Come explore modern-day health and bioscience challenges with the experts working to solve them. Partnering with some of the brightest minds in medicine today, this experience will provide access to thought leaders involved in cutting-edge medical research, clinical practice, policy, and entrepreneurship.

Program Dates

July 13 – 18, 2025

Who Can Attend

High school students ages 14-18

Program Cost

$1,650 – $1,750

Highlights

  • Behind-the-scenes tours of labs and hospitals
  • Ethical case studies & group-based design challenge
  • Great food, team building exercises & social activities
  • Overnight accommodation at the University of Houston dormitories

Students Gain

  • Insights into real-world medical challenges
  • Engage in real-life simulated surgical procedures
  • Meet leading minds from TMC institutions
  • Explore college and career pathways
  • Cultivate the mindset to “think outside the box”

Registration & Fee

The program fee includes all activities, transportation, accommodations, and meals. Students will stay in dormitories at the University of Houston main campus.

This program is SOLD OUT, please register here to get on the waitlist. Need-based scholarships are still available

Program Schedule

Date & TimeActivity
June 26 – 2:00 pm
July 10 – 2:00 pm
Design Challenge – Pre-Program Virtual Sessions
Introduce the Design Challenge that you’ll be working on during the Summit. All GTMS attendees are expected to participate.
July 13, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pmAll students check-in at the University of Houston
July 13 – July 18Global Teen Medical Summit
July 18, 2:00 pm Program conclusion, all students will be picked up at The Health Museum
For more detailed information, including instructions for students traveling to Houston by plane, please see the FAQ section below.  

Throughout the week, your team will work on a design concept with mentorship from renowned healthcare professionals. You’ll work on various projects, attend workshops, and hear from leading speakers to help generate new ways of thinking about the most pressing medical issues of our day. Together with your peers, you’ll define areas of opportunity and explore how to respond ethically to the issues and challenges, putting theory into practice within today’s healthcare landscape.

You’ll have opportunities to visit the world renown Texas Medical Center to engage with critical care professionals at a Level 1 Trauma Hospital and you can see what it’s like to be a medical student with an exclusive visit to a distinguished medical school.

You’ll stay on campus at the University of Houston and experience a piece of college life as we venture to and from the Health Museum, the Texas Medical Center, and throughout the vibrant city of Houston. Whether it’s team-building activities, excursions, or networking events, every moment will be an opportunity to connect, learn, and create lasting memories.

What is the cost to attend the Global Teen Medical Summit? 

The cost for the summit is $1,750.00. 

Museum members (Family level and above) receive a $100 discount per registrant.  

What expenses are covered by the program fee?

The program fee includes:

  • 5 fun-filled days of exciting hands-on sessions with medical experts, medical center visits
  • Dorm accommodations for four nights (4-person suites on the University of Houston campus)
  • 3 meals per day, transportation around the Texas Medical Center and the city
  • Daily transportation to and from dorms
  • World-renowned medical presentations
  • Fun evening parties and networking events
  • A GTMS T-shirt, a sling backpack, a pen, and a badge

What expenses are not covered in the program fee? 

  • The program fee does not include transportation costs to and from the Summit. 
  • While attending GTMS, the student will only need money for personal spending on items such as souvenirs, additional snacks, and other incidentals. 
  • For students traveling to and from Houston by plane, we recommend students bring money to purchase food at the airports. 

Are scholarships available? 

Yes, need-based scholarship applications are available here. Please note that the deadline to apply for scholarships is earlier than the program registration deadline. 

The deadline for scholarships is May 15, 2025. 

Applicants will be notified by Kennethia Rideaux, Assistant Director of Programs, on whether they will receive a scholarship. 

What are the requirements to apply for the scholarship?

  • Students currently enrolled in 9th – 12th grade 
  • Interest in medical and/or environmental health fields of study 
  • Proven financial need or hardship (Lone Star card, free/reduced lunch/or 1040 tax form)
  • Show a strong desire and ability to overcome barriers to achieve their goals 
  • Submit a 500-word essay 
  • Copy of their most recent report card 
  • Submit one letter of recommendation (from teacher, principal, or guidance counselor) 

Can I attend if I am a student with Special Needs? 

Yes. If you are a student with special needs or disabilities, we encourage you to enroll. We may be able to provide you with auxiliary aids and services to assist you. For more information or to discuss your particular needs prior to enrolling in the program, please contact Kennethia Rideaux, Assistant Director of Programs, at teensummit@thehealthmuseum.org or 713-521-1515 x121. 

The Summit is full! Can I get on a waiting list? 

Yes. We will maintain a waiting list. The waiting list is first come, first served. Please contact teensummit@thehealthmuseum.org to be added to the waiting list. We will contact you if a spot becomes available. 

I’ve registered. What are the next steps? 

Once the student has paid the registration fee, a confirmation email and registration packet will be emailed to them. The attendee must complete all forms emailed in the registration packet and email them to The Health Museum. The packet includes a student Information form, a parent information form, an agreement form, a student code of conduct, an insurance policy information form and a copy of your health insurance card, acceptance of medication policy, and a travel form. It is recommended that the student carry a copy of their health insurance card with them while traveling. 

During the week of June 10, registrants will also receive an email with the Zoom registration link for the pre-conference program the week of June 17 as well as information about the Design Project. 

What is the cancellation policy? 

Any cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing via email to teensummit@thehealthmuseum.org.

Cancellation submitted on or before June 8, 2025, will receive the full tuition refund minus $100 (non-refundable deposit). Cancellations submitted after June 8, 2025, will receive 50% of the tuition refund.

Students who are dismissed from the forum for disciplinary reasons or leave the conference early for any reason are not eligible for a refund. 

What is the dress code? 

Business casual (i.e., Pants, khakis, collared shirts, dresses/skirts no shorter than 2 inches above knees; Jeans are permitted with a business casual top). Please wear comfortable closed-toed shoes. The participants will be walking part of the way to the various destinations. This is a professional conference where you will have an opportunity to interact with many professionals. Please be mindful of your attire. Participants may not be permitted in certain sessions/field trips if their dress code is not followed. 

The following list includes non-permissible attire: 

  • NO cut-off shorts, short shorts, mini skirts, or bike shorts 
  • NO tank tops, spaghetti straps, or strapless tops 
  • NO ripped jeans or pants worn below the hips (sagged) 
  • NO open-toed shoes 

Should the students bring anything with them? 

Students will be traveling to various sites during the conference. Comfortable shoes are recommended each day. We will be walking throughout the day. It is also suggested to bring an umbrella depending on the weather forecast. In addition, although the conference takes place during the summer in Houston, it could be cold in certain facilities. A light sweater or jacket may be necessary. We also suggest bringing money for vending machines, the museum gift shop, etc. A water bottle can also be carried. 

Suggested packing list

  • Deodorant 
  • Sheets, pillows, blanket
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste 
  • Prescription medications (if applicable 
  • Bodywash/soap 
  • Hair products 
  • Cellphone & charger 
  • Allowance money (vending machine, gift store) 
  • Bath towels/washcloths 
  • Cosmetic, skincare, or hygiene products
  • Eye care
  • Diet-specific snacks 

What is the arrival time for the Summit? 

Students who arrive by car: check-in at the dorm on Sunday, July 13, between 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

Students who arrive by plane: The plane must arrive between 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (CST) on Sunday, July 13. Staff members will meet the students at the airport and transport them to the dorm.

Which Airport should I fly to? 

Staff members will meet all students arriving by airplane at Houston/Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)/Hobby. Click here for the airport website. Students must arrive between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 pm Central Standard Time (CST). Information about the meeting location in the airport will be emailed before the Summit.

What if I am unable to fly to Houston during the four-hour travel window? 

If the attendee’s flight arrives after 2:00 p.m. on July 13, he or she can arrange to take a shared ride shuttle to The Health Museum or an Uber car. 

Shuttle reservations can be made at www.supershuttle.com. The shuttle reservation desk is located in the baggage claim areas in each terminal. 

I am flying into Houston to Bush Intercontinental Airport/Hobby. How will I get to the Summit? 

The Health Museum will have staff members at the airport. For an additional $50 round trip fee, a bus will take the students to and from The Health Museum. When registering, please select the option for Airport transportation. (See additional transportation information under the Transportation and Accommodation Questions). 

Should I purchase Trip Insurance? 

To protect and safeguard the investment in travel and Summit costs, we strongly recommend that Trip Insurance be purchased. 

What is the departure time of the Summit? 

The Summit will end at 2:00pm on the final day. Students should be picked up at The Health Museum.  

In what time zone is The Health Museum? 

The Health Museum is located in Houston, Texas. It is located in the Central Standard Time Zone (CST). 

What is the weather like in Houston? 

The weather in Houston, Texas is tropical. In July, expect temperatures to be in the low to high 90’s with high humidity. 

Is parking available at the museum free during the Summit? 

Parents or guardians who drive their child to the Summit will receive a free parking token. Students who drive to the Summit may leave their car at the museum for free. Please note, however, that the museum lot is not monitored. The Health Museum is not responsible for theft or damage to cars parked in the lot.  

The entrance to the parking lot is located on Hermann Drive.

Can I request a roommate? 

Roommate requests can be made during the registration process; however, we encourage the students to allow us to randomly assign your roommate prior to the arrival day. We believe one of the benefits of the Summit is the opportunity to get to know peers.  

What Safety and Supervision measures are in place?  

Your safety and well-being are our highest priority. The Summit will occur in a safe, controlled environment. You will be closely supervised by a program director and trained staff. 

Safety measures include: 

  • Maintaining a student-to-staff ratio of 10:1. 
  • Housing for students and chaperones on the University of Houston campus. 
  • Each floor is designated to a single sex and chaperones are assigned to every floor for monitoring and supervision. 
  • Transportation provided to and from the airport and from the dorms to The Health Museum. 
  • Students will wear their identification badges at all times to ensure proper identification. 

Can parents or family visit students enrolled in the Summit? 

Due to a very busy schedule, visits with friends or relatives during the Summit will not be allowed. 

What if I lose something or forget to bring a personnel item home after the Summit? 

All lost and found items will be retained by the program staff for 2 weeks following the Summit. Items of higher monetary value will be retained for 30 days. After 30 days, all items remaining will be discarded or donated. 

Special Thanks to

Past Highlights

Tarren Vielma

Tarren Vielma

Part-Time Lead Science Educator & Teen Summit Coordinatorteensummit@thehealthmuseum.org713-337-8450

Please reach out for questions about the Global Teen Medical Summit