High School Opportunities for Pediatrics Experience and Shadowing (HOPES)

July 27-31
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Locations

Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt and
Vanderbilt Health at One Hundred Oaks

Overview

The HOPES Summer Program provides high school students with a unique opportunity to explore the medical field and its various specialties through firsthand exposure. Students will observe health care professionals in action, connecting them with the health care community and highlighting career pathways. Students will shadow health care professionals, observing the daily responsibilities of various roles.

The HOPES Summer Program also provides a chance to:

  • Explore health care careers in a supportive, structured environment
  • Build connections with medical students, professionals and peers
  • Gain valuable insights and inspiration for the future

This immersive program offers observational experiences and one-on-one mentorship, empowering and inspiring the next generation of health care professionals.

Who Should Apply?

The program prioritizes high school students who have experienced significant adversity or challenges in their journey to explore careers in health care. These challenges may include socioeconomic hardships, growing up in rural or underserved areas or other unique life experiences.

Program Highlights

What We Provide

  • Hands-on observational experiences in a hospital and clinic setting.
  • Mentorship from experienced medical professionals and medical students.
  • Exposure to a wide range of careers in healthcare.
  • A pathway to future opportunities and programs in medicine.

What We Aim to Achieve

  • Inspire and guide high school students toward pursuing careers in health care.
  • Build a bridge between the health care community and local high schools.
  • Foster equity in access to medical knowledge and experiences.

If you have questions or want to learn more about the HOPES Summer Program, or you are a VUMC employee volunteer, email hopes@vumc.org.

  • The HOPES Program is considered a VUMC Observational Experience (VOE). While we try to satisfy each individual's VOE request, certain limitations may prevent us from fulfilling your first choice. In this case, we will contact you with a comparable recommendation based on information from your application.

    The welfare of our patients and participants means that observations in some areas may not be available. For example, participants who are minors will not be permitted in operating rooms, cath labs, emergency departments, pediatric intensive care units or Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital.

    Deadlines & Timing

    Applications, including necessary documentation, must be received at least 30 days before the anticipated observation date unless a preceptor has pre-approved prior arrangements.

    Observation confirmations may take longer than 30 days to confirm. If observation requests cannot be fulfilled, we will notify you by email.

    Fees/Costs

    There are no application fees for participating in the HOPES Program.

    Application Steps

    Complete the VUMC Observational Experience Application (VOE) here.

    You will need the following documents in JPG or PDF format to upload with your VOE application:

    1. VOE Orientation Safety Quiz with a passing score of 100%; provide the completion/pass certificate
    2. Health Screening Form
    3. VUMC Privacy & Confidentiality Agreement
    4. Parental Consent Form
    5. Health Insurance Card

    Note: When completing the application, you cannot save and return to finish; information will be lost.