How does the typical high school student spend his or her summer vacation? Chances are it's not witnessing open-heart surgery or the birth of a baby. But that's exactly what five lucky Masterman High School students can look forward to this summer during Mini-Med Discovery Days at Drexel University College of Medicine.

Discovery Days is a highly competitive, yearlong learning experience for high school students entering their junior or senior years and interested in a career in medicine. The Masterman students will attend Discovery Days as recipients of scholarships courtesy of the Kal and Lucille Rudman Foundation.

"This is one powerful plan that answers the failures of the Philadelphia high schools that have been front page news for a long time," says Kal Rudman. "And the results have been incredible at both the best and worst high schools. By providing vocational health, experience and training to junior and senior students, we're filling a tremendous void and returning the educational focus to its rightful place."

Students shadow Drexel Medicine physicians in their Center City outpatient offices and at Hahnemann University Hospital. Every day is different as students experience life in the ER, see what goes on inside the operating room and present their own cases while observing firsthand the doctor/patient relationship.

One of those students is Monica Phann, who sees this program as providing her with a jump start on her future goal of becoming a pediatrician.

"Both of my parents were refugees from Cambodia and they are very lucky to have an opportunity to live in America today," said Phann. "I want to study medicine as I get older so that I can travel to developing countries and provide medical help for children who are not fortunate to have healthcare."

Phann and the other students will attend intense daylong sessions throughout the summer months. Once their regularly scheduled classes at Masterman resume in September, they will attend the program during weekly afternoon hours until they finish November 12.

Discovery Days is one of several programs offered through Drexel University College of Medicine's Mini-Medical School®, including the popular Mini-Med Summer Camp® for teens.

"We are very excited to engage motivated and talented teens throughout the year," said David Stein, MD, associate professor of surgery and director of the Mini-Medical School program. "This is now the fourth year we've hosted the Masterman students and each year we get a new group of bright and enthusiastic students eager to learn. We are especially grateful for the support of the Rudman Foundation for giving the students this opportunity."

"The Kal and Lucille Rudman Foundation has been heavily involved in preparing high school students for training at Philadelphia hospitals for 17 years," says Kal Rudman. "These programs are unique in the United States, and our commitment to them is longstanding and ongoing. That combination is unheard of."

Drexel University College of Medicine Mini-Medical School offers six distinctly different medical education programs. All programs are open to community members interested in expanding their medical knowledge. Learn more about Mini-Med School.