medicine
• Alternative /complementary medicine
• Veterinary medicine
• Physical therapy/ rehab
• Optometry and ophthalmology
• Pharmacy and pharmacology
• Public health
• Examples of healthcare-related dissertations

Allopathic (Conventional) Medicine

• The effectiveness of telemedicine in remote elderly patient care
• The impact of stress on the immune system of cancer patients
• The effects of a plant-based diet on chronic diseases such as diabetes
• The use of AI in early cancer diagnosis and treatment
• The role of the gut microbiome in mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety
• The efficacy of mindfulness meditation in reducing chronic pain: A systematic review
• The benefits and drawbacks of electronic health records in a developing country
• The effects of environmental pollution on breast milk quality
• The use of personalized medicine in treating genetic disorders
• The impact of social determinants of health on chronic diseases in Asia
• The role of high-intensity interval training in improving cardiovascular health
• The efficacy of using probiotics for gut health in pregnant women
• The impact of poor sleep on the treatment of chronic illnesses
• The role of inflammation in the development of chronic diseases such as lupus
• The effectiveness of physiotherapy in pain control post-surgery

Topics & Ideas: Alternative Medicine

• The benefits of herbal medicine in treating young asthma patients
• The use of acupuncture in treating infertility in women over 40 years of age
• The effectiveness of homoeopathy in treating mental health disorders: A systematic review
• The role of aromatherapy in reducing stress and anxiety post-surgery
• The impact of mindfulness meditation on reducing high blood pressure
• The use of chiropractic therapy in treating back pain of pregnant women
• The efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine such as Shun-Qi-Tong-Xie (SQTX) in treating digestive disorders in China
• The impact of yoga on physical and mental health in adolescents
• The benefits of hydrotherapy in treating musculoskeletal disorders such as tendinitis
• The role of Reiki in promoting healing and relaxation post birth
• The effectiveness of naturopathy in treating skin conditions such as eczema
• The use of deep tissue massage therapy in reducing chronic pain in amputees
• The impact of tai chi on the treatment of anxiety and depression
• The benefits of reflexology in treating stress, anxiety and chronic fatigue
• The role of acupuncture in the prophylactic management of headaches and migraines

Topics & Ideas: Dentistry

• The impact of sugar consumption on the oral health of infants
• The use of digital dentistry in improving patient care: A systematic review
• The efficacy of orthodontic treatments in correcting bite problems in adults
• The role of dental hygiene in preventing gum disease in patients with dental bridges
• The impact of smoking on oral health and tobacco cessation support from UK dentists
• The benefits of dental implants in restoring missing teeth in adolescents
• The use of lasers in dental procedures such as root canals
• The efficacy of root canal treatment using high-frequency electric pulses in saving infected teeth
• The role of fluoride in promoting remineralization and slowing down demineralization
• The impact of stress-induced reflux on oral health
• The benefits of dental crowns in restoring damaged teeth in elderly patients
• The use of sedation dentistry in managing dental anxiety in children
• The efficacy of teeth whitening treatments in improving dental aesthetics in patients with braces
• The role of orthodontic appliances in improving well-being
• The impact of periodontal disease on overall health and chronic illnesses

Topics & Ideas: Veterinary Medicine

• The impact of nutrition on broiler chicken production
• The role of vaccines in disease prevention in horses
• The importance of parasite control in animal health in piggeries
• The impact of animal behaviour on welfare in the dairy industry
• The effects of environmental pollution on the health of cattle
• The role of veterinary technology such as MRI in animal care
• The importance of pain management in post-surgery health outcomes
• The impact of genetics on animal health and disease in layer chickens
• The effectiveness of alternative therapies in veterinary medicine: A systematic review
• The role of veterinary medicine in public health: A case study of the COVID-19 pandemic
• The impact of climate change on animal health and infectious diseases in animals
• The importance of animal welfare in veterinary medicine and sustainable agriculture
• The effects of the human-animal bond on canine health
• The role of veterinary medicine in conservation efforts: A case study of Rhinoceros poaching in Africa
• The impact of veterinary research of new vaccines on animal health

Topics & Ideas: Physical Therapy/Rehab

• The efficacy of aquatic therapy in improving joint mobility and strength in polio patients
• The impact of telerehabilitation on patient outcomes in Germany
• The effect of kinesiotaping on reducing knee pain and improving function in individuals with chronic pain
• A comparison of manual therapy and yoga exercise therapy in the management of low back pain
• The use of wearable technology in physical rehabilitation and the impact on patient adherence to a rehabilitation plan
• The impact of mindfulness-based interventions in physical therapy in adolescents
• The effects of resistance training on individuals with Parkinson’s disease
• The role of hydrotherapy in the management of fibromyalgia
• The impact of cognitive-behavioural therapy in physical rehabilitation for individuals with chronic pain
• The use of virtual reality in physical rehabilitation of sports injuries
• The effects of electrical stimulation on muscle function and strength in athletes
• The role of physical therapy in the management of stroke recovery: A systematic review
• The impact of pilates on mental health in individuals with depression
• The use of thermal modalities in physical therapy and its effectiveness in reducing pain and inflammation
• The effect of strength training on balance and gait in elderly patients

Need a helping hand?

Topics & Ideas: Optometry & Opthalmology

• The impact of screen time on the vision and ocular health of children under the age of 5
• The effects of blue light exposure from digital devices on ocular health
• The role of dietary interventions, such as the intake of whole grains, in the management of age-related macular degeneration
• The use of telemedicine in optometry and ophthalmology in the UK
• The impact of myopia control interventions on African American children’s vision
• The use of contact lenses in the management of dry eye syndrome: different treatment options
• The effects of visual rehabilitation in individuals with traumatic brain injury
• The role of low vision rehabilitation in individuals with age-related vision loss: challenges and solutions
• The impact of environmental air pollution on ocular health
• The effectiveness of orthokeratology in myopia control compared to contact lenses
• The role of dietary supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, in ocular health
• The effects of ultraviolet radiation exposure from tanning beds on ocular health
• The impact of computer vision syndrome on long-term visual function
• The use of novel diagnostic tools in optometry and ophthalmology in developing countries
• The effects of virtual reality on visual perception and ocular health: an examination of dry eye syndrome and neurologic symptoms

Topics & Ideas: Pharmacy & Pharmacology

• The impact of medication adherence on patient outcomes in cystic fibrosis
• The use of personalized medicine in the management of chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease
• The effects of pharmacogenomics on drug response and toxicity in cancer patients
• The role of pharmacists in the management of chronic pain in primary care
• The impact of drug-drug interactions on patient mental health outcomes
• The use of telepharmacy in healthcare: Present status and future potential
• The effects of herbal and dietary supplements on drug efficacy and toxicity
• The role of pharmacists in the management of type 1 diabetes
• The impact of medication errors on patient outcomes and satisfaction
• The use of technology in medication management in the USA
• The effects of smoking on drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics: A case study of clozapine
• Leveraging the role of pharmacists in preventing and managing opioid use disorder
• The impact of the opioid epidemic on public health in a developing country
• The use of biosimilars in the management of the skin condition psoriasis
• The effects of the Affordable Care Act on medication utilization and patient outcomes in African Americans

Topics & Ideas: Public Health

• The impact of the built environment and urbanisation on physical activity and obesity
• The effects of food insecurity on health outcomes in Zimbabwe
• The role of community-based participatory research in addressing health disparities
• The impact of social determinants of health, such as racism, on population health
• The effects of heat waves on public health
• The role of telehealth in addressing healthcare access and equity in South America
• The impact of gun violence on public health in South Africa
• The effects of chlorofluorocarbons air pollution on respiratory health
• The role of public health interventions in reducing health disparities in the USA
• The impact of the United States Affordable Care Act on access to healthcare and health outcomes
• The effects of water insecurity on health outcomes in the Middle East
• The role of community health workers in addressing healthcare access and equity in low-income countries
• The impact of mass incarceration on public health and behavioural health of a community
• The effects of floods on public health and healthcare systems
• The role of social media in public health communication and behaviour change in adolescents

Examples: Healthcare Dissertation & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a healthcare-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various healthcare-related degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Improving Follow-Up Care for Homeless Populations in North County San Diego (Sanchez, 2021)
• On the Incentives of Medicare’s Hospital Reimbursement and an Examination of Exchangeability (Elzinga, 2016)
• Managing the healthcare crisis: the career narratives of nurses (Krueger, 2021)
• Methods for preventing central line-associated bloodstream infection in pediatric haematology-oncology patients: A systematic literature review (Balkan, 2020)
• Farms in Healthcare: Enhancing Knowledge, Sharing, and Collaboration (Garramone, 2019)
• When machine learning meets healthcare: towards knowledge incorporation in multimodal healthcare analytics (Yuan, 2020)
• Integrated behavioural healthcare: The future of rural mental health (Fox, 2019)
• Healthcare service use patterns among autistic adults: A systematic review with narrative synthesis (Gilmore, 2021)
• Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Combatting Burnout and Compassionate Fatigue among Mental Health Caregivers (Lundquist, 2022)
• Transgender and gender-diverse people’s perceptions of gender-inclusive healthcare access and associated hope for the future (Wille, 2021)
• Efficient Neural Network Synthesis and Its Application in Smart Healthcare (Hassantabar, 2022)
• The Experience of Female Veterans and Health-Seeking Behaviors (Switzer, 2022)
• Machine learning applications towards risk prediction and cost forecasting in healthcare (Singh, 2022)
• Does Variation in the Nursing Home Inspection Process Explain Disparity in Regulatory Outcomes? (Fox, 2020)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Find The Perfect Research Topic

How To Choose A Research Topic: 5 Key Criteria

How To Choose A Research Topic Step-By-Step Tutorial With Examples + Free Topic...

Research Topics & Ideas: Automation & Robotics

Research Topics & Ideas: Robotics 50 Topic Ideas To Kickstart Your Research...

Research Topics & Ideas: Sociology

Research Topics & Ideas: Sociology 50 Topic Ideas To Kickstart Your Research...

Research Topics & Ideas: Public Health & Epidemiology

Research Topics & Ideas: Public Health 50 Topic Ideas To Kickstart Your Research...

Research Topics & Ideas: Neuroscience

Research Topics & Ideas: Neuroscience 50 Topic Ideas To Kickstart Your Research...

📄 FREE TEMPLATES

Research Topic Ideation

Proposal Writing

Literature Review

Methodology & Analysis

Academic Writing

Referencing & Citing

Apps, Tools & Tricks

The Grad Coach Podcast

18 Comments

I need topics that will match the Msc program am running in healthcare research please

Hello Mabel,

I can help you with a good topic, kindly provide your email let’s have a good discussion on this.

Can you provide some research topics and ideas on Immunology?

Thank you to create new knowledge on research problem verse research topic

Help on problem statement on teen pregnancy

This post might be useful: https://gradcoach.com/research-problem-statement/

can you give me research titles that i can conduct as a school nurse

can you provide me with a research topic on healthcare related topics to a qqi level 5 student

Please can someone help me with research topics in public health ?

Hello I have requirement of Health related latest research issue/topics for my social media speeches. If possible pls share health issues , diagnosis, treatment.

I would like a topic thought around first-line support for Gender-Based Violence for survivors or one related to prevention of Gender-Based Violence

Please can I be helped with a master’s research topic in either chemical pathology or hematology or immunology? thanks

Can u please provide me with a research topic on occupational health and safety at the health sector

Good day kindly help provide me with Ph.D. Public health topics on Reproductive and Maternal Health, interventional studies on Health Education

may you assist me with a good easy healthcare administration study topic

May you assist me in finding a research topic on nutrition,physical activity and obesity. On the impact on children

I have been racking my brain for a while on what topic will be suitable for my PhD in health informatics. I want a qualitative topic as this is my strong area.

Hi, may I please be assisted with research topics in the medical laboratory sciences

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Submit Comment

• Print Friendly

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

62 Best Research Opportunities for High School Students

June 2, 2024

Hands-on laboratory-based research experiences are coveted by just about every STEM-oriented teenager on the planet. Of course, this level of demand renders research opportunities for high school students a valuable and rare commodity. Fortunately, there are a number of reputable summer programs run by universities, government agencies, and private research laboratories that afford young scientists this highly sought-after experience. Research opportunities during the actual school year are more challenging to locate as colleges are, at that time, catering to their own students, and the rigidity of the high school calendar makes participation a further challenge.

What type of research opportunities can a high school student have, anyway?

Research opportunities for high school students can range from introductory to highly advanced. Some programs focus on teaching students the fundamental skills required for research while others place students with a real working research group and allow them to contribute to legitimate experiments and papers. Your level of involvement will depend on the university or organization’s policies, your mentor, your lab team, and the type of research being conducted.

What types of research experiences look best on college applications?

Authentic, laboratory-based research experiences that you get paid for are the hardest types of positions to nail down, primarily because very few of these spots are available. Moreover, such research groups are conducting serious work—consequently, they’re looking for serious, high-achieving students who will positively enhance their dynamic. Additionally, these positions typically require a longer time commitment, with students working full-time (or close to full-time) hours for several months or even years. As such, accepting one of these positions may limit the other types of summer opportunities that you can participate in. Finally, due to safety concerns and restrictions, you will likely need to be at least 16 years old to participate in many types of lab-based research.

On the flip side are research opportunities that you pay to be involved in, with some being more selective than others. Many families wonder if these programs offer legitimate research experience or are simply another way to capitalize off of the college admissions craze, and the answer is that you have to do your homework.

Although some research opportunities offer little in the way of experience, others are truly authentic opportunities to work with a mentor and delve into an area of interest for academic enrichment—no different than any other cost-based summer program. In these cases, the fact that a student prioritized their intellectual curiosity and spent several months seriously pursuing a topic of interest will be an excellent addition to their application. We’ve gone ahead and done the hard work for you—any one of the opportunities listed below is legitimate and worthy of investing your time and resources into.

How do I decide what types of research opportunities to apply for?

If conducting research is important to you, we recommend applying to a mix of highly selective and lesser selective programs to maximize your chances of being accepted to at least one. Beyond selectivity, it’s important to consider additional several factors:

• Time commitment —Some programs may require a multi-week, full-time commitment over the summer. Others may require nights and weekends during the school year.
• Time frame —Some programs are only available in the summer while others run year-round (sometimes for multiple years).
• Cost/stipend —Do you have to pay for the program, or does the program pay you? Research whether the program will be a good fit for your financial situation, including how much it costs and if you’ll receive compensation for your work, either via academic credit or a paycheck. Note that many residential programs are cost-based while commuter programs that only accept local students are more likely to be fully funded and/or offer a stipend.
• Location —Evaluate whether you’d like to attend a local program, are willing to travel to a residential program, or would prefer a virtual option.
• Level of mentor interaction —During some programs, you’ll be closely supported by PhD faculty members, while others may be run by graduate or postdoc students and require students to be more independent.
• Opportunity to publish or enter research competitions —If publishing research or submitting your project/paper to a research competition is important to you, you’ll want to look into whether the program prepares you for that venture.

Our list includes a bevy of summer program choices as well as year-long internships and apprenticeships. We’ve divided the list into three sections: Virtual, Residential/Multi-Location, and Location-Specific.

For each entry, we list the geographic location of the program, the time frame and length of the program, any associated costs or stipends, and the eligibility criteria for participation.

Virtual Research Opportunities for High School Students

Virtual research opportunities for high school students offer ultimate flexibility, in regard to time commitment as well as subject matter.

1) Polygence

• Location : Virtual
• Timeframe : Academic year and/or summer
• Length: 2-6 months
• Cost : $495-$3,695
• Eligibility: No age restrictions

For high school students who want to showcase authentic passion on their college applications, Polygence offers the most personalized and flexible online research program that helps students turn their interests into unique research projects. Accordingly, they pair intellectually curious students with PhD-level mentors to design experiments, build robots, create podcasts, write original screenplays, and publish in peer-reviewed journals in all fields from the humanities to STEM. All 1:1 programs include ten meetings with a mentor in your chosen field as well as a self-selected project topic and outcome, which could include a research paper, a prototype, or a creative piece of work.

A multitude of personalized options are available, including additional brainstorming sessions, time with a specialist who will guide the student through the publishing or research competition process, and academic credit through UCI x GATI. Moreover, Polygence’s Pods program allows students to work with like-minded peers in a group setting.

Sound like a good fit? College Transitions readers can save $50 on their Polygence package.

Research areas available include:

• Computer science, engineering, AI, & game design
• Biology, biotech, chemistry, neuroscience, and physics
• Medicine, surgery, dentistry, and public health
• Business, finance, and economics
• Math, statistics, sports analytics, and quantitative analysis
• Psychology, psychiatry, cognitive science, and social sciences
• Creative writing, history, philosophy, and literature
• Animation, the arts, fashion, photography, and dance

Residential/Multi-Location Research Programs

In the following section, we’ve outlined programs that are residential or offer opportunities in multiple locations, making them more accessible to a wider array of students.

Programs are organized alphabetically by discipline.

Biology Research Opportunities for High School Students

2) university of chicago research in the biological sciences (ribs).

• Location : Chicago, IL
• Timeframe : Summer
• Length: 4 weeks
• Cost : $14,000
• Eligibility: Current sophomores and juniors

In UChicago’s highly selective RIBS program, students practice a range of molecular, microbiological, and cell biological research techniques. The goal? To prepare them to work in a research laboratory. Accordingly, for the first two weeks, students undergo basic training in lab skills and techniques. Then, they spend the final two weeks of the course immersed in an independent research project. At the end of the course, they present the project during a research forum. Moreover, students can expect weekly writing assignments and seminars. To be competitive, students should have a demonstrated interest in science as well as top grades in those classes.

Biomedical Research Programs for High School Students

3) rosetta institute of biomedical research molecular medicine workshops.

• Location : Berkeley; San Diego; Columbia; London; virtual
• Length: 2 weeks
• Cost : $3,580-$4,180 (residential); $2,280-$2,480 (commuter); $430-1,050 (online)
• Eligibility: High school students aged 14-18

Curious about biomedical research but not ready to pursue a full-blown lab internship? Rosetta Institute offers a number of residential and online two-week programs that introduce high schoolers to topics in medicine, drug development, pharmacy, and nursing. For example, current workshops include Medicinal Chemistry, Neurological Bioinformatics, and Molecular Biology of Cancer. All students are taught by PhD-level instructors and complete an original research project.

Chemistry Research Opportunities for High School Students

4) american chemical society — project seed.

• Location : Multiple
• Length: 8-10 weeks
• Cost : Free, and students receive a $4,000 stipend
• Eligibility: All high school students whose families meet annual income requirements, but preferably current sophomores, juniors, or seniors

Having been operational for more than fifty years, Project SEED (Summer Experiences for the Economically Disadvantaged) runs programs at over 350 institutions and has served over 12,000 students. The goal of the program is to empower a diverse cohort of high school students to conduct hands-on research experience in the chemical sciences. Accordingly, all students work full-time on meaningful independent or small group projects, are closely guided by a mentor, and either write a report or do a poster presentation at the end of their fellowship.

Genetics Research Opportunities for High School Students

5) jackson lab summer student program.

• Location : Bar Harbor, ME or Farmington, CT
• Length: 10 weeks
• Cost : Free, and students receive a $6,500 stipend plus funded room, board, and travel
• Eligibility: High school seniors can apply to the Bar Harbor program, while eligible undergrads can apply to either program.

Hoping to design and execute an original independent research project? You’ll be able to do just that through Jackson Lab’s Summer Student Program, which immerses students in one of seven areas: bioinformatics and computational biology, cancer, developmental biology and aging, genomics, immunology and infectious disease, metabolic diseases, and neurobiology and sensory deficits. Moreover, students are closely guided by a mentor and present their research at the end of the summer. Finally, the application process is intense and competitive, requiring two letters of recommendation, a transcript, a resume, evidence of a strong interest in genetics and genomics, and four essay responses.

Pre-Health Research Opportunities for High School Students

6) national institutes of health high school summer internship program.

• Location : Research groups are available at many of NIH’s 27 institutes and centers , including the main campus in Bethesda, MD
• Cost : Free; all students receive a stipend
• Eligibility: High school seniors age 17+

Through their HS-SIP Program, the National Institutes of Health places high school students in full-time research positions within their many active research groups. Subject areas include biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences, and are geared toward students who are interested in pursuing research and healthcare. Moreover, students can take part in Summer Poster Day, where they present their research to the NIH community. They also have access to professional development programs and educational/career advising.

Note that this research opportunity for high school students is extremely competitive; approximately 7% of applicants are ultimately accepted. Finally, if you are under the age of 18 when you participate in the program, you will need to live within 40 miles of the campus that you’d like to intern at.

STEM/Humanities Research Opportunities for High School Students

7) army educational outreach program—high school internships.

• Location : Various
• Timeframe : All Year
• Length: 3 months
• Cost : Free, and all interns receive a stipend
• Eligibility: All current high school students. Some sites may have additional eligibility requirements.

With programs currently available in twenty states, the Army Educational Outreach Program places high school students in university research labs or at a US Army Research Laboratory/Center. Each site has its own technical focus, from biology and materials science to cybersecurity and AI. Regardless of specialty, all interns receive formal mentorship from a professional scientist or engineer, have access to high-tech equipment, and work on relevant research that addresses a current major challenge.

8) Boston University RISE

• Location : Boston, MA
• Length: 6 weeks
• Cost : $5,350 plus room & board
• Eligibility: Current high school juniors

A residential program located on the Boston University campus, RISE offers high school students the opportunity to conduct laboratory research in one of two tracks: Internship or Practicum. Students in the Internship track work full-time on a research project that aligns with their interests, and are mentored by a faculty member, postdoc fellow, or grad student. 15 subject areas are available, including astronomy, mechanical engineering, medical laboratory research, and nutrition. Alternatively, Practicum students work in small groups on structured research related to systems neuroscience and neurobiology.

Research Opportunities for High School Students—Continued

9) michigan state high school honors science, math and engineering program.

• Location : East Lansing, MI
• Length: 7 weeks
• Cost : $4,000

HSHSP is a highly selective, residential program where students can pursue research opportunities in science, engineering, and mathematics. After learning more about the research process, students deeply explore a problem of interest while engaging in an authentic (not “fail-proof”) research experience. Along the way, they’ll work with professionals and peers in their field of interest. Finally, many students have gone on to publish their work or be recognized at prestigious research competitions.

10) MIT Research Science Institute

• Location : Cambridge, MA
• Cost : Free
• Eligibility: High school juniors

With a combined focus on academic coursework and hands-on research, RSI students first take one week of STEM coursework with MIT professors. Here, they’ll learn about current research topics in biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, physics, and the humanities. Then, for the remaining five weeks, students “experience the entire research cycle start to finish.” During this time, they participate in an intensive, mentored individual project experience that culminates in a written and oral presentation.

The program looks for students who are exceptionally academically talented. As such, the application process is quite intensive. PSAT Math scores must be over 740 and ACT Math scores must be over 33. In addition, students must write several essays, acquire teacher recommendations, and provide transcripts. Ultimately, only 100 students are accepted.

11) NASA Internship Programs

• Location : Various; there are 15 centers and facilities in the US. Remote opportunities may also be available.
• Timeframe : Available during the fall, spring, and summer
• Length: 10-16 weeks, depending on session
• Cost : Free; the majority of interns receive a stipend, but some are unpaid
• Eligibility: High school students aged 16+

NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) offers a number of internship opportunities for high school students. Available projects change each year and are location-specific, and not every NASA center will offer internship opportunities every session. That said, current projects span a range of subject areas, including Climate Change in the Hudson Estuary and Characterizing the Urban Land Surface Temperature. During the research internship, students will be closely mentored by a research scientist, engineer, or other professional. Note that you will need to make your own housing arrangements if you are not a local student.

Are you an undergraduate student? Check out NASA Pathways , which can provide a direct transition into full-time employment at NASA.

12) Smith College Summer Science and Engineering Program

• Location : Northampton, MA
• Length: 2-4 weeks
• Cost : $4,745 (2 weeks); $8,082 (4 weeks)
• Eligibility: Female high school students in grades 9-12; some programs have specific prerequisites

Fun fact: Smith was the first women’s college to create a program in engineering science. As such, their summer programs are an excellent place for young women to participate in hands-on, introductory research experiences. Two-week sessions are offered, and students can take one or both. Each session offers six distinct course choices. For example, the first session offers Chemistry of Herbal Medicine, Designing Intelligent Robots, and Novel Bacteriophage Discovery. Second session courses include Where the Body Meets the Mind, Supercontinents, Rocks, and Fossils, and the Art and Science of Microcontrollers. Students spend five days a week in class, attending lectures and conducting experiments & fieldwork. Additionally, the program is team-based, allowing students to learn from each other’s ideas and perspectives.

13) Stony Brook University Garcia Center Research Experience for High School Students

• Location : Stony Brook, NY
• Timeframe : Summer (with possible academic year continuation)
• Cost : $4,000 plus room & board

At the Garcia Center for Polymers at Engineered Interfaces, high school students can design an original research project in polymer science and technology during an intensive seven-week summer program. Uniquely, the research can then be continued during the academic year under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students should be highly motivated and high-achieving, with at least three upper-level science courses under their belt. Finally, past participants have regularly published their research and won recognition in national competitions.

14) Stony Brook University Simons Summer Research Program

• Cost : Students need to cover transportation costs (if commuting) or room/board (if residential). Room/board is $2,781. Stipends are also awarded at the end of the program.

After being matched with a mentor and research team, students are fully immersed in the research process. Placement availability varies from year to year, but typically about thirty projects are available across over a dozen disciplines. These include biochemistry, computer science, geosciences, and pharmacological sciences, among others. Moreover, some have prerequisites, such as specific AP courses or previous programming experience.

All students participate in weekly faculty research talks, workshops, events, and a culminating poster symposium.

15) Summer Science Program

• Location : Astrophysics: UNC Chapel Hill, University of Colorado, Georgia College & State University, New Mexico State University; Biochemistry: Purdue, Indiana University; Genomics: Georgetown, Purdue, New Mexico State; Synthetic Chemistry : Southwestern Oklahoma State University
• Cost : $8,800 max; all program fees are scaled according to what each family can afford
• Eligibility: Current high school juniors and exceptional sophomores

The Summer Science Program offers four different immersive research programs that take place on different college campuses around the country. These include programs in astrophysics, biochemistry, genomics, and synthetic chemistry. Each program has its own research focus. For example, astrophysics students will dive into Asteroid Orbit Determination while genomics students explore Antibiotic Resistance and Directed Evolution.

Students spend six days a week in class deeply investigating their research topics and learning more about general experimental science. They also take part in guest lectures and other special programming.

16) Texas Tech University Anson L. Clark Scholars Program

• Location : Lubbock, TX
• Cost : Free; all students receive a $750 stipend upon completion of their projects
• Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors aged 17+ by the start of the program

The Clark Scholars Program is one of the only programs on this list with research disciplines in the sciences as well as the humanities. For example, current research areas include everything from nutritional sciences and mechanical engineering to history. Over the course of seven weeks, students work closely with a faculty member to complete a research paper in their discipline. They also participate in weekly seminars, discussions, and field trips.

17) University of California Santa Barbara Research Mentorship Program

• Location : Santa Barbara, CA
• Cost : $11,874 (residential); $4,975 (commuter)
• Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors

During this intensive program, students work 35-50 hours per week on an interdisciplinary research project of their choice. Nearly thirty research areas are available in both the STEM disciplines and humanities; current topics include biochemistry, computer science, history, music, and anthropology, among others. Over the course of the program, they also take two courses: Introduction to Research and Presentation Techniques. Finally, students occasionally continue their research remotely during the academic year, depending on their mentor’s availability.

18) University of California Santa Barbara Summer Research Academies

• Cost : $8,224 (residential); $2,575 (commuter)
• Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors

Running for four weeks, the UCSB Summer Research Academies allow students to earn up to four credits. While taking a university-level course that teaches fundamental research concepts, students spend the first two weeks of the program developing a research question & framework via hands-on labs. They’ll then spend the final two weeks of the course analyzing their results and building presentations. Overall, they’ll spend about 25-40 hours per week working. Finally, twelve different tracks are available; each involves multiple disciplines. For example, “Bionic Creatures” combines mechanical engineering, materials science, soft robotics, biomanufacturing, and collective motion.

19) University of California Santa Cruz Science Internship Program (SIP)

• Location : Santa Cruz, CA
• Length: 9 weeks (two weeks virtual, seven weeks in-person)
• Cost : $4,750 plus room & board
• Eligibility: High school students aged 14+, although some research groups require students to be 16+

UCSC’s SIP Program offers a wide range of research focus areas, including science and engineering as well as social science, humanities, and art. For example, over 100 projects are currently offered that include everything from “Eating Insects in Silicon Valley: Cultural Gaps Between Food-Tech and Tradition” and “Future Projected Changes in the Distribution and Variability of Ocean Chlorophyll in Climate Simulations.” Before you dive in, you’ll spend two weeks doing online research prep (this part is conducted remotely) followed by seven weeks of in-person, mentored research. Students get to engage in authentic, open-ended projects that fully immerse them in the academic research experience. Moreover, they’ll present their findings at a symposium at the end of the program.

20) University of California Davis Young Scholars Program

• Location : Davis, CA
• Cost : $6,750
• Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors who will be 16+ by the start of the program

Interested in biological, agricultural, environmental, or natural sciences? If so, UC Davis is a stellar place to explore those interests through research. All students have the opportunity to work on independent, original projects while receiving one-on-one faculty mentorship. Moreover, they each produce a journal-quality paper and symposium presentation. In addition to research, students also participate in a lecture series presented by UC Davis faculty; past topics have included forensic entomology and nutrition, among others. Finally, field trips to educational facilities like the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Bodega Bay Marine Laboratory round out the experience.

21) University of Florida Student Science Training Program

• Location : Gainesville, FL
• Cost : $5,200
• Eligibility: Rising seniors aged 16+

Thinking about a career in science, medicine, math, computer science, or engineering? UF’s Student Science Training Program could be the right fit. For thirty hours per week, you’ll work with a faculty mentor and lab team on university-level, ongoing research. Moreover, you’ll participate in a science lecture series as well as a UF Honors Program seminar class. Over the course of the program, you will write a research paper, present a poster, and give two oral presentations. Finally, social programming is included.

22) University of Iowa Secondary Student Training Program

• Location : Iowa City, IA
• Cost : $7,500

During this intensive and competitive program, students conduct research within small groups that are supported by a University of Iowa faculty member. There are twenty current active research areas, including chemistry, geography, neurology, orthopedics & rehabilitation, and religious studies. You’ll be working on your project approximately seven hours per day, attending classes in the evenings, and participating in structured activities on the weekend. Moreover, all groups will create and present a poster at the culmination of the program.

23) University of Massachusetts Amherst Summer Programs

• Location : Amherst, MA
• Cost : $3,636 (residential); $2,167 (commuter)
• Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors

UMass Amherst offers two introductory, research-focused opportunities for high school students. These are Antibiotic Resistance: A Global Health Crisis, which allows students to join the Department of Microbiology in researching new antibiotics, and Energy Without Borders, which delves into climate change, infrastructure, and green energy. In both courses, you’ll learn research methods, complete multiple lab experiences, and present a research poster. Finally, students can earn two college credits upon successful completion of the program.

Location-Specific Research Opportunities for High School Students

The following programs are not residential and only offered in a specific location. Many also only accept local students, although some do allow out-of-state students to apply. If that’s the case, you will need to secure your own living accommodations and transportation. Moreover, if you are under the age of 18, you will need to be supervised by a parent or guardian.

Programs are organized alphabetically by state.

24) California Academy of the Sciences—Careers in Science Intern

• Location : San Francisco, CA
• Focus: STEM
• Length: Multi-year (2-3 years)
• Eligibility: 9 th or 10 th grade student enrolled in an SFUSD school with a GPA of 2.5 or higher

25) Cedars Sinai INSPIRE High School

• Location : Los Angeles, CA
• Focus: Pre-Health
• Cost : Free; all students are paid
• Eligibility: High school students age 16+

26) City of Hope Summer Student Academy

• Location : Duarte, CA
• Focus: Biomedicine
• Cost : Free; all students receive a stipend of $4,000

27) Sandia National Laboratories—Internships

• Location : Livermore, CA
• Focus : STEM
• Timeframe : Academic year and summer internships available
• Length: Academic year or 10-12 weeks (summer)
• Cost : Free; all positions are paid

28) Scripps Student Research Internship Program

• Location : La Jolla, CA
• Focus : Translational science/genomics
• Cost : Free; stipends are typically offered

29) UCSF SEP High School Intern Program

• Focus : Biomedical research
• Length: 8 weeks
• Eligibility: High school juniors enrolled in an SFUSD high school, SF charter school, or College Track San Francisco

30) UCSF Summer Student Research Program

• Location : Oakland, CA
• Length: 9 weeks
• Cost : Free; all students are given a stipend between $3,000-$4,300
• Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors, aged 16+

Connecticut

31) jackson lab academic year fellowships.

• Location : Farmington, CT*
• Focus: Genetics
• Timeframe : Academic year
• Length: 1 school year
• Cost : Free; students must be able to receive academic credit for their work
• Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors age 16+ within commuting distance of the lab

*Some fully remote opportunities are available

32) Yale School of Medicine Discovery to Cure High School Internship

• Location : New Haven, CT

33) Yale University Social Robotics Lab High School Internship

• Focus: Robotics and human social behavior
• Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors aged 16+

34) Argonne National Laboratory — Exemplary Student Research Program

• Location : Lemont, IL
• Focus: Engineering
• Eligibility: Application must be completed by participating teacher

35) Chicago EYES on Cancer

• Focus : Biomedicine
• Timeframe : All year, with two 8-week summer research experiences
• Length: 2 years
• Cost : Free; all students receive $3,100 stipend
• Eligibility: High school sophomore, junior, or senior aged 16+

36) University of Kansas Biotech Research Apprentice Program

• Location : Overland Park, KS
• Focus : Biotech
• Length: Semester

37) Jackson Lab Academic Year Fellowships

• Location : Bar Harbor, ME*

38) National Cancer Institute Werner H. Kirsten Student Internship Program

• Location : Frederick, MD
• Timeframe : Academic year & summer
• Length: 1 year
• Cost : Free; academic credit available during school year, stipend provided in summer
• Eligibility: High school junior age 17+ who attends an eligible school located within a 30-mile radius of campus

39) University of Minnesota Lillehei Heart Institute Summer Research Scholars Program

• Location : Minneapolis, MN
• Focus: Cardiovascular medicine
• Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors age 16+ as well as undergraduate students

40) Coriell Institute for Medical Research

• Location : Camden, NJ
• Eligibility: High school student aged 17+

41) Princeton Laboratory Learning Program

• Location : Princeton, NJ
• Focus : Natural Sciences or Engineering
• Length: 5-6 weeks

42) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory High School Internship

• Location : Princeton, NJ*
• Focus : Physics
• Eligibility: High school seniors (program takes place summer after graduation)

*Remote projects may be available.

43) Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science Summer Research Program (RITMS)

• Location : Rutgers, NJ
• Focus : Translational medicine/science

44) Rutgers Waksman Institute Summer Experience Program

• Location : Piscataway, NJ*
• Focus : Molecular biology/bioinformatics
• Cost : $2,000
• Eligibility: High school students who have completed a high school-level biology course

*Online version of the program is also available

45) Los Alamos National Laboratory High School Internship Program

• Location : Los Alamos, NM
• Length: 11 weeks
• Eligibility: New Mexico high school seniors aged 16+

46) Sandia National Laboratories—Internships

• Location : Albuquerque, NM

47) Baruch College STEM Research Academy

• Location : New York, NY
• Timeframe : Spring/summer
• Cost : Free, but all students receive a stipend of $1,575
• Eligibility: Must be a NYC public high school sophomore junior to apply

48) Burke Neurological Institute NeuroAcademy

• Location : White Plains, NY
• Focus: Neuroscience
• Eligibility: Completion of NYS Regents Living Environment or equivalent Biology class; cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher

49) City Tech College STEM Research Academy

• Length: Two semesters (January-August)
• Eligibility: NYC public school sophomore or junior

50) Columbia Zuckerman Institute—BRAINYAC Program

• Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors from select partner programs/schools in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx

51) HOPP Summer Student Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

• Focus: Biomedical or computational research
• Eligibility: High school students aged 14+

52) University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics Summer High School Research Program

• Location : Rochester, NY
• Focus: Laser energetics
• Eligibility: Rochester-area high school students who have completed their junior year

53) Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute

• Location : Cleveland, OH
• Timeframe : Varies; depends on lab
• Length: Varies; depends on lab

54) OHSU School of Medicine Partnership for Scientific Inquiry (PSI)

• Location : Portland, OR
• Focus: Biomedical research
• Timeframe : Academic semester + summer
• Length: 16+ weeks
• Eligibility: Oregon-based high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors aged 16+

Pennsylvania

55) fox chase cancer center high school research programs.

• Location : Philadelphia, PA
• Timeframe : During school year
• Length: 2-3 months; depends on program
• Eligibility: Philadelphia-area high school students; students must be 16+ for some programs

56) Penn State College of Medicine Research Internships

• Location : Hershey, PA
• Length: Varies; could be weeks to months depending on lab
• Cost : Paid and unpaid internships available

57) University of Pennsylvania GRASP Lab High School Internships

• Focus: Robotics
• Cost : Free; stipend typically available
• Eligibility: Rising high school senior

58) George Mason University Aspiring Scientists Internship Program (ASSIP)

• Location : Fairfax, VA*
• Eligibility: High school students aged 15+ or 16+, depending on program

*Some fully remote and hybrid opportunities are available, depending on the lab.

59) Jefferson Lab High School Summer Honors Program

• Location : Newport News, VA
• Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ who live within 60 miles of the lab

60) Virginia Tech Fralin Biomedical Research Institute Summer Research Program

• Location : Roanoke, VA
• Focus: Health behaviors research
• Cost : Free; all students receive a stipend of $4,800
• Eligibility: Rising high school junior or senior in the Roanoke Valley

61) Pacific Northwest National Laboratory High School Research Programs

• Location : Richland, WA
• Timeframe : Summer & academic year programs available
• Length: Academic year or 10 weeks (summer)
• Eligibility: High school students aged 16+; some labs may require students to be 18+

62) Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Training Program

• Location : Seattle, WA
• Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors, or seniors within commuting distance of downtown Seattle

Final Thoughts—Research Opportunities for High School Students

If gaining research experience is important to you, it’s in your best interest to explore a number of different programs, evaluating whether their structure, length, cost, and outcomes are in line with your goals. Finding the right opportunity may take some time, but it will be well worth the effort required.

• Research Programs

Kelsea Conlin

Kelsea holds a BA in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Tufts University, a graduate certificate in College Counseling from UCLA, and an MA in Teaching Writing from Johns Hopkins University. Her short fiction is forthcoming in Chautauqua .

• 2-Year Colleges
• ADHD/LD/Autism/Executive Functioning
• Application Strategies
• Best Colleges by Major
• Best Colleges by State
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Essay
• College Search/Knowledge
• College Success
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Data Visualizations
• Dental School Admissions
• Extracurricular Activities
• Graduate School Admissions
• High School Success
• High Schools
• Homeschool Resources
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Outdoor Adventure
• Private High School Spotlight
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Teacher Tools
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

The Winter cohort application deadline is November 24, 2024.  

Click here to apply.

Featured Posts

An Ultimate Guide to the Bezos Scholar Program - 10 Tips to Help You Land It

10 Exchange Programs for Middle School Students

10 Online Math Programs for High School Students

10 Medical Internships for High School Students in Chicago, IL

10 Medical Research Opportunities for High School Students

Experience with medical research is one of the best tools to help a student navigate their path into the medical profession. It can give them a head-start into their journey toward college, by offering them hands-on experience and an early exposure to the pressures and rewards of their chosen field of interest. Students have the opportunity to learn in a variety of venues, including universities, hospitals and clinics, and research centers, as well as meet with industry professionals. In this article, we list 10 of the best avenues to get an early start in the field of medicine for a high school student.

Here are 10 Medical Research Opportunities for High School Students:

1. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program

Students at SIMR collaborate with Stanford faculty and researchers to conduct medical research. Students select one of eight study fields and are then allocated to a lab where they will be mentored one-on-one. SIMR is an 8-week program open to current juniors and seniors that gives a $500 stipend to participants.

2. Medical Immersion Summer Academy (MISA)

At MISA, students learn about healthcare through hands-on research, skills training (EKG, suturing, CPR, splinting, and taking vitals), shadowing, mentorship, and clinical immersion. They also participate in VIP lunches with health professionals, observe patients and medical procedures, and engage in patient-case workshops and discussions with physicians.

The five-day program is open to all high school students in grades 9-12. Students must be at least 15 at the time of applying.

3. Indiana University Simon Cancer Center Summer Research Program

Participants in this six-week online program are partnered with mentors and spend 40 hours per week on assignments such as laboratory research, database research, or clinical research. They also attend weekly workshops and professional development sessions on issues such as seeking admission to graduate and professional programs of study. The program offers a stipend to participants.

4. Children’s Hospital Colorado—Summer Child Health Research Internship Children's Hospital Colorado offers this internship. Hosted by the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado, the program provides rising high school seniors, college students, and first-year medical students the opportunity to work with faculty on child health research. Interns will also have the option to take part in a lecture research series and will present their findings at the end of their internship. Interns receive a $3,500 stipend to help with travel and housing expenses.

5. Magee-Womens Research Institute High School Summer Internship Program

This is a four-week, 160-hour virtual internship for high school juniors and seniors that allows them to participate in basic, translational, or clinical scientific research at MWRI and Magee-Womens Hospital under the supervision of an investigator and their team. Interns also take part in sessions where investigators talk about their own adventures and perspectives in biomedical science. Interns will report their findings to other program participants as well as MWRI instructors and staff at the program's completion.

6. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience High School Internship

This six-week internship is for high school juniors and seniors who are interested in brain structure, function, and development, as well as sophisticated imaging techniques and technology utilized in neuroscience. Interns in neuroscience gain hands-on experience with genetic engineering, microbiological preparations, histological staining, and microscopy by participating in laboratory research. Students will prepare a scientific abstract and give a short presentation at the end of the internship.

7. National Student Leadership Conference on Medicine & Healthcare

NSLC provides a forum for high school students to learn about contentious medical issues, current health-care concerns, and cutting-edge scientific research in areas like cancer and HIV/AIDS. Students will engage in clinical research, study medical examination, and surgical methods, and participate in diagnosis and treatment.

Cost: $3695

8. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program

This five-week online program provides intensive coursework in medicine and health science, professional development workshops, networking opportunities with health professions, college admissions guidance, and mentoring to high school sophomores and juniors. Students will also complete a college-level research project and get experience in navigating the medical profession.

9. Arthritis Foundation Summer Science Internship Program

This 8 week research program is organized by the Rheumatology and Immunology Laboratories at Stanford University and the University of California, San Francisco. The program is open to high school juniors and seniors. Selected students work in top research and clinical laboratories at Stanford University and the University of California, San Francisco, under the guidance of renowned experts. Students work 40 hours per week in either basic laboratory research or clinical epidemiological/translational (patient-focused) research. The program offers a $1500 stipend.

10. National Institute of Health High School Summer Internship Program (HS-SIP)

HS-SIP provides students with the opportunity to do full-time biomedical research at NIH facilities, working alongside world-renowned professionals. Applicants must be juniors or seniors at the time of application and 17 years old at the commencement of the program to be considered. The program is 8 weeks long and offers a stipend of $2080 per month to selected students.

If you're looking for a real-world internship in medicine that can help boost your resume while applying to college, we recommend Ladder Internships!

Ladder Internships  is a selective program equipping students with virtual internship experiences at startups and nonprofits around the world!  

The startups range across a variety of industries, and each student can select which field they would most love to deep dive into. This is also a great opportunity for students to explore areas they think they might be interested in, and better understand professional career opportunities in those areas. The startups are based all across the world, with the majority being in the United States, Asia and then Europe and the UK. 

You can explore all the options here on their application form . As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that is of genuine need to the startup they are working with, and present their work at the end of their internship. In addition to working closely with their manager from the startup, each intern will also work with a Ladder Coach throughout their internship - the Ladder Coach serves as a second mentor and a sounding board, guiding you through the internship and helping you navigate the startup environment. 

Cost : $1490 (Financial Aid Available)

Location:   Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.

Application deadline:  April 16 and May 14

Program dates:  8 weeks, June to August

Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to high school students, undergraduates and gap year students!

Additionally, here's a list of the top 15 pre-med summer programs for high school students that you should check out!

One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you are interested in a selective, structured research program, consider applying to the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , a selective online high school program for students founded by Harvard and Oxford researchers. The program pairs you with a full-time researcher to develop your own independent research project, in any discipline of your choice. Last year over 1500 students applied to 500 slots in the research program! You can find the  application form   here .

Top Medical Journals for High School Students to Publish In

By Alex Yang

Graduate student at Southern Methodist University

3 minute read

Learning about medicine is something that many students are interested in, given the popularity of the pre-med track among undergraduate students. However, who says that you have to wait until college to embark on a summer research program in medicine and healthcare? If you have research experience or are planning a research project, it’s not a bad idea to start thinking about a journal where you could be published. Contrary to what you might think, there are numerous journals out there that welcome high school student submissions. 

By submitting your work, you can learn about the peer-review process of scientific research. You might also have the opportunity to gain a mentor by having your work reviewed by current students, graduate students, or scientists. In this article, we’ll cover our top medicine journals that offer a research opportunity for high schoolers. 

Do your own research through Polygence!

Polygence pairs you with an expert mentor in your area of passion. Together, you work to create a high quality research project that is uniquely your own.

What Are the Top Medical Journals For High Schoolers?

1. new england journal of medicine.

Since 1812, NEJM has published some of the highest-quality research to advance medical science and improve patient care. The journal includes an extensive peer review process conducted by physician editors and reviewers. What makes this journal potentially a good fit for high school juniors and seniors is that there is a wide variety of categories that you can participate in. If formal research training intimidates you, you can complete submissions like a Letter to the Editor or even submit images that showcase concepts in clinical medicine. Further, NEJM gives you the chance to gauge interest in your research prior to making a formal submission by allowing you to complete a Presubmission Inquiry .

Cost : Free

Deadline : Throughout the year (unless you are making a Letter to the Editor submission, in which you have three weeks to after the publication date of the article to which you’re responding)

Type of research: Original research, clinical cases, review articles, editorials and letters to the editor, images and videos in clinical medicine

2. Brown Journal of Medical Humanities

Run by undergraduate students, this new publication emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of medicine and illness, including topics such as bioethics, medical anthropology, history of medicine, and medical storytelling. This journal does a great job of encouraging submissions in topics beyond just original medicine research and for patients and physicians alike to share their unique experiences related to medicine. For prospective students and those just starting research training, there is also a lot of opportunity for literary creativity, given that the Brown Journal of Medical Humanities is one of the few STEM journals we’ve seen that allows for written fiction submissions.

Deadline : Has passed for 2023; check website for updates

Type of research : Academic papers, fiction, poetry, visual art (photos, paintings, etc.)

3. Cambridge Medicine Journal

This student-run, peer-reviewed, open-access journal welcomes all submissions from a research project by a graduate student to a pre-college program paper by a high school junior.  Based in the UK, it has an editorial board composed of college students from around the world. As far as the submission timeline goes, initial screening usually occurs within a few days, after which the editors will provide constructive feedback. The journal website mentions that the acceptance rate for articles averages around 50% and that in many cases the journal will invite authors to resubmit their articles. The Cambridge Medicine Journal is a great option as it emphasizes feedback for all authors and isn’t overly exclusive. Do keep in mind however that submissions must use Vancouver style citation format . For more on citation and bibliographies, check out our complete guide to citing sources for research .

Deadline : Throughout the year

Type of research: Research articles, case reports, personal perspectives on future of medicine, letter to the editor, images in medicine

4. Harvard Medical School Review

The scope of this student-run medical journal is intentionally broad, giving students a wide range of topics to choose from and providing students a platform to contribute their perspectives to issues in health and medicine. The journal allows for submissions in research, prose, poetry, and artwork. Although the website mentions that the journal is intended for medical school students, we believe that any research, opinion on healthcare or medicine, or work of art that is properly researched and follows the author’s manual should hold up to the standard of the journal. If you’re interested in what previous submissions have looked like, you can check out the journal archives .

Type of research: Research articles and literature reviews, perspectives on current healthcare issues, artwork, poetry

Contribute to the cure

Interested in Medicine? We'll match you with an expert mentor who will help you explore your next project.

5. Florida Medical Student Research Journal (FMSRJ)

This journal based out of the Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine aims to help Florida medical students learn about the peer review process, but the editorial policy mentions that the journal accepts submissions from anyone conducting scientific research in medicine. The journal was founded in 2015 and is one of 18 journals worldwide publishing original research. Be sure to check out FMSRJ’s submission guidelines before sending in your work. For inspiration, you can look through past editions of the journal.

Type of research: Original research, case studies, reviews, editorials

6. Health and Human Rights Journal

Starting in 1994, the Health and Human Rights Journal is an online, open-access publication supported by the Harvard School of Public Health and the Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University. The journal aims to increase awareness of human rights knowledge in the health field. There are a variety of submission types available for researchers, but student essays is the only section available for students to participate in. The essays should have a clear human rights grounding and focus on a public health issue. Submissions are then peer-reviewed by a select editorial group. Considering these parameters, you can use your passion for biomedical science or high school summer program experience to your advantage by approaching human rights from an acute academic perspective. 

Deadline : Submissions welcome at any time. Journal published twice a year in June and December

Type of research : Essays

7. Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine (YJBM)

This open-access, peer-reviewed, quarterly journal is the oldest medical student journal still in print, dating back to 1928. This international journal has a rich history of landmark articles, featuring notable contributors and an editorial board consisting of students and faculty from the Yale School of Medicine. Unlike some other journals, each issue of the journal has a specific focus topic voted upon by the YJBM board. For example, the June 2024 issue focuses on Chronic Diseases while the September 2024 issue focuses on Integrative Medicine. If any of those topics sound interesting to you, conducting research for this journal can be a great way to explore an interesting subtopic within medicine. You could even gain a research mentor or a laboratory learning program opportunity by submitting to the university's journal.

Deadline : Next deadline is February 1st, 2024 for the June 2024 issue. The next deadline after that is March 1st, 2024 for the September 2024 issue.

Type of research: Original research, reviews, perspectives, book reviews, interviews

Can You Submit to Multiple Medical Journals?

Are your sights set on a prestigious institution like Stanford University or Princeton University? Publishing your research is a great way to set yourself apart from other applicants. Ultimately, your research can only be published in one peer-reviewed journal. Submitting the same paper to multiple peer-reviewed journals is not allowed and many websites of the journals listed above mention that explicitly. If your work is not accepted at one journal, however, then you’re free to submit your research to your next choice. Keep in mind however that journals will often have different formatting and citation requirements, so do not just copy and paste the same submission to every journal! 

Take the time to carefully read through submission guidelines and checklists. You can also submit your research to a preprint archive in addition to a peer-reviewed journal, since a preprint archive is an online library of research that is not peer-reviewed and allows you to share your research easily with others. A great example of a preprint archive is the Research Archive of Rising Scholars (RARS) created by Polygence !

Polygence Scholars Are Also Passionate About

How can polygence help with next steps.

Whether you're interested in biomedical research, computer science, or medicine, submitting to a journal can be a summer science research program of your own making. High school research may seem daunting, but with passion for your research project and knowledge of the criteria, you are well on your way to academic success that will aid you in your future internship or higher education journey. Get a head start on undergraduate research by enrolling in a research training program, planning a summer session with a research mentor, and starting the publishing process today!

Related Content

Top 10 Medical Summer Research Opportunities for High School Students

Top 10 Medical Research Project Ideas for High School Students

10 Biology Summer Research Programs for High School Students

STEM Research Paper Outlines: The Ultimate Guide

How to Write an Abstract for a Research Paper

Complete a research project in just 6-weeks!

Dive into highly concentrated content on a specific topic with the guidance of expert mentors in artificial intelligence, computer science, finance and creative writing, and build your own unique project in just 6 weeks!

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

24 Medical Internships + Programs for High Schoolers in 2024

What’s covered:.

• 14 Medical Programs for High School Students

10 Medical Internships for High School Students

How do internships impact your college chances.

Considering a career in medicine? Internships and pre-college medical programs in healthcare can give you a head start on your career and help you get into college. These opportunities can provide you with experiences such as working in a lab and conducting trials, all while providing first-hand experience working in settings like universities, hospitals, clinics, and research facilities.

13 Medical Programs for High School Students

1. stanford medical youth science program (smysp).

Application Deadline: March 15

Duration: Five weeks (June 24-July 26)  

In this five-week, tuition-free online program, low-income, first-generation high school juniors who live in Northern California complete intensive coursework in medicine and health science, take part in professional development workshops, network with health professionals, and receive college admissions guidance and mentoring. Students will also complete a college-level research project on public health disparities and gain insight into navigating a career in medicine.

The 24 participants in this program will each receive a $1,250 clinical research stipend.

2. Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego: Summer Medical Academy

Application Deadline : February 23

Duration: Two weeks (June 17-28 or July 8-19)

Offered through Rady’s Children Hospital San Diego, the Summer Medical Academy gives high school students interested in pursuing healthcare careers the opportunity to explore medical training and practice. High school students who have both completed 9th grade and are between 15-19 years old can gain hands-on experience, learn about key topics in medicine from experts, and network with future potential colleagues.  

Prospective participants are admitted based on their interest in a health career, participation in extracurricular activities, and scholastic achievement. Special consideration will be given to students who reside near San Diego, seniors in high school or recent graduates, and those who have an affiliation with Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego. The cost of this program is $3,000. Scholarships are available, but on a limited basis.

3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Application Deadline : Varies by cohort. Main summer deadlines are March 15, April 15, and May 15

Duration: Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year

Founded by Harvard & Oxford researchers, the Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program pairs high-school students with PhD mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project . At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have written an independent research paper! You can choose research topics from subjects such as medicine, computer science, psychology, physics, economics, data science, business, engineering, biology, and international relations.

This program is designed to accommodate your schedule—you can participate in the summer, fall, winter, or spring, and the program is also conducted fully remotely. While you must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate high academic achievement (most students have an unweighted GPA of 3.3), no previous knowledge of your field of interest is required. The cost of the program ranges from $2,800 to $8,900, but financial aid is available.

Note that this is a selective program. Last year, over 4000 students applied for 500 spots in the program. You can find more details about the application here .

4. UCSF Summer Student Research Program

Application Deadline: February 16

Duration: Nine weeks (June 3rd until early August)

Students in this program are placed in local clinics and science labs to participate in biomedical research projects. Through the program, participants receive one-on-one mentorship from healthcare providers and researchers. Participants also gain access to unique workshops, seminars, trainings, simulations, and networking events. The program is open to high school juniors and seniors, as well as current college undergraduates, from backgrounds underrepresented in the sciences, such as minority racial/ethnic groups, those with disabilities, and first-generation college students. 

Program participants are eligible for a stipend ranging from $3,000 to $4,300. 

5. Center for Disease Control (CDC) Museum Disease Detective Camp

Application Deadline: March 22

Duration: Five days (June 24-28 or July 22-26)

At CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, rising high school juniors and seniors (who must also be 16 years old) have the opportunity to spend five days learning about public health. The fields covered vary and may include research, data collection, data analysis, and health education. Although the camp doesn’t focus on medical treatment, it’s a good opportunity for students interested in medicine to get a more comprehensive understanding of career paths in the field. 

Activities are also diverse and include recreated outbreaks, mock press conferences, environmental and global health activities, a laboratory session, an introduction to chronic disease surveillance, and short lectures from world-renowned CDC scientists. 

The program is free to attend. However, participants must provide their own housing and transportation to and from the CDC’s campus in Atlanta, Georgia. 

6. Indiana University Simon Cancer Center Summer Research Program  

Application Deadline: N/A

Duration: Eight weeks (typically from early June to late July)   

Participants in this eight-week program are paired with research mentors and work 40 hours per week on projects that may involve work in labs, computer databases, or clinics. They also participate in weekly workshops on topics concerning gaining admission to graduate and professional programs of study, along with professional development sessions.  

This program caters to students whose identities are traditionally underrepresented in research fields. All participants must have completed their senior year of high school or be current undergraduate students with a 3.2 cumulative GPA or higher. Participants receive a stipend, although housing and transportation must be taken care of by the student.

7. Penn Summer Academies

Duration: Three weeks (July 6-27) 

The University of Pennsylvania’s Summer Academies offer high school students the opportunity to engage in three-week subject-intensive programs that combine advanced scientific or social theory with relevant applications. Each of Penn Summer Academies is focused on a particular subject: you’ll choose between biomedical research, chemistry research, experimental physics, and neuroscience. There are also programs in coding and math that are more tangentially related to medicine, but could still be beneficial depending on your personal goals.

The program is open to high school students currently in 9th through 11th grade and residential and online opportunities are available. The program costs $9,700, although financial assistance is available for select Philadelphia students.

8. Health Care Career Exploration Camp

Duration: Usually t wo days in early to mid June

This free program for Nebraska students in grades 10 through 12 allows participants to learn about a variety of healthcare careers, not just clinical positions. The program is offered at two CHI Health locations in Nebraska. Note that space is limited by location, and past participants are waitlisted to allow new students to attend.

9. Medical Immersion Summer Academy (MISA)

Application Deadline: March 8

Duration: Five days in July or August

During MISA, you’ll learn about healthcare through hands-on clinical training in crucial skills (like suturing, providing CPR, splinting, and taking vitals) and mentorship opportunities. The purpose of the program, which was started in 2012 and takes place in Oakland, CA, is to give students interested in healthcare careers a strong knowledge foundation early on.

The program is open to all high school students in grades 9 through 12, so long as you are 15 by the start of the program, and costs $1,400, plus a $50 non-refundable application fee.

10. Nova Southeastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine: Achieve in Medicine (AIM–High)

Application Deadline: May 1

Duration: Five days (June 24-28, July 8-12, or July 15-19)

This program offers high school students the unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the field of medicine. Through AIM-High, students will gain hands-on medical experiences, such as using technology in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, alongside NSU medical students and staff. Activities include both educational interactive sessions and social events.

The program offers three sessions—two sessions at NSU’s main campus in Fort Lauderdale and one session at its Clearwater campus—and is available to high school students of all ages, so long as they have a GPA of at least 3.2. Tuition for AIM-High is $1,600, plus a $40 non-refundable application fee, and students will leave the program certified in first aid and CPR.

11. National Student Leadership Conference on Medicine & Healthcare

Application Deadline: Rolling 

Duration: Nine days 

This summer program gives high schoolers a chance to learn about controversial medical issues, today’s healthcare challenges, and advanced scientific research in areas such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. The program is offered at:  

• American University
• Duke University 
• Northwestern University
• UC Berkeley
• University of Miami
• Yale University 

Students will perform clinical rounds, learn medical examination and surgical techniques, and contribute to a public health project focused on developing a media campaign to spread information on illness and disease prevention. Participants will also be able to take an online college credit course taught by American University faculty after completing the program.  

Each campus offers between two and four nine-day summer sessions with costs ranging from $3,895 to $4,095 depending on location. Scholarships are available, however. While admission is rolling, note that slots fill up quickly.

12. Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program

Duration: Varies by facility

For more than 50 years, this free medical mentorship program has encouraged students to follow career paths all across medicine. Participants attend daily interactive sessions presented by a range of medical professionals, including surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, dieticians, ophthalmologists, radiologists, and therapists. There are also two online sessions offered in July.

The program is open to high school juniors and seniors (at the time of application) living in Los Angeles and its adjacent counties. Some facilities may have additional age requirements. Note that if you have participated before, you cannot reapply.

13. Georgetown Medical Academy

Application Deadline: May 15 (note there is an application fee if you apply after January 31)

Duration: One week (June 9-15, June 23-29, or July 7-13)

Students in this residential program will learn about medicine and get an up-close-and-personal look at the Georgetown University Medical Center, including its world-renowned Lombardi Cancer Center. Participants explore a variety of topics, including human anatomy, physiology, radiology, surgery, cancer, and biomedical ethics. They’ll also gain hands-on experience in suturing, casting, and dissection. The program costs $3,549, or $2,750 if you are commuting, and provides a good glimpse into the path to becoming a physician.

14. Health Care Careers Exploration Program

Application Deadline: April 30

Duration: One week (July 20-25)

This week-long summer program at Rochester Institute of Technology provides deaf and hard-of-hearing students in grades 10 through 12 the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of important issues in healthcare and prepare for a potential career in the field. Students will attend medical demonstrations, participate in hands-on activities and demonstrations, and become CPR and first aid certified. Students will also engage in a variety of social activities, such as swimming, bowling, going to the movies, and visiting local places of interest. The cost of the program is $700.

15. High School Senior Summer Internship Program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

Application Deadline: February 1

Duration: Eight weeks  

Work with a mentor in one of the various pediatric clinical specialties in this eight-week program for Cincinnati-area graduating seniors. Participants also engage in group activities, including an afternoon hands-on training session with computerized simulated pediatric patients in the SIM Center, lunch seminars, networking sessions, and community service opportunities. Your internship will culminate in a graduation party featuring student presentations on their experiences. 

Interns work 20 hours a week and are paid $13 an hour. 

16. NIH High School Summer Internship Program 

Application Deadline: February 16 (February 23 for reference letters)

Duration: Generally eight weeks 

This internship offers students the opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading scientists in the field of biomedical research, at one of the most renowned research institutions in the world. Students participate in a range of activities including lectures from NIH investigators, career and professional development workshops, and activities focused on college readiness.  

The internship is open to students who are juniors or seniors when they apply and who are age 17 or older. All participants are given a stipend, although the amount varies from year to year and depends on the level of education you have completed before beginning your internship.   

17. Magee-Womens Research Institute High School Summer Internship Program

Application Deadline: January 31 

Duration: Six weeks (beginning June 17)

This is a six-week, 240-hour internship for rising high school juniors and seniors (who will be over 16 when the internship starts) where participants conduct scientific research under the supervision of an investigator and their staff at MWRI and Magee-Womens Hospital. Interns also participate in sessions where investigators discuss careers in biomedical science and their journeys and perspectives. At the program’s conclusion, interns will present their findings to other participants as well as to the MWRI faculty and staff.  

This is a free and extremely competitive program, which has been around since 1995—less than 8% of the students who apply are chosen. Note that to apply, you must permanently reside in southwest Pennsylvania. Students from families that qualify for the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program for Pennsylvania are eligible to receive a $1,800 stipend for their participation in the program.

18. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience High School Internship

Application Deadline: March 4

Duration: Six weeks (June 17 to July 26)

This six-week internship is for rising juniors and seniors (who will be at least 16 when the internship starts) in a Palm Beach or Martin County high school who are interested in brain structure, function, and development, and the advanced imaging techniques and technologies used in neuroscience. Neuroscience interns participate in one of three tracks: neuroscience, scientific programming, or mechanical engineering. At the end of the internship, students will write a scientific abstract and deliver a short presentation.  

Interns are compensated at a rate of $12.50 per hour for their work, and can expect to work 40 hours per week for the duration of the internship.

19. KP Launch  

Application Deadline: January 2 

Duration: Seven weeks (June 17 to August 2)

The KP Launch program is offered by Kaiser Permanente, and provides students who are between ages 16-19 by June 1 with a variety of internships at its Oakland headquarters and medical offices across Northern California. The program is aimed at students who are low-income or from backgrounds underrepresented in healthcare, and serves to introduce them to careers in the field by building practical job skills and gaining real-world work experience.  

Priority is given to high school seniors and juniors, and participants earn the hourly minimum wage for the area, which varies between $15.50 and $18 per hour.

20. Summer Child Health Research Internship

Application Deadline: February 1 

Duration: Nine weeks (June 3 to August 2)

This medical internship is open to rising high school seniors, as long as they will be over 18 when the internship starts, who will complete their work alongside undergraduates and first-year medical students. Through the internship, students will explore research opportunities related to child healthcare, while working in a lab with faculty members of the Department of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado on the Anschutz Medical Campus. At the conclusion of the program, students are required to submit a written summary of their research and deliver a presentation of it.

High school participants must be Colorado residents and are provided with a $3,500 stipend.

21. Fred Hutch Summer High School Internship Program

Application Deadline: March 31 

Duration: Eight weeks (June 24 to August 16)

This eight-week, full-time, paid internship is for rising seniors, specifically those from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical science. The first two weeks of the program are focused on training participants in laboratory safety skills and techniques, then for the following six weeks participants are immersed in mentoring activities. Interns will also take part in research seminars, professional development workshops, and social activities, and give a presentation to the Fred Hutch community at the end of their internship.

Interns are provided a stipend, and those commuting from the greater Seattle area are also given a free ORCA card for the local buses.

22. Harvard Medical School Project Success for High School Students

Application Deadline: February 2 

Duration: Six weeks (July 8 to August 16)

Project Success is aimed at students from disadvantaged backgrounds and groups underrepresented in medicine. The program provides paid summer research positions at Harvard Medical School and its affiliated institutions to rising juniors and seniors from Boston and Cambridge (do note there are GPA and coursework prerequisites, and you must be 16 by the start of the program). In addition to performing mentored research, students will also participate in seminars, workshops, site visits, and career counseling.

23. Medical College of Wisconsin Apprenticeship in Medicine (AIM)

Application Deadline: March 1 

Duration: Six weeks (June 24 to August 2)

AIM is a highly competitive program that provides internship opportunities to Milwaukee-area students from backgrounds that are historically underrepresented in medicine and health careers, in order to stimulate their interest in careers in the field. Interns will receive mentoring from current medical students and participate in clinical shadowing and simulations. They will also explore career paths and take part in social activities. 

Participants can anticipate working 40 hours per week during the program, which is free and awards a stipend to all students at the program’s conclusion.

24. Pediatrics Internship Program at Stanford (PIPS)

Application Deadline: February 26

Rising high school juniors and seniors living in Northern California can learn about science, medicine, and research during this six-week internship. Participants will learn how research is performed and conduct their own research projects while working with Stanford faculty, postdoctoral fellows, researchers, and students. Anticipate working 30 hours per week during this program. 

This is a free program, and students with financial need can receive a $3,000 stipend for participating. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee, but applicants with total family income under $90,000 can apply for a fee waiver.

Extracurriculars are extremely important in the admissions process, especially at selective schools. These schools get more academically-qualified applicants than they can admit, so your extracurriculars (and essays) will help you stand out. 

Extracurricular activities are divided into four tiers , with tier 1 representing the most exceptional and rare extracurriculars and tier 4 representing the most common activities admissions committees see. The higher the tier an extracurricular activity is, the more impactful it is on admissions odds. 

If you’re applying to highly-selective schools, we recommend having at least a few tier 1 and 2 activities to set yourself apart from other applicants. Internships vary in terms of rigor and selectivity, but prestigious, national programs in particular can certainly fall into tiers 1 or 2.  

Wondering how your internship impacts your chances? CollegeVine’s free admissions calculator can let you know! This tool uses factors like grades and test scores—along with other variables, like internships—to calculate your odds at hundreds of colleges. It can also provide valuable insight into areas where you can improve your profile.  

Disclaimer: This post includes content sponsored by Lumiere Education.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Masks Strongly Recommended but Not Required in Maryland, Starting Immediately

Due to the downward trend in respiratory viruses in Maryland, masking is no longer required but remains strongly recommended in Johns Hopkins Medicine clinical locations in Maryland. Read more .

• Vaccines  
• Masking Guidelines
• Visitor Guidelines  

Research Topics

General research.

Cancer Research

Genetics Research

Genome Biology

• [email protected]
• (650) 338-8226

Cupertino, CA

• Our Philosophy
• Our Results
• News, Media, and Press
• Common Application
• College Application Essay Editing
• Extracurricular Planning
• Academic Guidance
• Summer Programs
• Interview Preparation

Middle School

• Pre-High School Consultation
• Boarding School Admissions

College Admissions

• Academic and Extracurricular Profile Evaluation
• Senior Editor College Application Program
• Summer Program Applications
• Private Consulting Program
• Transfer Admissions
• UC Transfer Admissions
• Ivy League Transfer Admissions

Graduate Admissions

• Graduate School Admissions
• MBA Admissions

Private Tutoring

• SAT/ACT Tutoring
• AP Exam Tutoring
• Olympiad Training

Research Programs

• Science Research Program
• Humanities Competitions
• Passion Project Program
• Ad Hoc Consulting
• Athletic Recruitment
• National Universities Rankings
• Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings
• Public Schools Rankings

Acceptance Rates

• University Acceptance Rates
• Transfer Acceptance Rates
• Supplemental Essays
• College Admissions Data
• Chances Calculator
• GPA Calculator

National Universities

• College Acceptance Rates
• College Overall Acceptance Rates
• College Regular Acceptance Rates
• College Early Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Overall Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Regular Acceptance Rates
• Ivy League Early Acceptance Rates

Public Schools

• Public Schools Acceptance Rates
• Public Schools Overall Acceptance Rates
• Public Schools Regular Acceptance Rates
• Public Schools Early Acceptance Rates

Liberal Arts

• Liberal Arts Colleges Acceptance Rates
• Liberal Arts Colleges Overall Acceptance Rates
• Liberal Arts Colleges Regular Acceptance Rates
• Liberal Arts Colleges Early Acceptance Rates

20 Medical Science Programs for High School Students

By Eric Eng

Are you a high school student dreaming of a career in medicine? Navigating the path to a successful medical career can seem challenging, but it’s an exciting journey that starts right in high school. In this blog, you’ll discover 20 outstanding medical science programs specifically designed for high school students like you. These programs offer unique opportunities to explore the medical field, gain valuable knowledge, and set a strong foundation for your future.

Whether you’re aiming for a top-tier college or looking to ignite your passion for healthcare, these programs are stepping stones to achieving your dreams.

1. Stanford Medical Youth Science Program

• Location: Stanford University
• Program Date: June 24–July 26, 2024
• Application Deadline: March 15, 2024
• Eligibility: Low-income and/or underrepresented minority high school sophomores and juniors

The Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP) offers a dynamic and immersive five-week enrichment experience for high school juniors who are first-generation and from low-income backgrounds in Northern California. As a participant, you will delve into a comprehensive curriculum that includes hospital internships at Stanford Hospital and a public health research project. The hospital internships provide you with hands-on experience in various aspects of healthcare delivery.

In addition to these practical experiences, the program emphasizes mentorship and community building. You’ll receive guidance and support from faculty, health professionals, and college students, fostering a network that extends beyond the summer. The program also includes academic seminars and lectures covering public health, research methodology, and human anatomy, conducted by Stanford medical students. These sessions are designed to prepare you for your research project and provide insights into college and medical school preparation.

One of the most significant aspects of SMYSP is that it’s tuition-free, and aimed at increasing opportunity and access for aspiring first-generation college students. You’ll be expected to commit full-time Monday through Friday, gaining a deeply enriching educational experience. Moreover, the program includes a stipend for clinical research, further supporting your journey in science and medicine.

2. Health Career Institute at Dartmouth

• Location: Dartmouth College
• Cost: $2,800 – $3,600
• Program Date: June 24-29, 2024
• Application Deadline: March 16, 2024
• Eligibility: Students entering 11th and 12th grades

The Health Careers Institute at Dartmouth is a unique and enriching opportunity for high school students interested in exploring a variety of disciplines within the healthcare sector. Scheduled for June 24-29, 2024, this program is specifically designed for students entering 11th and 12th grades who are keen on delving into healthcare careers and eager to learn about both clinical and non-clinical health professions​​​.

At the institute, you’ll have the chance to interact with a range of professionals in the healthcare system, including physicians, research scientists, and experts in public health and health policy. This exposure is invaluable in understanding the complexities of healthcare systems and policies. The institute’s faculty comprises experienced healthcare professionals from Dartmouth and other educational and health institutions, offering you mentorship and insights that extend beyond traditional classroom learning​.

The program’s structure includes classroom instruction, a team-based research project, and dialogues with faculty and health profession students, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. Importantly, you’ll also get a taste of college life by living in a dorm on the Dartmouth College campus and engaging in discussions about the college application process, which can be particularly beneficial for your future academic pursuits​.

3. Summer Student Research Program at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland

• Location: MLK. Research Building in Oakland, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital
• Cost: $3000–$4300
• Program Date: Early June to early August (specific dates unspecified)
• Application Deadline: February 16, 2024
• Eligibility: Students over 16 years of age

One of the medical science programs for high school students, the Summer Student Research Program at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland is a remarkable opportunity for high school and college students, especially those from diverse and under-represented backgrounds, to engage in biomedical research. This program, with a history spanning over 40 years, integrates students into local clinics and basic science labs, where they participate in active research projects. As a participant, you’ll be paired with a mentor for one-on-one guidance through clinical or basic science research projects, which vary greatly depending on the mentor you’re assigned.

To be eligible, you need to be a high school junior or senior with at least one completed year in math and biology, or an undergraduate student. It’s important to be at least 16 years of age by June 1st of the program year. A key focus of the program is to encourage students from underrepresented groups in the sciences to pursue STEM careers by providing them with professional skills and confidence. Participants also receive a stipend, which varies based on student status and the granting agency​​​​​.

4. Arthritis Foundation Summer Science Internship Program

• Location: University of California, San Francisco
• Cost: Unspecified
• Program Date: May 28 – August 30, 2024
• Application Deadline: March 4, 2024
• Eligibility: Students over 17 years old

The Arthritis Foundation Summer Science Internship Program offers a dynamic opportunity for high school juniors, seniors, and college undergraduates interested in exploring the fields of rheumatology and immunology, with a particular focus on arthritis and related autoimmune diseases. Hosted by the prestigious University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and Stanford University, this 8-week program, running from May 28 to August 30, 2024, immerses you in cutting-edge research environments​​​​​​​.

During the internship, you will engage in hands-on experiences in either basic laboratory (bench) research, clinical translational/epidemiological (patient-oriented) research, or bioinformatics (computational) research. This program is a great opportunity to delve into the intricacies of conditions like arthritis, understand the body’s immune responses, and contribute to the development of effective treatments. Not only will you gain valuable insights from world-renowned physicians and scientists, but you will also receive a stipend of $2,500 for your participation. To be eligible, you must be at least 17 years old by the start of the program and a citizen or permanent resident of the USA​​​​​​​​.

5. Health and Society Institute at Barnard College

• Location: Barnard College
• Cost: $7,772 – $9,687
• Program Date: July 22 – August 10, 2024
• Application Deadline: May 26, 2024
• Eligibility: Juniors and seniors in high school

The Health and Society Institute at Barnard College offers an insightful and immersive program that investigates the intricate relationship between health, society, and science. This program stands out for its dedication to exploring the cultural, historical, and economic underpinnings of the U.S. healthcare system. You’ll delve into how scientific knowledge interacts with other forms of knowledge representation and evaluate the credibility and influence of experts in various fields.

A unique aspect of the program is its emphasis on qualitative research. You will gain foundational knowledge and techniques related to qualitative research, including conceptualizing, planning, and implementing research projects. This experience is not just about learning; it’s about applying these skills to real-world scenarios, particularly in the context of working with human subjects.

6. Agress Summer Health Corps Program

• Location: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Program Date: July 1 to August 8, 2024
• Application Deadline: December 31, 2023​​​​
• Eligibility: High school students

One of the medical science programs for high school students, the Agress Summer Health Corps Program is a unique, hands-on educational opportunity hosted by the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Running for six weeks in July and August, this program is tailored for high school students, providing them with an immersive experience in various healthcare careers within a hospital setting. In 2024, the program will take place from July 1 to August 8, with mandatory orientation on the first day and a closing banquet on the last. The daily schedule is set from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, starting from July 2​​​​.

During the program, you will work alongside experienced healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and researchers. This exposure not only offers a real-world view of the healthcare industry but also allows you to learn from and interact with seasoned professionals, thereby gaining valuable insights into different roles and responsibilities. It’s a chance to see where your interests and aptitudes lie within the healthcare sector. Additionally, the program fosters a community of peers who share your passion for healthcare, creating an environment for collaboration and networking.

7. Summer Program In Neuroscience

• Location: Boston University
• Cost: $4,000
• Program Date: June 3 – July 25, 2024
• Application Deadline: March 18, 2024
• Eligibility: Junior and senior undergraduate students

The Summer Program in Neuroscience (SPIN) at Boston University is an eight-week program designed for undergraduates with an interest in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, computer science, and medicine. SPIN combines research activities with clinical and didactic experiences to provide a comprehensive understanding of neuroscience. Students participate in hands-on neuroanatomy labs, attend small group lectures, and are involved in clinical rotations that include observing neurosurgical procedures and neurological assessments.

This program not only enhances understanding of the brain and neuroscience research but also supports career development with sessions on application processes for medical and graduate schools and interview skills. Admission is based on academic performance, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The program runs from June 3 to July 25, 2024, with a tuition cost of $4,000, not including room and board. The application deadline for 2024 is March 18th.

8. High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program

• Location: NIH Main Campus, Bethesda, Maryland
• Program Date: July 2 – August 1, 2024
• Application Deadline: January 12, 2024
• Eligibility: Rising 12th graders

The High School Scientific Training and Enrichment Program (HiSTEP) is a distinctive opportunity for rising 12th graders, particularly those from schools where a significant portion of students are enrolled in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program. Located at the NIH main campus in Bethesda, Maryland, the program spans from July 2 to August 1, 2024, requiring a commitment of at least 21 hours per week every Tuesday through Thursday. It’s designed for students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, though those with a GPA between 2.75 and 3.0 are also encouraged to apply if they have shown steady academic improvement​.

HiSTEP focuses on introducing participants to biomedical research and healthcare careers through various activities such as lectures, visits to research groups, networking events, small group discussions, and group projects. Additionally, the program guides the college application process, and helps develop career readiness and leadership skills, along with a resilience and well-being program.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and live within 40 miles of the main NIH campus. The program emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, those with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those disadvantaged by life circumstances that have negatively impacted their educational opportunities​​​.

9. Neuroscience Research Academy

• Location: The University of Pennsylvania
• Cost: $9,700
• Program Date: July 6 – July 27, 2024
• Application Deadline: February 15, 2024
• Eligibility: Students with at least one year of high school biology

One of the medical science programs for high school students, the Neuroscience Research Academy delves into the biological underpinnings of the brain, covering topics ranging from the fundamental cellular aspects of neurons to an exploration of sensory systems. It ultimately delves into more complex cognitive functions like memory, emotions, and moral reasoning.

Instructed by faculty from Penn’s Biological Basis of Behavior program , this academy offers students an opportunity to immerse themselves in the forefront of research and medical advancements in the field. This area of study has contributed significant insights into comprehending the mind’s workings in both healthy and diseased states. Please note that participation in the Neuroscience Research Academy requires full-time residential attendance, and there are no options for commuting or online participation.

10. NIH Summer Internship Program

• Location: Bethesda, Maryland and Framingham, Massachusetts
• Program Date: Between May and September 2024
• Eligibility: Students at least 17 years of age

The NIH Summer Internship Program (SIP) is an exceptional opportunity for college, graduate, and professional students who are keen on exploring careers in research and healthcare. As a participant, you’ll be working full-time within one of the NIH Institutes and Centers in the Intramural Research Program. The research groups are spread across NIH campuses, including the main campus in Bethesda, MD.

Eligibility for the program is fairly broad. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, 17 years or older by June 15, 2024, and enrolled at least half-time in an accredited educational institution. This includes community colleges, colleges, universities, or professional schools. The program also has specific stipulations for U.S. permanent residents regarding their educational institution. In addition to the academic and citizenship requirements, participants are also expected to present proof of health insurance. The application process for the SIP is comprehensive, requiring a detailed profile, a list of coursework and grades, a CV or resume, references, and a cover letter. The selection process is thorough, with a focus on aligning applicants’ research interests with ongoing projects​​​​.

11. High School Summer Research Experience at Roswell Park

• Location: Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
• Program Date: June 24 – August 9, 2024
• Application Deadline: February 21, 2024
• Eligibility: Students at least 15 years of age

The High School Summer Research Experience at Roswell Park offers an invaluable opportunity for high school juniors to delve into the world of scientific research, specifically focused on cancer science. Set to run from June 24 to August 9, 2024, this program allows you to work alongside experts on your own independent research project.

To be eligible for this program, you must be enrolled as a junior in high school at the time of your application and be a resident of Western New York. The program is a commuter-based one, which means you’ll need to travel to the facility daily, as there are no accommodations for staying on-site. Applicants must be either U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents and at least 15 years old by the start of the program. Notably, all participants will be required to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. If accepted, you can expect to engage in advanced research topics, enhancing your understanding of scientific processes and methodologies, which is pivotal for anyone considering a future in science or healthcare​​​​​.

12. Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program

• Location: Stanford University’s Institutes of Medicine
• Program Date: June 10 – August 1, 2024
• Application Deadline: February 24, 2024
• Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors

The Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program (SIMR) is an eight-week summer internship designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in biomedical research. Scheduled for June 10 to August 1, 2024, the program offers hands-on research experience under the guidance of mentors at Stanford University’s Institutes of Medicine and select departments. Applicants to SIMR can choose from eight research areas, including Immunology, Neurobiology, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Cardiovascular Biology, Bioinformatics, and Genetics and Genomics. The program also offers a bioengineering bootcamp as an alternative to the lab research component​​​​.

In addition to the research experience, SIMR emphasizes skill-building and professional development, such as lab techniques, data analysis, teamwork, and research presentation skills. The program includes seminars and workshops to broaden your understanding of biomedical career options. A key aspect of SIMR is its commitment to inclusiveness and diversity, welcoming students from various backgrounds and enriching the research environment with diverse perspectives.

13. UPenn Biomedical Research Academy

• Location: Penn’s School of Medicine

The UPenn Biomedical Research Academy is a comprehensive program for high school students interested in exploring the experimental basis of cellular, molecular, and genetic aspects of biology, particularly focusing on their relevance to diseases. Scheduled to run from July 6 to July 27, 2024, this program is designed as a fully residential experience where you’ll be immersed in daily lectures, faculty research talks, laboratory experiments, and small group investigations. The course content includes a wide range of topics such as genome sequencing, CRISPR/Cas-9, vaccines, antibiotic resistance, and bioethics, delivered by scientists, clinicians, and faculty from the Department of Biology and Penn’s School of Medicine.

In the laboratory component, you’ll get to perform experiments using techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction analysis, bacterial transformation, and ELISA. You’ll have the opportunity to work on projects such as determining your blood type and investigating gene expression in bacteria. The program also includes journal clubs where you’ll engage in discussions on peer-reviewed research articles, learning how to read, interpret, analyze, and critique primary research under the guidance of Penn researchers or faculty members. This setup not only offers deep insights into the core of biomedical research but also equips you with valuable skills and knowledge for your future academic or professional endeavors in the field of biology​​​​​.

14. Neuroscience Camp at Drexel

• Location: Drexel University
• Cost: $2,200
• Program Date: July 8–19, 2024
• Application Deadline: April 15, 2024
• Eligibility: High school sophomores and juniors

The Neuroscience Camp at Drexel University,  one of the medical science programs for high school students, is a highly esteemed program designed for high school sophomores and juniors with a keen interest in neuroscience. To be eligible for this competitive program, you should be a rising junior or senior with a background in biology, chemistry, or research. The application process requires you to submit transcripts and two letters of recommendation, with an application deadline set for April 15, 2024. The cost of the camp is $2,200, and it’s important to note that this is not a residential program, so housing is not provided.

During the camp, you will engage in an intensive study of neuroscience under the guidance of Drexel University College of Medicine’s esteemed faculty members, Dr. Jed Shumsky and Dr. Michael Lane. The curriculum includes a wide range of neuroscience topics, such as cellular neuroscience, neuropharmacology, electrophysiology, and other advanced subjects. Hands-on experiences, like live brain activity recordings, are a core component of the camp. You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake a lab project encompassing various neuroscience laboratory techniques and data analysis.

15. Eugene And Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy

• Location: City of Hope, Duarte CA
• Program Date: June 3 – August 9, 2024
• Application Deadline: March 13, 2024
• Eligibility: High school and undergraduate students

The Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy at City of Hope offers you a chance to gain hands-on research experience in biomedical science. This program, aimed at high school and undergraduate students, provides a unique opportunity to work on real-world research projects.

You must be at least 16 years old to participate, and while it’s beneficial to submit additional materials like transcripts and recommendation letters, these are not strictly required. The program spans ten weeks and requires you to contact the program administrator for specific time period details. This academy is a great way to immerse yourself in the world of scientific research, especially if you have a keen interest in biomedical fields.

16. Research Training Program for High School Students

• Location: Seattle Children’s Research Institute
• Program Date: July 8–August 2, 2024
• Application Deadline: March 10, 2024
• Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors

The Research Training Program for High School Students at Seattle Children’s Research Institute is a comprehensive program designed for students interested in exploring the world of biomedical research. It’s crucial that you are interested in fields like biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or public health, but prior knowledge in these areas is not required. A notable aspect of this program is its commitment to diversity and inclusion, especially encouraging participation from underrepresented groups in the biomedical and health sciences.

The program, one of the medical science programs for high school students, which runs from July 8 to August 2, 2024, offers a mix of educational lectures, hands-on laboratory experiences, and career workshops. You’ll be engaged in activities like microscopy, agarose gel electrophoresis, and gene editing, among others. Additionally, the program includes tours of the facility and a group research project, culminating in a presentation. This experience is not only about gaining laboratory skills but also about understanding the application process for college and exploring various career paths in biomedical fields.

Applications for the program open in early January and close in March. You will need to submit an application form and a letter of recommendation. Keep in mind that the program is competitive, and being within commuting distance of downtown Seattle is necessary, as housing is not provided. Importantly, participants will receive a stipend, and thus a Social Security Number is required for tax purposes.

17. Biomedical Research and Global Health at Seattle Children’s Institute

• Location: Seattle Children’s Institute
• Program Date: 2023-2024 school year
• Application Deadline: March 8, 2024
• Eligibility: 11th and 12th-grade students

The Biomedical Research and Global Health program at Seattle Children’s Institute, in partnership with the Highline School District, is one of the medical science programs for high school students that offers an immersive year-long academic experience for high school students. This program is tailored to prepare you for a variety of career opportunities in biomedical research and healthcare. Throughout the program, you will engage in hands-on lab experiences, providing an authentic introduction to the research process.

These experiences include learning lab safety, practicing essential lab skills, and using state-of-the-art equipment for experiments related to disease prevention and treatment. Additionally, guest lectures from scientists and field trips to local research organizations will give you an inside look into careers in this rapidly evolving field.

The program is designed to build a robust foundation in biological sciences and research, integrating modern advancements in technology, such as gene editing and immunotherapy. You will be exposed to real-world scenarios and have opportunities for professional development and career planning.

18. Summer Scholars Program (SSSP)

• Program Date: June 18 – August 16, 2024
• Eligibility: Undergraduate students

One of the medical science programs for high school students, the Summer Scholars Program (SSSP) at Seattle Children’s Research Institute is an enriching opportunity for undergraduate students and recent graduates, especially those from backgrounds historically underrepresented in biomedical and health sciences. This 10-week program allows you to engage in basic, clinical, or translational research projects under experienced mentorship. You can earn $20 per hour for a 40-hour week, though taxes will be withheld from this income. The program, slated to run from June 18 to August 16, 2024, requires your full-time commitment, including additional hours for professional development activities.

In the SSSP, you will gain hands-on lab experience, ranging from using lab equipment and software for research projects to attending career and professional training sessions. These sessions cover essential topics like abstract writing, research poster presentations, and networking strategies. Throughout the program, you will work closely with mentors, helping you build vital research skills. By the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to publish an abstract and present your findings at a poster symposium.

19. The Neuroscience Summer Institute at Carleton

• Location: Carleton College
• Cost: $4,500
• Program Date: July 6–26, 2024
• Application Deadline: March 11, 2024

The Neuroscience Summer Institute at Carleton, scheduled for July 6-26, 2024, is an engaging three-week program designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the field of neuroscience. In this program, you will participate in an intensive “Introduction to Neuroscience” course, which will expose you to various aspects of neuroscience, including brain anatomy, physiology, and chemistry.

The program is not just about lectures; it includes hands-on laboratory activities, such as sheep brain dissection, behavioral testing, microscope work, and data analysis. You’ll even get exposure to advanced techniques like small animal brain surgery. Furthermore, the program includes opportunities to tour other neuroscience labs, allowing you to explore a wide range of research areas in the field. The program culminates with a symposium where you will present your work to peers and the broader community.

As a participant, you will earn up to six Carleton course credits (transferring as three-semester credits) for successfully meeting faculty expectations and completing course requirements. You’ll receive a grade and have the option to request a formal academic transcript to reflect your achievements in the program. This experience at Carleton’s Summer Program, also known as “Summer Carls,” is an excellent way to delve into the fascinating world of neuroscience while earning college credits​​​​​.

20. Institute On Neuroscience

• Location: Emory University
• Cost: $25 application fee
• Program Date: Exact dates for 2024 not specified
• Application Deadline: Unspecified
• Eligibility: High school juniors or seniors

The Institute on Neuroscience (ION) at Emory University , in collaboration with the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, The Marcus Autism Center, and Georgia State University’s Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, offers an enriching eight-week summer program for high school students. This is one of the medical science programs for high school students that’s designed for students who excel in science and have a keen interest in neuroscience research.

The ION program begins with a Meet-the-Mentor Luncheon in the spring, followed by a one-week introductory curriculum in early June. During this period, you will learn about neuroscience through hands-on activities, discussions, and readings directed by faculty members, post-doctoral researchers, and undergraduate and graduate students. The program also includes visits to research facilities to learn about various techniques like PET scanning or electron microscopy. Additionally, you’ll engage in Friday workshops focusing on scientific communication, science and society, scientific ethics, and special topics in neuroscience.

After the introductory week, you will conduct a seven-week mentored laboratory research project at one of the participating institutions. The summer concludes with a comprehensive Closing Research Symposium, where you will be required to present your research findings in a 10-minute slide presentation to an audience including family, friends, peers, program mentors, and others in the neuroscience community. This presentation is a celebration of your hard work and achievements throughout the program.

Final Thoughts

As you look towards your future in medicine, remember that the journey is as important as the destination. The medical science programs for high school school students we’ve explored are more than just a line on your college application; they’re gateways to understanding, opportunities to grow, and platforms to showcase your commitment and passion. Embrace these experiences, and let them guide you to a fulfilling career in healthcare. Your journey has just begun, and the possibilities are endless. Stay curious, stay dedicated, and let your passion for medicine light the way to a bright future.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

Why College Admissions Isn’t Perfect

US News Rankings

The Personal Statement: The Holy Grail of College Admissions

The Modern Day 4.0 and 1600 SAT Score Student Is No Longer Impressive

The Competitive Nature of College Admissions for Asian Americans

The College Application

Our Comprehensive Approach

Ivy League Schools

How Early Should You Prepare for College?

Featured in US News & World Report Best Colleges Publication

Congratulations to AdmissionSight Students and their Acceptances!

College Rejection

College Rankings

College Consultants Could Make A Difference

College Admissions Scandal and Higher Education

What is the University of Texas at Austin Known For? 

Here Are the 7 Best Colleges for Sports

What is the Princeton Early Action Acceptance Rate for 2024?

Graduating with Honors in High School: A Complete Guide

Does Harvard Have Sororities? All You Need to Know

Discover the High School Classes That Ivies Require

What Exactly Is Dartmouth’s Mascot?

Do Colleges Look at Attendance? Insights and Tips

What Is the Columbia ED Acceptance Rate for 2024?

Everything You Need to Know About UCLA’s Campus Tour

Discover the Best Calculators for Calculus

Can You Go to College with a GED? Insights and Tips

Top 15 Universities with the Largest Endowments

Top 10 US Schools That Look Like Hogwarts

Everything You Need to Know About Interact Club

Fun Facts About UCLA: A Deep Dive into One of America’s Top Universities

MIT Extracurriculars for High School Students

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Articles

What is the University of...

Here Are the 7 Best...

What is the Princeton Early...

Graduating with Honors in High...

Does Harvard Have Sororities? All...

Discover the High School Classes...

Do Colleges Look at Attendance?...

What Is the Columbia ED...

Everything You Need to Know...

Discover the Best Calculators for...

Can You Go to College...

Sign up now to receive insights on how to navigate the college admissions process..

Admissions Counseling

• Academic & Extracurricular Profile Evaluation

Copyright © AdmissionSight 2024

Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• Prev Med Rep
• v.24; 2021 Dec

High school health education: The impact of medical student led instruction in northern Nevada high schools

Brandon w. conner.

a University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, 1664 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89557, USA

Katherine G. Weller

Matt v. biondi, alexa r. allen, megan k. rescigno, justine l. resnik, sydney c. laughton, kendal m. warner, ariel e. hierholzer, erica y. kim, molly m. hagen.

b University of Nevada, Reno School of Community Health Sciences, 1664 N Virginia St, Reno, NV 89557, USA

Amy A. McFarland

Reka p. danko, associated data.

• • Medical students teach effective school-based intervention classes.
• • Program increases likelihood of discussing sensitive topics with providers.
• • Substance abuse classes had the largest mean % increase in student response.
• • Personal relationships as well as exercise classes improved student response.
• • Stress reduction classes had the least impact on high school students.

Health education is an important topic in high school given its lasting effect on learners. Medical students are in a unique position to deliver this curriculum as they can provide information from a relatable standpoint. Ten medical students created a health education program, The Healthier Nevada Project (HNVP), designed for high school students using four modules focused on adolescent public health concerns: substance use and addiction, exercise, personal relationships, and stress and mental health. The curriculum was administered to over 700 health class students at three schools in Reno, Nevada, U.S.A., from August 2019–March 2020. This cross-sectional study measured whether the modules increased students’ comfort level, familiarity, and likelihood of discussing each topic with a healthcare provider. The method of evaluation was pre- and post-Likert scale surveys with 7–10 questions regarding students’ understanding of each topic, knowledge of related resources, and likelihood of future discussions with healthcare providers. Linear regression analysis showed significant increases in mean scores (in all cases p < 0.0001) for all four modules after the training. The modules were adjusted for the cluster effect of School and showed no significant two-way interaction between pre- and post-survey, although overall differences between schools were present. These findings indicate that HNVP significantly increased students’ knowledge, comfort, and likelihood of discussing each topic with a healthcare professional following module administration. Future efforts will aim to evaluate the long-term impact of HNVP on student behavior and evaluate if presenter type influences program success among adolescents.

1. Introduction

Health education is one of the most important subjects in high school given its broad and lasting effect on learners. In the short term, healthy students have better educational outcomes – they get better grades, have better graduation rates, and feel more connected to their peers and teachers ( Basch, 2011 , Forrest et al., 2013 ). In the long term, preventive health information has been shown to effectively address substance use and addiction ( Faggiano et al., 2008 ), mental health problems ( Feiss et al., 2019 , Mendelson et al., 2010 , Neil and Christensen, 2009 ), dating and relationships ( De La Rue et al., 2017 ), and physical fitness ( Naylor et al., 2015 ). Each of these topics represents a key public health concern.

School-based intervention programs are a well-studied method for improving public health outcomes. Instilling healthy attitudes and behaviors during the formative adolescent years creates lasting positive impact by influencing adult choices ( Sawyer et al., 2012 , Kelder et al., 1994 , Singh et al., 2008 ). Many studies have found significant, positive benefits from school-based intervention programs. The literature describes a broad array of effective intervention types, fitting for the diversity of students, schools, and educators. The World Health Organization (WHO) 1 guidelines for “health-promoting schools” outline a holistic approach which uses curriculum, school culture, and community input to foster an environment that promotes lifelong well-being ( World Health Organization, 2014 , World Health Organization, 2009 , Expert Committee,1997 ).

The efficacy of school-based prevention is reliant on the format and delivery of the content, as well as repeated exposures over time. Each additional program adds to the accessibility of health across socioeconomic strata and provides a supportive environment to maximize the chance that these behaviors are incorporated into students’ daily lives ( Langford et al., 2014 , Wolfenden et al., 2017 ). Therefore, programs such as the one described in this study are an important method to expose students to healthcare-related topics and reinforce preventive behaviors.

Limited data currently exists comparing the impact of different educators on youth health education programs. However, medical students provide several benefits: they have firsthand knowledge of the health challenges faced in their community. They are trained in behavior-changing techniques like motivational interviewing that have been shown to have positive impacts on intervention programs ( Flattum et al., 2009 , Sussman et al., 2012 ). Finally, they can provide information from a more approachable standpoint since they are also students.

According to the 2019 Nevada High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS): Washoe County Special Report ( Diedrick et al., 2019 ), which included approximately 1,000 participants, 48.7% of students reported use of e-cigarettes, 37.7% reported marijuana use, and 17.6% reported use of prescription pain medications for nonmedical purposes. Stress and mental health issues were similarly concerning: 18.7% of high school students seriously considered suicide, while 40.2% of students met the clinical definition for depression. The YRBS also found that 15.3% of high school students reported being bullied on campus, 15% reported cyber-bullying, and 7.3% reported physical dating violence. Finally, this survey found that only 45.6% of high school students were physically active at least 60 min per day on five or more days during the seven days prior to answering these questions.

In this study, a team of medical students created a health education program, The Healthier Nevada Youth Educational Modules Project (HNVP), using an interactive curriculum designed for high school students. HNVP sought to promote healthy lifestyle choices using four modules: substance use and addiction, exercise, personal relationships, and stress and mental health. The study determined whether these modules improved high school students’ comfort with and knowledge of each topic, as well as their likelihood of discussing these issues with a healthcare provider.

2.1. Study population

During the 2019–2020 academic year, health class students in the Washoe County School District (WCSD) from grades 9–12 at three high schools received healthcare curriculum delivered by 10 medical students from the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. Schools were selected based on their interest in hosting HNVP modules. Class sizes were similar between schools but represented a range of socioeconomic statuses and ethnic diversity ( Table 1 ). Students were primarily in 9th grade, although all grades could be present. In this convenience sample, each student present in class on the day of the module was asked to participate and complete the corresponding survey.

School and student demographics at the three HNVP selected schools (Data source: Public School Review 2020–2021; https://www.publicschoolreview.com/nevadav ).

2.2. HNVP development

Topics were chosen using public health data collected from the annual Nevada YRBS and Washoe County Community Health Needs Assessment ( Diedrick et al., 2019 ). First- and second-year medical students, all of whom had a Bachelor or Master of Science degree, designed the modules to address specific health-related concerns that high school students face. Members of the team were selected based on prior teaching experience and interest in medical outreach efforts. Each module was designed to be approximately one hour long and was developed in accordance with WCSD health education objectives in the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS 389.018). Each module covered basic physiology, community resources, and preventive healthcare recommendations. Modules were loosely based on social learning theory, where students were asked to actively model and repeat given information as well as share their personal experiences with each topic. Short, age-appropriate surveys were created to assess understanding of key module components and participant willingness/comfort in discussing this information with healthcare providers.

2.3. HNVP design and implementation

In this cross-sectional study, individual modules were taught over one to two days with surveys given before and after module implementation to assess module impact. Each lesson included open discussion and at least one interactive activity. All materials were approved by the WCSD and the Institutional Review Board at the University of Nevada, Reno (IRB# 1471885–1).

2.3.1. Substance use and addiction

This module contained information about different types of substance use and addiction, with a focus on opioids. Students actively participated by discussing and practicing the administration of Narcan® (Naloxone) via kits provided by the medical students. The survey measured students' attitudes and beliefs about substance use as well as their familiarity with overdose treatment options.

2.3.2. Exercise

Students learned the physical and psychological benefits of exercise, along with an overview of nutritional supplements and the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs. They actively participated through a gameshow-style quiz and measured their heart and respiratory rates before and after exercise. The role that medical professionals play in addressing exercise concerns was discussed.

2.3.3. Personal relationships

This module focused on healthy communication, patient-physician relationships, confidentiality, and intimate partner violence. Class participation involved instructional videos and role-playing scenarios to illustrate methods for handling relationship concerns such as trust, jealousy, and possessiveness.

2.3.4. Stress and mental health

Physical, emotional, and interpersonal consequences of stress were discussed in this module, as well as the impact of technology on depression and isolation. Students brainstormed ways to reduce stress and participated in a guided meditation and stretching session. They were also provided information on numerous mental health resources.

2.4. Assessment of effectiveness

To determine the effectiveness of each module, students completed a brief survey at two time points: prior to starting a module (“pre”) and immediately after completing a module (“post”). Each module had a unique corresponding survey with a combination of questions and statements related to the topic ( Appendices A-D ). Students were asked to respond using five-point Likert scales. Responses to statements were based on agreement while answers to questions were based on a number of factors such as likelihood of performing certain health behaviors, level of interest in learning, and self-assessments of current health behaviors ( Appendices A-D ). Personal and demographic information was not collected to maintain anonymity and minimize social-desirability bias given the sensitive nature of many survey questions.

2.5. Independent variables

The main independent variable of interest was the treatment variable for survey timing (before or after the training). Because personal and demographic information was not collected, individual pre- and post-surveys could not be linked. Instead, differences in survey scores from before to after the training were modeled as a binary independent variable (pre- or post-), hereafter referred to as “Survey”.

School was also tested as an independent variable in order to assess if significant differences between pre- and post-survey scores varied by school. The variable “School” was modeled as categorical with three levels (A, B, and C) representing each school.

2.6. Dependent variable

The dependent variable was survey “Score”: student responses to each survey question were coded numerically and then averaged to produce an overall score. The most negative traits, perceptions, and opinions were assigned a value of “1” (e.g. strongly disagree, not at all likely, or not at all important), while the most positive traits, perceptions, and opinions were assigned a value of “5” (e.g. strongly agree, very likely, or very important; see Appendices A-D ).

2.7. Data analysis

Two linear regression models were used to assess differences in pre- and post-training scores for each module. First, the Survey variable was modeled alone to assess overall differences in scores during the two time periods. Next, the School variable and a School*Survey interaction was added to examine if differences in scores were independent of School effects. A mixed-effects linear regression was also used to test for differences in scores while accounting for lack of independence between students who attended the same school; however, because results between the fixed- and mixed-effects regressions were the same in all cases, results are presented only for the simpler fixed-effects models. In all cases, assumptions of normality for the outcome variable were tested prior to regression analysis. Statistical analyses were conducted in SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Significance was assessed using 95% confidence intervals, with p-values ≤ 0.05 considered sufficient to reject the null hypothesis of no pre- to post-survey difference in scores.

From August 2019 to March 2020, the HNVP modules were presented to over 700 health class students, grades 9–12, in the WCSD. Approximately 700 pre- and post-surveys were obtained per module ( Table 2 ) with scores increasing significantly towards more positive traits, perceptions, and opinions for all schools and modules following the trainings ( Table 2 , Table 3 ). Post hoc analyses showed that 95% power was achieved for α = 0.05. Discrepancies in the number of pre- and post-survey responses collected were attributed to students arriving late to class or being dismissed early for a previously arranged activity.

Summary statistics for pre- and post-module survey scores among health class students at the three participating high schools, 2019–2020 academic year, Reno, NV.

Linear regressions comparing pre- and post-module survey scores, based on data collected during the 2019–2020 academic year at three high schools in Reno, NV, USA, β (SE). a.

Notes: NV = Nevada, β = coefficient, SE β = standard error of coefficient.

*p < 0.10.

**p < 0.05.

***p < 0.0001.

3.1. Substance use and addiction module

A total of 749 and 724 students completed the pre- and post-surveys, respectively, for the substance use and addiction module (45.8% School A, 24.6% School B, and 29.6% School C; Table 2 ). Question non-response was low: the mean percent of questions skipped per survey was < 1% (mean = 0.78 ± 0.84% SD, range = 0.5–1.1%).

The univariate linear regression showed that scores were higher on post-surveys compared to pre-surveys (p < 0.001; Table 3 ). After controlling for possible School effects, it was found that post-survey scores remained significantly higher than pre-scores (p < 0.001), School was associated with test scores (p < 0.0001), and the interaction between Survey and School was insignificant (p = 0.080; Table 3 ). Variation in scores was driven by School C. Students had lower scores at School C compared to Schools A and B, while scores between Schools A and B were similar ( Table 2 ).

3.2. Exercise module

A total of 648 and 638 students completed the pre- and post-surveys, respectively, for the exercise module (51.9% School A, 32.4% School B, and 15.6% School C; Table 2 ). The mean percent of questions skipped per survey was only 0.53% (±0.76% SD, range = 0.2–1.4%).

Scores on the exercise module survey significantly increased from the pre- to post-survey (p < 0.001; Table 3 ). After controlling for possible School effects, post-survey scores remained significantly higher than pre-scores (p < 0.001), School was associated with test scores (p = 0.0006), and the effect of Survey was not modified by School (p = 0.8786; Table 3 ). Students at Schools A and B had roughly the same pre- and post-survey scores (pre-scores = 3.74 and 3.77, percent increase = 8.5 and 8.6, respectively), while students at School C showed lower pre-scores than Schools A and B but a greater percent increase in scores from pre- to post-surveys ( Table 2 ).

3.3. Personal relationships module

A total of 691 and 729 students completed the pre- and post-surveys, respectively, for the personal relationships module (50.5% School A, 28.4% School B, and 21.1% School C; Table 2 ). Surveys were generally completed in their entirety; the mean percent of students who skipped each survey question was 1.7% (±3.7% SD, range = 1.1–2.0%).

Scores on the personal relationships module survey were significantly higher on the post-survey compared to the pre-survey (p < 0.001; Table 3 ). Adding School did not change this finding (Survey: p < 0.001) but showed that School was also associated with test scores (p < 0.0015) and did not act as an effect modifier (p = 0.7011; Table 3 ). Students at Schools A and B had higher mean scores on the personal relationships survey than students at School C ( Table 2 ).

3.4. Stress and mental health module

A total of 764 and 734 students completed the pre- and post-surveys, respectively, for the stress and mental health module (46.8% School A, 27.7% School B, and 25.5% School C; Table 2 ). Consistent with the other modules, item-nonresponse was low (mean = 0.41 ± 0.47% SD, range = 0.2–0.9%).

Scores on the stress module survey were significantly higher on the post-survey compared to the pre-survey (p < 0.001; Table 3 ). Controlling for School effects did not change this finding (Survey: p < 0.001) but additionally showed a main effect of School (p < 0.0004) with no effect modification (p = 0.8318; Table 3 ). Students at Schools A and B had higher mean scores on the stress and mental health survey compared to students at School C ( Table 2 ).

4. Discussion

School-based prevention programs are an important avenue through which adolescents learn about healthy lifestyle behaviors. The behavioral choices and patterns established during adolescence impact individuals’ current and future health status. The module-based program developed in this paper demonstrated significantly higher student understanding and comfort level with public health-relevant topics after content delivery. This study further evaluated whether medical student-led health modules impacted high school students’ likelihood of discussing these same topics with healthcare providers.

Overall, there was a statistically significant increase in student awareness of, level of comfort with, and willingness to discuss each of the four studied topics with a healthcare provider following the HNVP presentations. Results showed that the substance use and addiction module resulted in the largest pre- to post-survey score increase. In general, students rated themselves as comparatively less comfortable with this topic on the pre-survey, potentially due to the stigma surrounding substance use and addiction. Students were less likely to have received comprehensive education on this topic in previous health classes, especially regarding the opioid epidemic.

The personal relationships and exercise modules showed the second largest increases in survey scores ( Table 2 ): the personal relationships module was second in terms of mean percent increase at Schools A and B, while the exercise module was second at School C. Adolescents require healthcare providers to establish a nonjudgmental, open, and welcoming environment before they are likely to share sensitive information such as the intimate content of the personal relationships module ( American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2018 ). A major reason adolescents are hesitant to share intimate information with physicians is lack of awareness regarding their right to confidentiality, which was corroborated by verbal discussion during the HNVP module ( Carlisle et al., 2006 , Gilbert et al., 2014 ). The personal relationships lecture directly defined physician-patient confidentiality and how it pertains to minors navigating the healthcare system, which likely influenced its overall success.

The exercise module had the highest pre-survey score at each school, suggesting that the students already had a higher baseline level of knowledge and comfort with this topic. This could be because Nevada schools have a required physical education curriculum that provides all students with exposure to exercise-related topics, and adolescents tend to be more comfortable discussing exercise compared to the more intimate topics covered by other modules. Interestingly, the study results also showed that students at Schools A and B had roughly the same pre- and post-survey scores, while students at School C showed lower pre-scores but a greater percent score increase from pre- to post-surveys. This may reflect a decreased interest in or reduced availability of physical education classes, school-sponsored sports, or club sports for students at School C compared to the other two schools. Of note, School C was the only Title 1 school in the study with lower reported levels of academic success compared to Schools A and B.

The stress and mental health module had the smallest mean percent increase in survey scores at each school. The explanation for this was likely that the module contained three questions evaluating students’ stress levels that were not likely to change between the pre- and post-survey (see Appendices D ).

By delivering relatable and interactive educational experiences, medical students help demonstrate that healthcare providers are approachable and can offer a safe, confidential space to discuss mental, physical, and emotional problems. Although not widely described in the literature, some previous efforts have been made to study this notion. The School Health Education Program (SHEP) implemented by the John A. Burns School of Medicine and the State of Hawaii Department of Education used premedical and medical students to teach six health-related topics to high school students ( Wong and Naguwa, 2010 ). Their program provided evidence that medical students were more effective than teachers in promoting comfortability and trust. HNVP expanded on this approach to demonstrate that medical students were not only effective at teaching high school students about important health education topics, but also in increasing high school students’ comfort with and likelihood of discussing these topics with healthcare professionals. Similarly, a University of British Columbia study found that high school students who attended healthcare communication workshops hosted by medical students asked more questions and were more likely to bring up sensitive concerns at their next healthcare visit ( Towle et al., 2006 ). These studies and the current HNVP initiative discussed in this paper demonstrate the numerous benefits of implementing medical student-led health education programs around the country.

Finally, HNVP modules increase access to preventive healthcare. Studies show that less than half of adolescents receive preventive care, and many do not visit a primary care provider ( Rand and Goldstein, 2018 ), a trend which was also observed in the classrooms where HNVP was presented. Regular primary care visits improve health outcomes as demonstrated by markers such as decreased emergency room visits, decreased hospitalizations, decreased healthcare costs, increased rates of vaccinations, and increased well-being for specific conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and more ( Rand and Goldstein, 2018 , Choque Olsson et al., 2017 , Rubinstein et al., 2018 , Rose et al., 2019 ). HNVP introduces key preventive health information, provides communication strategies, and stresses the importance of seeking healthcare.

4.1. Limitations, future directions, and conclusions

Data showed that high school students reported healthier attitudes regarding substance use and addiction, personal relationships, exercise, and stress and mental health after the educational modules were administered. However, this project had several limitations. While survey results reflected an overall change in attitudes toward discussing these topics with healthcare providers, this study did not evaluate whether this effected actual behavioral change or whether group-level changes were consistent at the individual level considering that individual pre- and post-surveys could not be linked. Because failing to account for within-person correlation overestimates the p-value, any resulting bias from this methodological choice would be towards the null hypothesis. Given that significant results were consistently found, increased type II errors are not a concern despite the reduced precision. Moreover, variability in pre- and post- responses was low, and pre- to post-changes in students were very small compared to sample sizes. Another important limitation was the use of Likert scales for the surveys. This scale was selected because of its ease of implementation. However, the subjective options may have caused inconsistency in how students understood and responded to questions.

Additional limitations include the self-reported nature of the surveys and the variability in the delivery of content due to multiple medical students presenting the modules. Reporting bias was minimized despite the self-report design by not collecting personal data on the surveys: students could not be linked to their surveys, resulting item non-response was consistently low, and students likely felt more comfortable providing honest responses. Each class received the lectures at different times throughout the semester, which likely meant that students had different levels of baseline knowledge about certain module topics. Lastly, since school districts outside of Nevada have different curricula and may place varying levels of emphasis on substance use, personal relationships, mental health, and physical education, this limits the generalizability of this study’s results to public schools in Nevada and to school districts outside of Nevada with comparable curricula.

This study was not designed to longitudinally assess whether participation in these educational modules translated into behavioral change or different healthcare outcomes. Therefore, future directions include evaluating students at determined intervals after module completion, which would provide more evidence for the overall effectiveness of the program. While findings from this study support that medical students may successfully change the attitudes of high school students through health education efforts, a future study can specifically compare medical students to schoolteachers, school nurses, or other individuals presenting similar content. Lastly, research has shown that many unhealthy behaviors begin prior to entry into high school; therefore, it may be beneficial to present similar, age-appropriate modules to middle school students.

Future investigations are necessary in order to further evaluate the effectiveness of prevention programs run by medical students in improving high school students’ health literacy and in closing the communication gap that currently exists between adolescents and healthcare providers.

5. Funding support

This study was supported by a grant from the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Chapter of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine.

Declaration of Competing Interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

1 List of Text Abbreviations: HNVP (The Healthier Nevada Youth Educational Modules Project); WHO (World Health Organization); YRBS (Youth Risk Behavior Survey); UNR Med (University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine); WCSD (Washoe County School District); SHEP (School Health Education Program)

Appendix A Supplementary data to this article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101512 .

Appendix A. Supplementary data

The following are the Supplementary data to this article:

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2018. Committee opinion no. 758: Promoting healthy relationships in adolescents. Obstet. Gynecol. 132:E213–20. [ PubMed ]
• Basch, C.E. 2011. Healthier students are better learners: A missing link in school reforms to close the achievement gap. J. Sch. Health 81:593–598. [ PubMed ]
• Carlisle J., Shickle D., Cork M. Concerns over confidentiality may deter adolescents from consulting their doctors. A qualitative exploration. J. Med. Ethics. 2006; 32 :133–137. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Choque Olsson N., Flygare O., Coco C., Görling A., Råde A., Chen Q.i., Lindstedt K., Berggren S., Serlachius E., Jonsson U., Tammimies K., Kjellin L., Bölte S. Social skills training for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized controlled trial. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry. 2017; 56 (7):585–592. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• De La Rue L., Polanin J.R., Espelage D.L., Pigott T.D. A meta-analysis of school-based interventions aimed to prevent or reduce violence in teen dating relationships. Rev. Educ. Res. 2017; 87 (1):7–34. [ Google Scholar ]
• Diedrick M., Lensch T., Zhang F. State of Nevada. Division of Public and Behavioral Health and the University of Nevada; Reno: 2019. Nevada High School YRBS Washoe County Special Report. [ Google Scholar ]
• WHO Expert Committee on Comprehensive School Health Education and Promotion. Promoting health through schools: Report of a WHO Expert Committee on Comprehensive School Health Education and Promotion, 1997. [ PubMed ]
• Faggiano F., Vigna-Taglianti F.D., Versino E., Zambon A., Borraccino A., Lemma P. School-based prevention for illicit drugs use: A systematic review. Prev. Med. Baltim. 2008; 46 (5):385–396. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Feiss R., Dolinger S.B., Merritt M., Reiche E., Martin K., Yanes J.A., Thomas C.M., Pangelinan M. A systematic review and meta-analysis of school-based stress, anxiety, and depression prevention programs for adolescents. J. Youth Adolesc. 2019; 48 (9):1668–1685. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Flattum C., Friend S., Neumark-Sztainer D., Story M. Motivational interviewing as a component of a school-based obesity prevention program for adolescent girls. J. Am. Diet. Assoc. 2009; 109 (1):91–94. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Forrest C.B., Bevans K.B., Riley A.W., Crespo R., Louis T.A. Health and school outcomes during children’s transition into adolescence. J. Adolesc. Heal. 2013; 52 (2):186–194. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Gilbert A.L., Rickert V.I., Aalsma M.C. Clinical conversations about health: The impact of confidentiality in preventive adolescent care. J. Adolesc. Heal. 2014; 55 (5):672–677. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Kelder S.H., Perry C.L., Klepp K.I., Lytle L.L. Longitudinal tracking of adolescent smoking, physical activity, and food choice behaviors. Am. J. Public Health. 1994; 84 (7):1121–1126. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Langford, R., Bonell, C.P., Jones, H.E., et al. 2014. The WHO Health Promoting School framework for improving the health and well-being of students and their academic achievement. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ]
• Mendelson T., Greenberg M.T., Dariotis J.K., Gould L.F., Rhoades B.L., Leaf P.J. Feasibility and preliminary outcomes of a school-based mindfulness intervention for urban youth. J. Abnorm. Child Psychol. 2010; 38 (7):985–994. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Naylor P.-J., Nettlefold L., Race D., Hoy C., Ashe M.C., Wharf Higgins J., McKay H.A. Implementation of school based physical activity interventions: A systematic review. Prev. Med. Baltim. 2015; 72 :95–115. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Neil A.L., Christensen H. Efficacy and effectiveness of school-based prevention and early intervention programs for anxiety. Clin. Psychol. Rev. 2009; 29 (3):208–215. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Rand C.M., Goldstein N.P.N. Patterns of primary care physician visits for US adolescents in 2014: Implications for vaccination. Acad. Pediatr. 2018; 18 (2):S72–S78. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Rose A.J., Timbie J.W., Setodji C., Friedberg M.W., Malsberger R., Kahn K.L. Primary care visit regularity and patient outcomes: An observational study. J. Gen. Intern. Med. 2019; 34 (1):82–89. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Rubinstein M., Ruest S., Amanullah S., Gjelsvik A. Having a regular primary care provider is associated with improved markers of well-being among children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Clin. Pediatr. Phila. 2018; 57 (9):1086–1091. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Sawyer S.M., Afifi R.A., Bearinger L.H., Blakemore S.-J., Dick B., Ezeh A.C., Patton G.C. Adolescence: A foundation for future health. Lancet. 2012; 379 (9826):1630–1640. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Singh, A.S., Mulder,C., Twisk, J.W.R., et al. 2008. Tracking of childhood overweight into adulthood: A systematic review of the literature. Obes. Rev. 9:474–488. [ PubMed ]
• Sussman S., Sun P., Rohrbach L.A., Spruijt-Metz D. One-year outcomes of a drug abuse prevention program for older teens and emerging adults: Evaluating a motivational interviewing booster component. Heal Psychol. 2012; 31 (4):476–485. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Towle A., Godolphin W., Staalduinen S.V. Enhancing the relationship and improving communication between adolescents and their health care providers: A school based intervention by medical students. Patient Educ. Couns. 2006; 62 (2):189–192. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Wolfenden L., Nathan N.K., Sutherland R. Strategies for enhancing the implementation of school-based policies or practices targeting risk factors for chronic disease. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 2017; 2017 [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Wong V.S.S., Naguwa G.S. The School Health Education Program (SHEP): medical students as health educators. Hawaii Med. J. 2010; 69 :60–64. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
• World Health Organization. Reducing health inequities through action on the social determinants of health. World Health Organization; 2009.
• World Health Organization. Contributing to social and economic development: sustainable action across sectors to improve health and health equity. 2014.