Overview
For high school students dreaming of a career in medicine or healthcare, the Outset Summer Medicine Program at UNC-Chapel Hill offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the field while gaining a head start on the pre-med track. Designed for students aged 14-18, this one-week program combines academic rigor, hands-on experiences, and campus life to inspire and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.
What Makes Outset Stand Out?
Outset is more than just a summer camp—it's an immersive introduction to the world of medicine. The program is carefully crafted to help students understand the challenges and rewards of pursuing a medical career while equipping them with insider knowledge and skills to succeed on the pre-med path.
Explore Medical Careers: Dive into specialties like cardiology, neurology, surgery, and family medicine. Gain insight into what it’s really like to work in healthcare.
World-Class Speakers: Learn directly from physicians, medical faculty, and professionals from leading institutions such as UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke Medical Schools.
Insider Pre-Med Tips: Discover strategies for excelling as a pre-med student, from academic preparation to navigating medical school applications.
Hands-On Experiences: Practice clinical skills like suturing and taking vitals in simulation labs. Tour top hospitals and medical schools to see cutting-edge healthcare in action.
Life on Campus at UNC-Chapel Hill
Outset offers participants a glimpse into university life. Students live in dorms, eat in dining halls, and attend lectures and labs on the prestigious UNC-Chapel Hill campus. Beyond academics, evening activities such as game nights and group outings foster friendships among like-minded peers. It’s a week filled with both learning and fun.
A Curriculum That Inspires
The program’s curriculum blends rigorous academic content with hands-on learning opportunities:
Field trips to renowned medical facilities
Interactive labs led by medical students and faculty
Group discussions on the latest advancements in healthcare technology
Community-building activities that connect students with peers who share their passion for medicine
Who Should Apply?
Outset is ideal for serious, motivated high school students with a strong interest in medicine or STEM fields. While most participants are rising juniors or seniors, mature students as young as 14 are welcome to apply. A short interview process ensures that each participant is ready to fully engage with the program.
Cost and Financial Aid
Tuition for the one-week program is $2,825, which covers housing, meals, academic programming, hands-on training sessions, guest speakers, hospital tours, evening activities, and 24/7 staff support. Financial aid is available for families who qualify.
Why Families Choose Outset
Parents appreciate Outset for its balance of academic preparation and real-world exposure. The program not only helps students explore their interest in medicine but also provides practical tools for success on the pre-med track. From practicing sutures to meeting inspiring physicians, every moment at Outset is designed to motivate and prepare future healthcare leaders.
For teens ready to take their first steps toward a career in medicine, Outset offers an unforgettable experience that combines education, exploration, and camaraderie.