Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Summer Internship

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.

How much does Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Summer Internship cost?

Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Summer Internship costs $4,500. We read that off its official page, which says “$4,500 USD”. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

Who is eligible for Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Summer Internship?

Our catalog has Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Summer Internship open to high school students in grades 9–12, unconfirmed against the program's own page — check it before you rule yourself in or out, since eligibility is often narrower than a grade range suggests (age floors, "must have completed" rules, enrolment status).

Is Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Summer Internship online or in person?

Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Summer Internship is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection. Expect a time commitment of roughly 30 hours per week.

How do I apply to Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Summer Internship?

Apply directly through Stanford Medicine Cardiothoracic Surgical Skills and Education Center's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.