A 16 Year-Old's Summer Internship at Stanford Medicine

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My name is Runxuan Kang, a 16-year-old student at Beijing Royal School. My interests span public speaking, competitive darts, and a deep-rooted passion for medicine. I aspire to pursue a major in Biology, with the ultimate goal of entering the medical field.

What is SASI?

At Stanford Anesthesia Summer Institute (SASI), the Stanford Clinical Science, Technology, and Medicine Summer Internship is a two-week program designed for high school and premedical students. The first week serves as an introduction, covering the basics of the health care system, patient-centered care, and emerging technologies in digital health. Concurrently, students begin collaborative capstone projects in collaboration with university animators. The second week is more hands-on, as students undergo CPR certification training and take part in immersive learning sessions in various specialized fields such as crisis management. The program culminates in a formal presentation of their capstone projects to a panel of experts.

I discovered the program while conducting online research for top summer programs tailored for high school students interested in medicine. My admiration for Stanford University led me to pay special attention to programs affiliated with the institution.

What sets SASI apart from other medical programs is its emphasis on experiential learning. Unlike programs that focus solely on academic knowledge, SASI offers a wealth of hands-on activities. These include opportunities to visit Stanford hospitals, utilize the most advanced medical equipment, and engage in simulations designed to teach basic crisis management skills.

Capstone project

Our capstone project focuses on mitigating the psychological trauma that young patients often experience during hospital stays, aiming to reduce the risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Collaborating with an animator from Hong Kong Baptist University, our team developed a two-pronged approach to make the hospital environment more engaging and less intimidating for children.

The project was inspired our e-patient Emily Parks, a behavioral and patient advocate who founded POP!—Pissed Off Patients—to enlighten healthcare professionals about the prevalence and impact of medical PTSD. Drawing on insights gained throughout the Stanford Clinical Science, Technology, and Medicine Summer Internship and from various experts, we seek to enhance the healthcare experience holistically. We believe that addressing both the emotional and cognitive needs of young patients through visual storytelling and environmental transformation can substantially ease the anxieties and fears that often accompany hospital visits.

Utilizing engaging animated episodes featuring our central character, we planed to simplify various hospital procedures, thereby reducing patient anxiety and improving understanding. These episodes will be accessible through our dedicated YouTube channel and social media platforms. Simultaneously, we intend to revamp the hospital environment by introducing “Space Exploration”-themed accessories, such as casts and lights, to make the clinical setting more inviting and less intimidating for young patients. Through these initiatives, we are committed to provide a more comforting hospital experience for children, addressing both their cognitive and sensory need. At the end of the program, our capstone project was awarded the best animation.

Personal insight

SASI provided me with invaluable insights into the qualities essential for becoming a healthcare professional. During the course of the program, guest speakers who have either experienced medical journeys personally or work in the healthcare system helped us realize the vital element of forming emotional bonds with patients. While mastering clinical skills and treatments is crucial, it's only part of the equation. The program underscored the importance of empathy and compassion in patient care, teaching me that healing goes beyond just administering medications or performing procedures. It involves truly understanding and connecting with patients to achieve comprehensive well-being.

How to apply

The SASI program is accessible to students from around the world, whether you are an international student or a U.S. citizen. 

To apply, you can visit the official Stanford SASI Program website: https://med.stanford.edu/anesthesia/education/SASI.html.

The application package must include two essays and your academic transcripts. If you're an international student, an additional language transcript is needed to verify your linguistic competence.

For this year, the deadlines for early decision were January 7 and January 27. The regular decision deadlines were February 28 and March 7. Make sure to stay updated for the next application cycle to seize this opportunity.

Images: Maggie Kang

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