Interested in Medicine?

Apply to the Future of Medicine Program! The Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society offers incoming high school juniors and seniors a chance to hear from medical professionals and look behind the scenes at medical facilities.


The 16-hour White Coat Week program lets students shadow a medical professional during their spring break. White Coat Week gives students a snapshot of the healthcare field.


The 50-hour in-person summer program lets students learn about different healthcare career paths while shadowing real medical professionals. Students in the in-person summer program will also obtain their two-year CPR certification.


Students taking the 16-hour virtual only program will hear presentations directly from those in the field. Learn about becoming a doctor, nurse, dentist, medical assistant, mental heath professional, pharmacist, and more. These two-hour Zoom meetings help students decide if medicine is for them.


Future of Medicine is free of charge and open for any student in the Sacramento region. Slots are limited and the application process is competitive. Application requirements include a letter of reference from a teacher, school transcript, and short essay. Students attending Title I schools will have special consideration. Many schools offer credit for this course. Please email [email protected] to inquire if your school is participating.

White Coat Week

Shadow a physician over spring break. Open to high school and college students.


Week I

March 11 - March 14, 2024


Week II

March 25 - March 28, 2024



Application deadline is January 19, 2024. Applications have closed.

Summer Program

Shadow medical professionals in the clinics and hospital settings. Open to high school juniors and seniors.


Session I

June 10 - June 28, 2024


Session II*

June 24 - July 19, 2024

*no shadowing week of July 4th.


Application deadline is March 1, 2024. Applications have closed.

Virtual Program

Learn about the medical field and career options from local healthcare professionals. Open to high school juniors and seniors.


Mondays, Wednesdays*, & Fridays

June 10 - June 28, 2024

*no session June 19 (Juneteenth)


Sessions are 10 AM-12 PM via Zoom.


Application deadline is March 1, 2024. Applications have closed.

Application Requirements:

  • Be an enrolled student in the Sacramento region.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Provide a high school or college transcript.
  • Provide one letter of recommendation from a teacher.
  • Write a brief, 400-500 word essay, OR submit a 1-minute video describing how this program will help you pursue your career goals.
  • Answer the following questions in your essay or video:
  • Why are you interested in a career in medicine?
  • What life experiences have led to an interest in medicine?
  • Do you have family in the medical field?
  • What areas of medicine interest you most?
  • What qualities do you think make a good healthcare provider?
  • What are your goals for the future?
  • What do you hope to get out of this program?
  • If accepted to the program, provide immunization records that include a three-dose COVID-19 vaccination.
  • If accepted to the program, submit to a TB screening test and a hepatitis C. test.


A panel of physicians will review applications and make recommendations for admittance. Students will be notified within three weeks of application deadline if they are accepted.

Applications are closed.

Questions? Contact Sam Mello at [email protected] or call 916-452-2671