High school students aspiring to BS/MD programs face a unique challenge: proving a genuine commitment to medicine despite their young age. Direct hospital volunteering often has age restrictions (many programs require volunteers to be 18+), making it harder to get traditional clinical exposure. However, BS/MD admissions committees want to see that you know what you’re getting into as a future physician. They look for long-term experiences that demonstrate passion, reliability, and understanding of healthcare beyond just grades and test scores. In this guide, we explore medium to long-term ways for high school students to gain medical experience – from internships and research to community service and independent projects – and how to pursue them. These sustained efforts will not only strengthen your BS/MD application but also help you confirm your interest in a medical career.

Medical Internships and Research Programs for High Schoolers

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in medicine early is through summer medical internships or research programs tailored for high school students. Many universities, hospitals, and institutes offer programs that allow teens to work in labs or healthcare settings under supervision. These programs often teach lab techniques, critical thinking, and may include seminars or a final presentation, giving a taste of real medical research. Some hospitals also have summer volunteer or internship programs where students rotate through departments and assist staff.

How can you find and apply to these opportunities? Start by searching for “high school summer medical programs” or checking local university websites for high school research internships. Some programs offer scholarships for those who qualify, so pay attention to application deadlines (often in late winter or early spring). If formal programs are out of reach, consider creating your own research opportunity by cold-emailing professors or physicians at nearby colleges or medical schools. Show genuine interest and willingness to learn.

You can also design your own science fair or independent research projects. Competing in local or national fairs can demonstrate research skills. Even a self-driven project at your school’s lab or analyzing public health data can be valuable if it goes in-depth. The key is to stick with it over many months, seek feedback from mentors, and produce tangible results like a presentation or paper.

Shadowing Doctors as a High School Student

Physician shadowing provides a front-row seat to a doctor’s daily life – a crucial insight for anyone committing to medicine. Shadowing is often informally arranged but highly worthwhile. By shadowing different specialties (family medicine, surgery, pediatrics, etc.), you can show that you’ve explored various career paths and understand both the challenges and rewards of being a physician.

To secure shadowing opportunities, start with people you know. Ask your own family doctor or pediatrician if you could shadow them. If they can’t accommodate you, they might refer you to a colleague. You can also contact the volunteer office at your local hospital to see if any formal “student observer” programs exist, or cold-call local clinics. Introduce yourself as a high school student interested in medicine and politely inquire about shadowing for a few days.

When shadowing, come prepared with questions and pay attention to how healthcare professionals interact with patients and staff. Aim for multiple hours or days of shadowing so you can learn the daily realities of medicine. Document the key lessons and experiences, as these details will be invaluable in future application essays or interviews.

Community Healthcare Volunteering (Beyond Hospitals)

If hospitals won’t accept teen volunteers, consider alternatives. BS/MD programs do not require that all your experience come from a hospital – any sustained service in a healthcare or caregiving setting can count. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are top options. By volunteering at a nursing home, you can have direct contact with elderly residents, build communication skills, and demonstrate empathy.

Community health clinics may have roles for minors in administrative tasks or patient check-in. Public health departments sometimes welcome teen volunteers for health education campaigns or events. You might design flyers for a flu shot clinic or help at a health fair.

Mental health or crisis support organizations are another avenue. Some programs train high schoolers to respond to crises via text or phone. Look into local teen suicide prevention lines or national organizations that accept older teens.

Junior EMT or rescue squad cadet programs can also be an exciting path if you’re interested in emergency medicine. Many volunteer ambulance companies and fire departments accept 16- or 17-year-olds as trainees. You could become a certified EMT by 18 and respond to real 911 calls, gaining unforgettable patient interactions.

Virtual Medical Opportunities and Certifications

Virtual opportunities have expanded significantly. While not a perfect substitute for in-person experience, they can demonstrate your initiative and give you exposure to various specialties. Virtual shadowing programs, often offered online, allow you to observe physicians via video sessions. You can earn certificates of completion to verify your hours.

Consider online courses in medical topics, such as public health or anatomy, to show intellectual curiosity. You could also earn Basic Life Support (BLS), CPR/AED, or First Aid certifications – many are open to students as young as 15 or 16. If you’re nearly 18, plan ahead for advanced certifications like CNA or EMT, which allow more direct patient care. These skills can open volunteering or part-time job opportunities.

Independent Initiatives: Blogs, Clubs, and Personal Projects

Long-term experiences don’t have to be formal. BS/MD programs appreciate self-driven projects that highlight your leadership and passion. You could start a health-related blog or podcast where you post regularly on medical topics, interview local health professionals, or share community health tips. Keeping it active over time shows commitment and teaches you a lot in the process.

Another option is founding a club or organization at your school if one doesn’t exist. You could start a HOSA chapter or a Red Cross Club, organize volunteering events at clinics, or invite guest speakers. Focus on concrete achievements that you can document for applications.

Consider identifying a healthcare-related problem in your community and devising a solution. For instance, a ride-share program for elderly neighbors to get to appointments or a fundraiser for a local children’s hospital. If you enjoy coding, you might create an app for medication reminders. These independent initiatives highlight your creativity and drive.

What BS/MD Admissions Committees Value in Long-Term Experiences

Quality and consistency are crucial. Committing to one place over a long period shows sincerity and passion. Many BS/MD programs see hundreds of hours of volunteering or shadowing on successful applications, but the depth of your involvement matters more than the raw number of hours.

Admissions committees also look for progression over time. Did you take on more responsibilities or leadership roles as you continued? Did you learn from your experiences and reflect on them? You should be able to articulate why your activities confirmed your desire to pursue medicine.

BS/MD committees need to see you’re not just applying on a whim. They want evidence that you’ve tested your interest by experiencing the realities of healthcare, both good and bad. If you can share specific, formative patient interactions or lab projects in your essays, it will impress evaluators. Remember to maintain academic excellence alongside these extracurriculars. A well-rounded profile that demonstrates commitment to medicine, leadership, and strong academics is the hallmark of a competitive BS/MD applicant.

In summary, the ideal BS/MD candidate will have a clear track record of sustained, meaningful medical experiences throughout high school. Whether it’s two years volunteering at a nursing home, a summer research internship followed by a science fair project, or founding a health outreach club that thrives, find opportunities you can deepen over time. Show initiative in overcoming age restrictions by seeking alternatives like community service, virtual programs, or even starting your own projects. Combining clinical exposure, research experience, community service, and leadership over multiple years will demonstrate your commitment to medicine and your readiness for an accelerated program. By starting early and being proactive, you’ll not only impress admissions committees but also gain valuable insights into the field you’re aiming to join. 

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