Summer Internship Programs
Teaching the next generation of Medical Researchers
The High School Emerging Researcher Experience is an 8-week program designed to introduce a select group of juniors and seniors to the world of translational research. By working alongside undergraduate research interns, these students gain valuable insights into the research process and explore potential academic career paths following high school.
Mentorship with World Class Surgeons
Personalized Exposure to a Medical Career
Gain Administrative Experience with Us
2025 Program Dates:
May 27, 2025 – Aug. 1, 2025
Application Dates
Dec. 2, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025
The Houston Methodist Academic Institute offers an unparalleled 10-week summer internship program, providing selected interns with a unique opportunity to collaborate with renowned researchers. The program is open to both high school and undergraduate interns, who are paired with faculty in translational research at Houston Methodist. Each intern will take on their own scientific research project, and at the end of the internship, they will present their findings and compete in a poster presentation competition.
Throughout the program, interns will participate in weekly seminars focused on career development and professional growth. They will also have the chance to attend didactic lectures delivered by scientists and physician researchers from Houston Methodist.
Interns receive guidance and mentorship from leaders in their respective labs, gaining valuable professional exposure through various networking opportunities. The internship offers a comprehensive experience, with interns participating in diverse social activities that enrich their summer. Some interns, in collaboration with their mentors, even have the opportunity to publish their work, with many discovering potential career paths at Houston Methodist. Stipends are offered for undergraduates.
We strongly encourage all prospective applicants to carefully review the requirements before applying.
Other Volunteer Opportunities at Houston Methodist
Houston Methodist welcomes volunteers who want to offer their time, talent, and dedication. Volunteers provide a valuable service to our hospital operations. There are a variety of volunteer roles to fit individual time commitments, schedules, abilities, and interests. Volunteers may work directly with patients or choose to work behind-the-scenes, providing administrative or customer support. Click here to learn more about volunteering opportunities at each Houston Methodist location.
The Caring Teen Volunteer Program is a volunteer opportunity for high school students, ages 15-18, to serve at Houston Methodist during the summer or fall. A full description of the Caring Teen Volunteer Program, as well as information on applying, can be found at their site. Please note that the Caring Teens Volunteer Program is for non-research volunteers only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the internship?
What are the application requirements?
Application Requirements:
- Applications must be completed in full by 12:00pm (CT), January 31st, 2025.
- Undergraduate students may apply to only one of the following programs:
- Summer Undergraduate Research Internship
- Fields Rosenberg Surgical Fellowship
- Kadoorie Cardiovascular Internship
- High school juniors and seniors may apply to the High School Emerging Researchers Internship only.
- The link to the summer internship application portal will be visible on the program webpages starting Dec. 2, 2024.
- The following items must be completed in the application portal:
- Demographic information of student
- Short essay questions (see below)
- Upload of current resume
- Upload of current transcript (official or unofficial)
- On the application, you will enter the email addresses of your two recommenders, and we will send them the Letter of Recommendation form to complete.
- Once you have completed your application and we receive your letters of recommendation, you will receive an email confirming that all required materials have been received for your application to proceed to the next steps in the selection process.
- We will notify you in March regarding your selection for the 2025 Summer Research Internship Program.
Note: Documents should be less than 4 MB each and in Adobe PDF format only.
Application Essay Questions:
- Essay questions for Undergraduate Research and the High School Emerging Researcher Experience (250-word limit):
- Explain why you would be a great candidate for the summer research program and how it would benefit your career goals.
- Please describe any previous research or laboratory experience you may have.
- Please briefly explain any challenges you have experienced in your academic career and how you overcame them (optional).
- Essay questions for the Fields Rosenberg Fellowship and Kadoorie Cardiovascular Internship (250-word limit):
- Describe your career goals in medicine.
- How could you benefit from a hands-on surgical shadowing experience?
- Please describe any clinical or hospital volunteer experience you may have.
Is there a minimum age to participate in the high school internship?
Where does the internship take place?
What field or specialty will I be observing and working in?
Can I apply if I'm not a US citizen?
Is this a paid internship? Are there any costs to participate?
When will I be informed of the stipend amount for the internship?
Does the program offer housing or transportation assistance?
Can I still apply to the programs if I will not be able to start on May 27th?
Can I apply if I was a previous intern in one of the programs?
Can I apply to more than one program?
You are only allowed to apply to one summer internship program each year. If you submit applications to more than one program, we will only review the first application we receive.
If I’m graduating from college this year, am I still eligible to participate in the programs?
What if my items are not submitted by the Jan 31st deadline?
How do I submit my letters of recommendation?
You will enter the email addresses of your two recommenders on the application. A letter of recommendation form will be sent to each recommender. Once you have submitted your completed application, uploaded all required documents, and we have received the letters, you will receive an email confirming that all materials have been received. This will allow your application to proceed to the next stage in the selection process.
What can I do to make myself a competitive applicant?
When will I know if I have been selected for the internship?
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