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    Hands-On Medicine: A Week in the Life of a Medical Student
    In-person Program

    Hands-On Medicine: A Week in the Life of a Medical Student

    by Brown Pre-College Programs

    Explore medical study through anatomy, simulated patient interviews and physical exams, with teaching from current Brown medical students.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Hands-On Medicine at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Grades 9-12; strong biology foundation

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Providence, Rhode Island, United States

    Cost

    $3,096; $3,748

    Duration

    1 week

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    BiologyEthicsMedicine
    Language: English
    Accommodation: Single, double or triple residence hall rooms
    Meals: Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily
    Certificate: Non-credit digital CeCertificate of Completion
    Clinical setting: Warren Alpert Medical School Clinical Suites
    Tutors: Current medical students
    Sessions / cadence: Monday-Friday: 2h50 class; 2-3h independent work daily

    Hands-On Medicine summary

    Brown's course connects medical science with simulated clinical practice. Students move between physiology, anatomy and patient encounters rather than studying each topic in isolation.

    Current medical students teach practical interviewing and examination skills alongside ethical reasoning. It suits students who want to test their interest in medicine through active participation.

    What is Hands-On Medicine: A Week in the Life of a Medical Student?

    Hands-On Medicine: A Week in the Life of a Medical Student is a Brown University Pre-College course that introduces medical study through interconnected practical experiences. Current medical students help students connect anatomy and physiology with patient interviewing, physical examination and medical ethics.

    Learning includes anatomy sessions, classroom study and encounters with standardized patients—actors trained to portray medical situations. Coursework takes students into the Warren Alpert Medical School's Clinical Suites, where scientific knowledge becomes part of a simulated clinical encounter.

    Why Succeed highlights Hands-On Medicine

    • Linking body systems with interviews and examinations makes the connection between medical science and patient care concrete.

    • Standardized patients give students a structured way to practice clinical communication.

    • Current medical students offer a direct perspective on medical training.

    • Medical ethics is integrated with practical study, encouraging students to consider the consequences of treatment choices.

    • Clinical Suites provide a professional setting for introductory examination skills.

    Who is Hands-On Medicine for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy biology and want to explore medicine through discussion, simulated patient encounters and practical examination skills.

    Not ideal if

    You want college credit, a hospital placement or a closely supervised daily routine; the course centers on introductory study and expects independence.

    Is Hands-On Medicine worth it?

    This course offers a useful way to test whether the scientific, interpersonal and ethical sides of medicine appeal to you. Its strongest feature is the connection between learning about a body system and applying that knowledge in a simulated patient encounter.

    The value depends on how actively you participate and reflect on the experience. It is an introductory, non-credit course, and Brown explicitly states that Pre-College participation is not an undergraduate admissions prospecting program; weigh that against the substantial fee.

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    Cost and what is included

    $3,096; $3,748; includes One course of instruction., Residential option: residence hall housing and three meals daily., Commuter option: one on-campus meal daily., Access to fitness, athletic and aquatics centers., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate after successful completion..

    Accommodation

    Single, double or triple residence hall rooms

    Meals

    Residential: three daily; commuter: one daily

    Provider details

    Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    1 week; Providence, Rhode Island, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

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    How much preparation does Hands-On Medicine need?

    Effort level

    Intensive introductory study.

    Best started

    Allow 4-6 weeks before a future application deadline for writing, academic records and any English testing.

    Main challenge

    Connecting biology knowledge with clinical communication while managing your own study time.

    Typical preparation

    • Review the digestive, nervous, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems before attending.

    • Prepare your own application essay and collect current and previous academic-year grades.

    • Plan travel, professional attire and health forms with your family.

    • Discuss accommodation needs at least three weeks before a future session begins.

    Useful if

    You want a practical basis for deciding whether to pursue medicine.

    What do students do on Hands-On Medicine?

    You connect classroom medicine with anatomy sessions and simulated clinical encounters. The course combines practical skills with discussion of how doctors make ethical treatment decisions.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Study the anatomy and physiology of the digestive, nervous, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems.

    2. 2

      Connect anatomical structures with examples of disease.

    3. 3

      Interview standardized patients and learn the components of a medical history.

    4. 4

      Learn vital-sign measurement and abbreviated cardiopulmonary and abdominal examinations.

    5. 5

      Discuss medical ethics and explore medicine and allied health career paths.

    Hands-On Medicine dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    15 May 2026

    General Brown Pre-College admissions deadline.

    Reference date

    Hands-On Medicine: A Week in the Life of a Medical Student — 10242

    22-26 June 2026

    Monday-Friday, 3:30-6:20 p.m. Eastern Time.

    Reference date

    Hands-On Medicine: A Week in the Life of a Medical Student — 10240

    22-26 June 2026

    Monday-Friday, 8:30-11:20 a.m. Eastern Time.

    Reference date

    Hands-On Medicine: A Week in the Life of a Medical Student — 10241

    22-26 June 2026

    Monday-Friday, 12:15-3:05 p.m. Eastern Time.

    Reference date

    Hands-On Medicine: A Week in the Life of a Medical Student — 10244

    6-10 July 2026

    Monday-Friday, 12:15-3:05 p.m. Eastern Time.

    Reference date

    Hands-On Medicine: A Week in the Life of a Medical Student — 10245

    6-10 July 2026

    Monday-Friday, 3:30-6:20 p.m. Eastern Time.

    Reference date

    Hands-On Medicine: A Week in the Life of a Medical Student — 10243

    6-10 July 2026

    Monday-Friday, 8:30-11:20 a.m. Eastern Time.

    Reference date

    Hands-On Medicine: A Week in the Life of a Medical Student — 10246

    13-17 July 2026

    Monday-Friday, 8:30-11:20 a.m. Eastern Time.

    Reference date

    Hands-On Medicine: A Week in the Life of a Medical Student — 10247

    13-17 July 2026

    Monday-Friday, 12:15-3:05 p.m. Eastern Time.

    Reference date

    Hands-On Medicine: A Week in the Life of a Medical Student — 10249

    13-17 July 2026

    Monday-Friday, 3:30-6:20 p.m. Eastern Time.

    Reference date

    Applications open

    14 January 2026

    Brown Pre-College application cycle.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Completing grades 9-12.

    • Ages 14-18 by 14 June 2026.

    • Strong foundation in biology.

    • Enthusiasm for interactive medical learning.

    • Strong English proficiency.

    • Brown Pre-College admission followed by separate course enrollment.

    • Required health forms and in-person immunizations.

    How much does Hands-On Medicine cost?

    Program fee

    $3,096; $3,748 — Commuter and residential options, respectively.

    Funding or discounts

    • Course supplement: $100 — Charged in addition to either program fee.
    • Application fee: $80 — Non-refundable; fee waivers have separate eligibility criteria.
    • Enrollment deposit: $500 — Normally non-refundable and required before course enrollment.
    • Scholarships: Separate applications and U.S. status and school eligibility restrictions apply.
    • Conditional insurance: $80 — Required for international students and U.S. students without adequate coverage.

    What's included

    One course of instruction., Residential option: residence hall housing and three meals daily., Commuter option: one on-campus meal daily., Access to fitness, athletic and aquatics centers., Program activities and excursions., Digital certificate after successful completion.

    How to apply to Hands-On Medicine

    1. 1

      Create one account in the Brown Pre-College Student Portal.

    2. 2

      Complete the application form and write an original 250-500-word essay.

    3. 3

      Submit current and previous academic-year grades and pay the application fee or obtain a waiver.

    4. 4

      Provide any required English test results and additional requested materials.

    5. 5

      Monitor the portal for the admissions decision.

    6. 6

      After admission, review the desired section before paying the $500 deposit.

    7. 7

      Enroll separately in a section for which you meet the requirements.

    8. 8

      Complete payment, health forms and other onboarding requirements.

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    What does Hands-On Medicine cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Anatomy and physiology

    Study the digestive, nervous, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems and examples of diseases affecting them.

    Medical interviewing

    Learn the components of a medical interview through encounters with standardized patients.

    Physical examination

    Learn vital signs and abbreviated cardiopulmonary and abdominal examination techniques.

    Medical ethics

    Examine four principles of medical ethics and the consequences of treatment decisions.

    Medical career exploration

    Explore medical specialties and identify actions toward medicine and allied health careers.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Hands-On Medicine?

    A typical day during the program.

    Class meetings

    8:30-11:20 a.m., 12:15-3:05 p.m. or 3:30-6:20 p.m., Eastern Time.

    Independent study

    Allow 2-3 hours for homework and course work outside class.

    Campus activities

    Workshops, activities and events fit around study time.

    Residential check in

    Check in face to face at 10 p.m. and remain on your floor until 6 a.m.

    Who teaches on Hands-On Medicine?

    Current medical students teach the course, with students from Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School involved in the learning experience. Each section lists a pair of instructors.

    Where do students stay on Hands-On Medicine?

    Residential plan

    • Residence hall rooms: Single, double or triple rooms include college furniture, wireless internet and cooling.
    • Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in Brown's dining halls.
    • Residential support: Trained staff and Resident Assistants provide support, with nightly check-ins and staff on call 24/7.
    • Campus facilities: Fees include access to fitness, athletic and aquatics centers and program activities.

    Non-residential plan

    • Commuter attendance: Attend the course in person and use campus resources and activities without a residence hall assignment.
    • Commuter meals: One on-campus meal daily and fitness, athletic and aquatics access are included.

    Roommate requests are not honored; students should bring their own linens.

    What happens after Hands-On Medicine?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Earn a digital CeCertificate of Completion after successful completion.

    Identify concrete steps toward medicine or allied health careers.

    Understand the practice and patient population of a medical specialty.

    Use reflection on clinical learning to clarify your subject interests.

    The course is non-credit and does not provide a one-week Course Performance Report or undergraduate admission guarantee.

    Where does Hands-On Medicine take place?

    The course takes place at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, with coursework in the Warren Alpert Medical School's Clinical Suites and other professional settings. Residential check-in takes place at Sayles Hall on the Main Green.

    Families arrange transportation to and from campus; residential check-in is Sunday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Eastern Time, before instruction begins.

    Hands-On Medicine FAQs

    Students should have a strong foundation in biology and enthusiasm for interactive medical learning inside and outside the classroom.

    Current medical students teach the course, with learning involving students from Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School.

    The course describes work with standardized patients: actors trained to portray patients in medical situations. Students practice interviews and physical examinations in a simulated clinical setting.

    The course is non-credit. Students who successfully complete it receive a digital CeCertificate of Completion; a one-week course does not qualify for a Course Performance Report.

    Residential fees include housing, three daily meals and fitness facilities. Commuters receive one on-campus meal daily and access to campus resources, activities and fitness facilities, without a residence hall room.

    Students manage their study time and can explore Rhode Island independently within program rules. Residential students must complete a face-to-face check-in at 10 p.m. and remain on their floor until 6 a.m.

    Admission is to Brown Pre-College, with separate enrollment in a course afterward. Admission does not guarantee a seat in a particular course.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown
    • Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • 2026 Program Costs — Breakdown of Fees
    • Hands-On Medicine: A Week in the Life of a Medical Student - Pre-College Course Catalog"

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Course details checked

    • Admissions deadline compared

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Residential and commuter fees checked

    • Class schedules reviewed

    • Certificate conditions checked

    • Campus support policies reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.