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Lang Medical Scholars Program

A Six-Year Journey Into Medicine Starting in 7th Grade

The Lang Medical Scholars Program at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University offers Philadelphia students a unique opportunity to explore careers in medicine, healthcare, and biomedical science beginning in 7th grade.

Through hands-on learning, mentorship from healthcare professionals, and real-world experiences in hospitals and research settings, the program introduces students to the science of the human body and the many career paths within healthcare.

Over six years, Lang Scholars build knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills while discovering how medicine improves the health of individuals and communities.

Learn more:

Email:

Phone: 215-707-0880

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Program Details and Schedule

For Philadelphia students entering 7th grade in 2026

Meets two Saturdays per month, October through May

Hosted at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Small group learning with 30 students per grade

Hands-On Learning About the Human Body:

Each semester, scholars explore a different human body system through interactive learning experiences and conversations with healthcare professionals.

Students learn:

  • How each body system works
  • What happens when a system develops disease or health challenges
  • How healthcare teams diagnose and treat illness
  • The wide range of careers connected to each area of medicine
  • How health challenges affect families, communities, and global health

At the end of each semester, scholars complete a signature project by interviewing members of the healthcare team connected to that body system. Scholars transform these interviews into videos that they present to peers in their school communities, sharing what they’ve learned and inspiring other students to explore careers in healthcare.

    Experiences That Bring Medicine to Life

    Throughout the program, Lang Scholars gain meaningful exposure to medicine, science, and leadership.

    Students have opportunities to:

    • Meet physicians, nurses, scientists, therapists, and researchers
    • Tour hospitals, research labs, and clinical spaces at Temple
    • Participate in paid summer internships in healthcare and science fields
    • Attend leadership workshops and educational field trips
    • Receive SAT preparation and college application support
    • Lead community health projects, volunteer initiatives, and health fairs
    • These experiences help scholars understand how healthcare professionals work together to improve patient care and advance medical knowledge.

    Preparing the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders

    By the time they complete the program, Lang Scholars will have spent six years exploring science, medicine, leadership, and community engagement.

    The program prepares students to pursue college pathways in medicine, health sciences, public health, and biomedical research while building a strong foundation for future careers in healthcare.

    Through the Lang Medical Scholars Program, students from across Philadelphia communities gain the opportunity to explore the world of medicine and take meaningful steps toward becoming the next generation of healthcare leaders.

    Why This Program Matters for Philadelphia

    Philadelphia faces significant health challenges, including disparities in access to care, chronic disease, and workforce shortages across many areas of healthcare. Addressing these challenges requires building a strong and diverse pipeline of future healthcare professionals who understand and are committed to serving their communities.

    The Lang Medical Scholars Program helps meet this need by introducing Philadelphia middle school students to careers in medicine and health sciences early in their academic journeys. By providing mentorship, hands-on learning experiences, and exposure to healthcare environments, the program helps students envision themselves as future physicians, scientists, nurses, and healthcare leaders.

    Many scholars come from neighborhoods across Philadelphia, including communities surrounding Temple University. By investing in these students and supporting their long-term educational journeys, the program helps strengthen the future healthcare workforce while advancing Temple’s mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

    Donor Impact

    Support from generous donors makes the Lang Medical Scholars Program possible. Philanthropic investment provides students with hands-on learning experiences, mentorship from Temple physicians and scientists, paid internships, and the academic support they need to prepare for college and careers in healthcare.

    Through this support, students from across Philadelphia gain early exposure to medicine, build confidence in their abilities, and begin envisioning themselves as future healthcare leaders. Donor contributions help expand opportunities, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and advance Temple’s mission to improve the health of the communities we serve.

    Interested in supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders?
    Learn how you can help expand opportunities for Lang Scholars and invest in the future of medicine.

    Donate Today!

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