# Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Summer Internship Stanford Medicine's Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center (CSSEC) runs a two-week summer internship that introduces high school students to cardiothoracic surgical anatomy, physiology, and hands-on technical skills used in premedical and medical training. For Summer 2026 the program returned to a fully virtual format, with two sessions (June 22-July 3 and July 13-24). Surgical instruments, supplies, and specialized simulators are shipped to each participant. ## What You'll Do - Attend lectures Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Pacific, on cardiothoracic anatomy, physiology, and surgical care - Practice skills training daily from 1-4 p.m. Pacific: knot tying, dissection, suturing, coronary artery bypass grafting, and cardiac valve replacement on simulators - Receive live instructor feedback by pointing your laptop or phone camera at your workspace while faculty demonstrate techniques via overhead camera - Use tutorials and office hours for extra coaching ## Who Should Apply Applicants must be at least 16 on the first day of the program; the only exception is for high school juniors under 16. The 2026 cycle accepted applications from international students and students outside the Bay Area. The program fee is $4,500 (includes all educational supplies) plus a $95 non-refundable application fee; a financial aid process is available. The application window is currently closed and reopens in January 2027. ## Outcomes Interns finish with demonstrated surgical technique fundamentals, direct instruction from Stanford surgical educators, and a serious early test of interest in medicine and surgery.