For the past 20 years, the FACES Summer Medical Academy (FSMA) has provided short-term, immersive summer experiences designed to expose high school students to the practice of medicine. The FSMA is open to any high school student, regardless of background or school.
The FSMA offers high school students ages 15+ in-depth, hands-on opportunities to explore their interests in health, clinical skills, and the art of medicine. Whether you’re set on a medical career, or still exploring your options, the FSMA program will expose you to new ideas, mentors, and other teens who have similar interests. If spending the summer learning how to save lives, respond to crisis situations, explore potential diagnosis and treatment plans for a patient, and meeting professionals in the field sound exciting to you, we highly recommend the FSMA program.
Program Qualifications
FSMA welcomes students who are:
- Motivated and responsible.
- 15 years or older by the start of the program.
- Genuinely interested in learning about a career in healthcare.
- Excited to participate fully in a unique learning experience.
FSMA 2025
Get ready for an action-packed summer at FACES Summer Medical Academy. From getting certified in Mental Health First Aid to mastering suturing and wound care, plus field trips to state-of-the-art health facilities, there’s no shortage of excitement and learning opportunities awaiting you during this two-week program.
Details:
Dates: June 16 – 27, 2025
Times: 9:00am – 3:30pm, Monday through Friday
*No programming on Thursday June 19th in recognition of Juneteenth
Location: Samuel Merritt University
Program Tuition: $2,800
What students can expect:
- Develop professional health skills and earn certifications to boost their resume
- Engage with health experts in training and problem-based learning
- Expand their knowledge of health practice and career opportunities
- Have fun while building strong leadership and teamwork skills
- Form strong relationships with peers exploring health careers
Registration for this year’s program is now full.
For more information, email Program Manager, Chad Seamon, at cseamon@phi.org.
Students’ Experiences
I would recommend FACES Summer Medical Academy to a friend because…
“I learned so much and I know it would positively impact their lives, especially those training to be in the medical field.” FSMA 2024 Graduate
“There were so many great people and opportunities that provided insight into the medical field. It was also really fun!” FSMA 2024 Graduate
“I learned so much and you will do things you could never find in a high school medical class.” FSMA 2024 Graduate
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What sets the FACES Summer Medical Academy apart from other summer programs?
The FACES Summer Medical Academy distinguishes itself through its long-standing tradition of providing immersive summer experiences tailored to high school students interested in exploring the field of health and medicine. Unlike other programs, FSMA welcomes students from all backgrounds and schools, fostering a diverse learning environment. Our program offers a unique blend of hands-on clinical skills training, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to healthcare careers, empowering students to make informed decisions about their future in healthcare.
2. What certifications can students expect to earn?
Students can expect to receive certifications that enhance their resumes and equip them with the knowledge needed in a variety of health-focused careers. Certifications and training include, but are not limited to:
· QPR Gatekeeper
· Stop the Bleed
· Opioid overdose intervention/Narcan
· CPR
3. What is the structure of the program like?
FSMA is structured to provide a holistic learning experience where each day students will engage in hands-on learning, trainings, and interactive workshops. On a typical day onsite, students begin their morning with a hands-on workshop led by a health professional, followed by teambuilding exercises and leadership development challenges. After lunch, students will engage in additional project-based health workshops. This structure will be adapted on field trip days or when certification workshops require more time. An agenda of FSMA programming will be shared with registered students and their families before the program begins.
4. What are some examples of field trips that students will go on?
Examples of past field trips include visits at George Mark Children’s House and the UCSF Campus, in addition to regular visits to Samuel Merritt University’s simulation labs and gross anatomy labs.
5. Can students expect to receive college credit for participating in the FSMA program?
While the FSMA program does not directly offer college credit, the certifications and skills gained during our program will enhance students’ college applications and provide a great foundation for future academic goals in health care. FSMA prioritizes hands-on learning, mentorship, and exposure to healthcare scenarios, preparing students for success in their future career aspirations.
6. What safety measures are being implemented to ensure the well-being of students?
The safety and well-being of students are our top priorities. We will adhere to safety protocols as deemed necessary. In the event of an emergency, FACES Staff will alert emergency services and keep students’ emergency contact information at hand during the program.
7. Are there any prerequisites or prior experience required to apply for the FSMA program?
We welcome students ages 15+ who are committed and excited to learn about health careers. Our program is designed to accommodate students from diverse backgrounds and different levels of experience, therefore there are no prerequisites.
8. Will transportation be provided for students attending the FSMA program?
Transportation to and from the FSMA program is the responsibility of the students and their families. FACES will coordinate bus transportation for field trips.
9. What should students wear and bring with them to the FSMA program?
Students should come prepared with comfortable clothing suitable for hands-on activities and trainings. Additionally, we recommend that students bring:
· Water bottle
· Writing materials (additional materials will be provided at programming)
· An eagerness to learn and build new relationships!
10. Is financial assistance available for the FSMA program?
Unfortunately, financial assistance is not available for the FSMA program at this time. Applicants are encouraged to plan accordingly and explore external funding or sponsorship opportunities if needed.
Highlights from the 2024 FSMA, see our photo album:
