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    Introduction to Medicine: Do You Want to Be a Doctor?
    In-person Program

    Introduction to Medicine: Do You Want to Be a Doctor?

    by Brown Pre-College Programs

    Brown's medicine summer course explores anatomy, physiology and bioethics through cadaver labs, simulated patient care and conversations with medical students and physicians.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Introduction to Medicine at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Rising juniors/seniors; advanced biology

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 16-18

    Location / Region

    Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States

    Cost

    $8,372; $6,416

    Duration

    3 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    MedicineBiologyEthics
    Language: English
    Accommodation: University residence halls
    Meals: Residential: three; commuter: one daily
    Certificate / Outcome: CeCertificate; Course Performance Report
    Campus experience: Anatomy Lab and Clinical Suites
    Tutors / faculty: Deirdre Fearon; Dale Ritter
    Sessions / cadence: 15×3-hour weekday classes; 2-3 hours/day homework

    Introduction to Medicine summary

    Brown's course tests your interest in medicine through anatomy, physiology and clinical simulation. Cadaver-based lab sessions make the experience more concrete than a general introduction to healthcare careers.

    You also consider bioethical dilemmas, end-of-life conversations and chronic pain. It suits students who want to examine both the scientific work and the human responsibilities of becoming a doctor.

    What is Introduction to Medicine: Do You Want to Be a Doctor??

    Introduction to Medicine: Do You Want to Be a Doctor? is a Brown University Pre-College course connecting anatomy and physiology with clinical medicine. Students study disease, care for simulated patients and work with cadavers in the Warren Alpert Medical School's Anatomy Lab.

    The course also examines bioethical dilemmas, end-of-life conversations and chronic pain in an opioid epidemic. Access to medical students and physicians helps students explore medical training alongside the practical and emotional demands of patient care.

    Why Succeed highlights Introduction to Medicine

    • Cadaver-based anatomy sessions let students connect biological knowledge with the structures studied in medical training.

    • Simulated patient care gives the course a practical dimension beyond career talks.

    • Bioethics and end-of-life conversations expose students to the responsibilities that accompany clinical knowledge.

    • Named medical school and biology faculty provide clear teaching credentials.

    • The stated outcomes include career reflection, clinical understanding, bystander CPR and AED use.

    Who is Introduction to Medicine for?

    Best for

    Students with a strong biology foundation who want to test their interest in medicine through laboratory work, simulation and ethical discussion.

    Not ideal if

    You want a light introduction, feel unready for cadaver work, or need a tightly supervised residential routine.

    Is Introduction to Medicine worth it?

    This course has a strong case for students who want to investigate medicine seriously before committing to that path. Anatomy lab access, patient simulation and conversations about difficult clinical decisions offer specific experiences to reflect on afterward.

    The value depends on whether you want the demanding academic and independent campus experience it offers. It is a non-credit course, and Brown explicitly says Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admissions, so judge it by learning and career clarity.

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $8,372; $6,416; includes Course instruction, anatomy lab sessions and patient simulation., Residential: housing and three dining-hall meals daily., Commuter: one dining-hall meal daily., Fitness, athletic and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital completion certificate after successful completion., Instructor-written Course Performance Report..

    Accommodation

    University residence halls

    Meals

    Residential: three; commuter: one daily

    Provider details

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

    Dates and logistics

    3 weeks; Brown University, 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.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Introduction to Medicine need?

    Effort level

    High.

    Best started

    Six to eight weeks before a future application deadline, allowing time for the essay, grade reports and any English test.

    Main challenge

    Balancing intensive scientific study with emotionally demanding clinical topics.

    Typical preparation

    • Review your advanced biology coursework and identify anatomy or physiology concepts you want to strengthen.

    • Gather both academic years of grade reports and draft your application essay independently.

    • Plan lab clothing, travel and a family communication routine before arrival.

    • Request disability, medical or dietary accommodations early, ideally at least three weeks before the course starts.

    Useful if

    You want to assess your fit for medical training.

    What do students do on Introduction to Medicine?

    You connect human anatomy and physiology with disease through laboratory learning and simulated patient care. Ethical discussions and contact with medical students and physicians help you reflect on the work and responsibilities of a doctor.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Study how anatomy and physiology relate to health and disease.

    2. 2

      Work with cadavers during multiple medical school Anatomy Lab sessions.

    3. 3

      Learn to identify and treat diseases while caring for simulated patients.

    4. 4

      Discuss bioethical dilemmas, end-of-life conversations and chronic pain.

    5. 5

      Learn bystander CPR and proper AED use.

    6. 6

      Reflect on your suitability for medical training and a medical career.

    Introduction to 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 deadline; course enrollment is separate.

    Reference date

    Programme dates

    6-24 July 2026

    Reference date

    Applications open

    14 January 2026

    General Brown Pre-College application cycle.

    Reference date

    Final admission decisions

    22 May 2026

    Final decisions sent for the general application cycle.

    Reference date

    Campus check-in

    5 July 2026

    9 a.m.-1 p.m. ET; Sunday before instruction begins.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Ages 16-18 by 14 June 2026.

    • Rising high school juniors and seniors only.

    • Completed advanced high school biology required.

    • AP Biology preferred.

    • Strong English language proficiency required.

    • English test results required for specified international applicants.

    • Required immunizations documented for in-person attendance.

    How much does Introduction to Medicine cost?

    Program fee

    $8,372; $6,416 — Residential / commuter base totals, respectively.

    Funding or discounts

    • Course supplement: $300 — Additional to the program fee.
    • Application fee: $80 — Non-refundable; fee waivers have eligibility rules.
    • Enrollment deposit: $500 — Required before course enrollment; generally non-refundable.
    • Insurance charge: $80 — Applies to international students and U.S. students without adequate coverage.
    • Scholarships: Sibley or PPSD — Separate application and eligibility requirements apply.

    What's included

    Course instruction, anatomy lab sessions and patient simulation., Residential: housing and three dining-hall meals daily., Commuter: one dining-hall meal daily., Fitness, athletic and aquatics center access., Program activities and excursions., Digital completion certificate after successful completion., Instructor-written Course Performance Report.

    How to apply to Introduction to Medicine

    1. 1

      Confirm the course's age, school-stage and advanced biology requirements.

    2. 2

      Create one applicant account through Brown's Student Portal.

    3. 3

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

    4. 4

      Upload current and previous academic-year grades and any required English proficiency results.

    5. 5

      Pay the $80 application fee or obtain an eligible fee waiver.

    6. 6

      Monitor your portal and email for missing materials and the admission decision.

    7. 7

      After admission, confirm the course before paying the $500 non-refundable deposit.

    8. 8

      Enroll in the course separately and complete the student and parent onboarding forms.

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    What does Introduction to Medicine cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Anatomy and physiology

    Connect human structure and function with health and disease through cadaver-based anatomy sessions.

    Clinical simulation

    Learn to identify and treat diseases while caring for simulated patients.

    Bioethics and end-of-life care

    Explore ethical dilemmas and the art of conversations about end-of-life care.

    Chronic pain

    Consider the challenges of treating chronic pain during an opioid epidemic.

    CPR and AED use

    Learn bystander CPR and proper use of an automated external defibrillator.

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

    What is a typical day on Introduction to Medicine?

    A typical day during the program.

    Course instruction

    Monday-Friday, noon-3 p.m. ET: 15 class hours weekly.

    Independent study

    Complete at least two to three hours of homework daily.

    Campus activities

    Choose workshops, activities and events around your study responsibilities.

    Residential check in

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

    Who teaches on Introduction to Medicine?

    The named instructors are Deirdre Fearon, MD, MA, a clinical associate professor at Brown's Warren Alpert Medical School, and Dale Ritter, PhD, a senior lecturer in biology. Students also have access to medical students and physicians working in various fields of medicine.

    Instructor office hours provide opportunities to discuss course content and assignments.

    Where do students stay on Introduction to Medicine?

    Residential plan

    • Residence hall rooms: Furnished single, double or triple rooms include wireless internet and air conditioning.
    • Three meals daily: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in dining halls.
    • Residential support: Trained staff provide nightly check-ins, with staff on call 24/7.
    • Campus recreation: Fees include fitness, athletic and aquatics center access, program activities and excursions.

    Non-residential plan

    • Commuter attendance: Attend in-person classes and campus activities without overnight accommodation.
    • One meal daily: One dining-hall meal is included; additional meals may be purchased.
    • Resources and transport: Use campus study spaces, recreation facilities and RIPTA transport with your Brown ID.

    Students may explore Rhode Island independently outside required classes and residential curfew.

    What happens after Introduction to Medicine?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Assess whether medical training fits your interests and strengths.

    Connect anatomy and physiology with clinical health and disease.

    Develop study skills relevant to medical training.

    Earn a digital CeCertificate after successful completion.

    Receive an instructor-written Course Performance Report.

    The course is non-credit and does not produce a transcript; Brown Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admissions.

    Where does Introduction to Medicine take place?

    The course takes place at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, with time in the Warren Alpert Medical School's Anatomy Laboratory and Clinical Suites. Families coordinate travel to and from campus; commuter students receive RIPTA transportation access with their Brown ID during the course.

    Brown Pre-College does not provide transportation or coordinate travel assistance.

    Introduction to Medicine FAQs

    You must have completed an advanced high school biology course. AP Biology is preferred, and the course is restricted to rising high school juniors and seniors.

    Yes. Students spend multiple sessions in the Warren Alpert Medical School's Anatomy Lab working with cadavers used for clinical teaching.

    The named instructors are Deirdre Fearon, MD, MA, a clinical associate professor at Brown's Warren Alpert Medical School, and Dale Ritter, PhD, a senior lecturer in biology.

    Classes meet Monday through Friday from noon to 3 p.m. Summer@Brown also expects at least two to three hours of homework daily.

    Yes. The commuter option includes in-person classes, one dining-hall meal daily and access to campus resources and activities, without overnight accommodation.

    Successful completion earns a digital CeCertificate of Completion. This three-week in-person course also qualifies for an instructor-written Course Performance Report; it does not award college credit or a transcript.

    Trained residential staff provide nightly check-ins and support, with staff on call 24/7. Students may explore Rhode Island independently outside required classes and curfew, so the experience requires personal responsibility.

    No. Students apply to Brown Pre-College first and enroll in an eligible course separately after admission and payment of the non-refundable deposit.

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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 & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Commuter - Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown
    • Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • 2026 Program Costs — Breakdown of Fees
    • Introduction to Medicine: Do You Want to Be a Doctor? - 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 identity checked

    • Course prerequisites reviewed

    • Teaching schedule verified

    • Residential and commuter fees checked

    • Application requirements reviewed

    • Certificate conditions checked

    • Student 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.