The HOPES Summer Program is a unique opportunity for high school students age 16 and older to explore the exciting world of health care. Through hands-on observation and mentorship, participants will shadow professionals working in pediatrics, gain valuable insights into medical careers and be inspired to pursue a future in health care.
Program Dates and Time
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
What you'll do
As a HOPES participant, you'll have a chance to:
- Watch health care professionals in action: Shadow doctors, nurses, therapists and administrators and more as they carry out their daily responsibilities
- Connect with health care professionals: Meet and learn from health care professionals who share their experience and answer your questions
- Explore career paths: Learn about the wide range of opportunities in health care and see what might be the right fit for you.
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 healthccare
- A pathway to future opportunities and programs in medicine
Program goal
Our mission: Inspire high school students to explore careers in health care
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.
Deadlines and Timing
Application deadline: All required documents must be submitted by 5 p.m., June 30. Note: When completing the application, you cannot save your progress and return to finish later; your work will be lost.
Fees/Cost
There are no fees to participate in the HOPES Program.
How to Apply
Ready to take the first step toward your future in health care?
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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:
- VOE Orientation Safety Quiz with a passing score of 100%; provide the completion/pass certificate
- Health Screening Form
- VUMC Privacy & Confidentiality Agreement
- Parental Consent Form
- Health Insurance Card
Note: When completing the application, you cannot save and return to finish; information will be lost.