BRITE Junior Doctors Programs

The Junior Doctors Program is a fun, hands-on program designed to inspire young students to explore careers in medicine and scientific research. It also teaches them how to stay healthy and protect themselves from diseases. More importantly, it is about inspiring students to dream big and be in control of their health while exploring careers in medicine and science. 

Who is it for?

• Elementary, middle and high school students (Kindergarten through 12th grade) who are curious about medicine, science and health.
• Schools and communities that want to give students early exposure to healthcare, science and healthy living.

Program design

• High school students: One-week summer program
• Elementary and middle school students (Kindergarten through 8th grade): Programs where teachers will take students to Baylor College of Medicine for a tour.
• Application process: Email Dr. Shixia Huang at BRITE@bcm.edu.

Junior Doctors High School Program invites high school students to a week-long summer program tailored for those who are curious about pursuing a career in healthcare. Through interactive workshops, clinical simulations and mentorship from experienced medical professionals, participants will gain real-world insights into the medical field while building the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to take their first steps toward becoming future doctors.

Program agenda

• Explore clinical skills: Use stethoscopes to listen to heartbeats, practice taking blood pressure and learn proper handwashing techniques to prevent infections.
• Engage in hands-on activities: Perform ultrasounds to see inside the body using models.
• Learn medical procedures such as practice suturing wounds, explore surgical tools or administer mock injections (anesthesiology).
• Life-saving skills: Learn CPR, first aid and how to best respond in emergency medical situations.
• Discover healthy living: Understand the importance of sun protection, nutrition and mental health in preventing diseases.
• Shadow doctors or visit clinics: Hear inspiring stories from doctors and scientists, ask questions and even try on a white coat to imagine themselves as future medical professionals.
• Reflection, research and problem-based learning: Learn to conduct research and analyze patient cases through reflective practice and collaborative problem-solving.

Program details

• Duration: One week in summer 2025
• Capacity: A limited number of students will be accepted per session to ensure personalized attention.

Application requirements

• Up to 650-word essay: Personal essay about yourself and your interest in medicine and healthcare.
• Letter of recommendation from a teacher (preferably in math or science) or guidance counselor, confirming your academic standing and extracurricular activities.
• High school transcript

Junior Doctors K-8 Program invites elementary and middle school students to explore the exciting world of medicine and science through hands-on, interactive experiences. Teachers can contact the program to discuss suitability and to schedule a session, which can range from one-to-four hours. Through engaging activities, demonstrations and mentorship from medical professionals, students will gain insights into healthcare, sparking curiosity and fostering a love for science and medicine.

What happens during the program?

Interactive stations: Students rotate through fun educational activities. A single group will cycle through three activities based on the length of the program and doctor availability. 

1. Exploration
   • General medical exam: Students learn how to use a stethoscope to listen to a heartbeat, check blood pressure and practice proper handwashing techniques.
   • Ultrasound station: Students use an ultrasound machine to see inside the body via models and learn how doctors diagnose conditions.
   • Microscope exploration: Students use microscopes to examine cells, bacteria or other tiny structures.
2. Medical procedures
   • Surgery basics: Students explore surgical tools and learn how doctors perform operations.
   • Epidural / injection practice: Using models, students learn how doctors administer an epidural or give an injection.
   • Suturing and stitching: Students practice stitching wounds on synthetic skin or banana peels.
3. Life-saving skills
   • CPR and first aid: Students practice life-saving skills like chest compressions and basic first aid on mannequins.
4. Healthy living
   • Sun safety: Why wearing sunscreen, hats and sunglasses is important to prevent skin cancer.
   • Cancer prevention: How eating well, exercising and avoiding smoking can reduce the risk of cancers.
   • Genetic health: How doctors study genes to understand and treat diseases.
5. Inspiration
   • Meet the doctor: Doctors and / or scientists share their stories, answer questions and let students try on a traditional doctor’s white coat.
   • Students are encouraged to dream big and believe that they, too, can become doctors or scientists, no matter their background.