This summer, 52 motivated high school students came together at Samuel Merritt University for the FACES Summer Medical Academy (FSMA)—a two-week immersive experience designed for high school students to explore their passion for the medical field. The 2025 cohort experienced an enriching blend of clinical skills training, community-building, and critical conversations about equity in healthcare.
A key addition to this year’s academy was the capstone project, which invited students to explore healthcare disparities within their own communities. Working in teams, students researched root causes and proposed actionable solutions, culminating in presentations at the end of the program. The project fostered not only leadership and presentation skills but a deeper sense of purpose and agency in addressing real-world health issues.
Throughout the academy, students earned three vital certifications: QPR Suicide Prevention, Opioid Overdose Intervention, and Stop the Bleed. These credentials armed students with life-saving knowledge and prepared them to act with confidence in emergency situations.
Hands-on workshops allowed students to explore clinical procedures such as suturing, IV placement, taking vital signs, intubation, and more. A visit to SMU’s Gross Anatomy Lab offered a rare chance to examine human anatomy firsthand—deepening their appreciation for the complexity of the body and the responsibility of providing care.
FSMA also emphasized the human side of healthcare. Through guided discussions on topics like medical ethics and cultural competency, students explored the social dimensions of medicine and the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care. Students had numerous opportunities to meet healthcare professionals across disciplines—gaining insight into various career pathways, challenges, and rewards of working in the field.
Beyond skills and exposure, FSMA served as a vibrant community where students supported one another in collaborative learning. Through team-based activities, reflective conversations, and shared goals, participants strengthened their communication, critical thinking, and leadership abilities.
As these aspiring healthcare leaders head back to their schools and communities, they take with them not only new skills and certifications but also a renewed sense of purpose. The FACES Summer Medical Academy continues to be a launchpad for the next generation of changemakers in health.
Here’s what some of our students had to say!
“I am so grateful for the opportunity getting to learn so many skills and meeting so many people in different careers has really made me feel confident that healthcare is right for me. It’s also been such a welcoming community and all the activities have been lots of fun and exciting to experience and share what I’ve learned with my friends and family!”
“I did a lot of unexpected things during this program, and enjoyed every minute of it. I was exposed to things I had never seen before and saw things in real life that I had only seen on tv. It was a very surreal experience, and I’m very happy I was able to take part in the program.”
“I learned so much from working with a variety of health professionals and volunteers while working on clinical skills. Also, I learned through participating in each simulation and activity about the importance of patient care and connection when treating a patient whether they are receiving a routine checkup, or are enduring a medical emergency. My main takeaway from this program was that it is okay to make mistakes and step outside of my comfort zone especially when being a care provider and pursuing a career in the medical field.”
A big thank you to the guest presenters, trainers, clinicians, and Samuel Merritt University Staff who helped make the 2025 FACES Summer Medical Academy happen. We couldn’t have done it without you.
