2025 Research Summer Immersion Program Recap

In June, Shriners Children’s Philadelphia hosted its annual Summer Research Immersion Program for high school and college students. All participants submitted applications and were carefully selected to attend this program, filled with medical and research insight extremely beneficial to those interested in science and the medical field. The Summer Research Immersion Program is a combination of professional medical lectures, hands-on labs, research projects and shadowing of medical professionals. The students were able to observe lectures on cerebral palsy, sports medicine, pediatric spine surgery, clinical psychology and ethics in a healthcare setting, cleft lip and cleft palate surgery, pediatric hand surgery and many others.

Another interesting aspect of the week was a panel made up of clinical and non-clinical medical and hospital professionals who work at Shriners Children’s. The students directed questions to a medical fellow, a medical student, a nurse, a physician’s assistant, the director of rehabilitation services and the director of marketing and communications. The students gained a broad understanding of what their potential future careers might look like on a day-to-day basis.

The hands-on labs conducted were a highlight of the week for students. With the guidance of physicians, they were able to learn and practice various procedures on medical models. One lab showed them how to perform spinal fusion surgery using real surgical tools, and another taught them how to perform an osteotomy on a simulated bone model. They also learned how to conduct ultrasounds and what to look for on the scans. Additionally, the students learned how to apply a splint and practiced creating and applying them on their peers’ arms.

A unique experience was provided to the college students, who had the opportunity to observe various surgeries being performed in the operating room (OR), including procedures on the spine and elbow. The surgeons and OR staff graciously welcomed them, providing a firsthand look at the care Shriners Children’s Philadelphia staff delivers to its patients. They answered the students’ questions and embraced their curiosity, as for many, it was their first time exploring the world of pediatric orthopedic surgery in such an intensive and direct way. These bright and inquisitive students may one day become the next generation of healthcare professionals, continuing the Shriners Children’s mission and prioritizing patient care.

Throughout the week, the students also learned how to conduct their medical research and assess data from research studies on specific medical topics. In small groups, they worked together to create presentations on their given topic, which were then presented to the entire program and guests at the end of the week. After the presentations, prizes were awarded to the top-performing groups, marking a great end to a busy week for all our hardworking participants.

The concept for a program like this came from Amer Samdani, M.D., who knew that few opportunities like it were available to high school and college students. The personal experiences of three of our participants, two of whom are Shriners Children's patients, are the reason we will continue to bring this program together each summer.

Anabel, a patient of Shriners Children’s Philadelphia, said, “Shriners is such a truly special place that cares for everyone in the building. The Research Immersion Program expanded my knowledge, and I can’t wait to have further experiences at Shriners! I loved seeing Shriners on the other side, because I’m also a patient here.”

Chloe, participant and patient at Shriners Children’s Erie, said of the program, “I was able to learn more aspects about healthcare and meet new friends. As a patient at Shriners, this program solidified what amazing work is being done, and makes me want to work at Shriners Children’s later in life.”

Fredy, a fellow at the Saint Joseph’s University Institute of Clinical Bioethics, was another participant in the research program and said, “As a pre-health professional, I gained invaluable experience shadowing surgeons in the operating rooms, connecting with pioneers in pediatric orthopedic surgery, and learning the intricacies of clinical practice and comprehensive patient care. I wholeheartedly believe that this program is a paradigm to be implemented at healthcare institutions across the country.”

A program of this scale for high school and college students who have not yet begun their professional careers provides a rare opportunity for growth in knowledge and experience. Dr. Samdani, chief of staff, said, “This program is an initiative that not only aligns with but actively supports and enhances Shriners Children’s mission to changing and improving lives through education, research and compassionate care to create a brighter future for children's healthcare.” We look forward to seeing all that these intelligent students will accomplish in the future and the positive impact they will make in the fields of science and healthcare.