Medicine in Italy for teenagers: the guide to the summer camp in Milan
The Medicine Summer Program works in partnership with the Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, an institution that is among the best medical schools in Europe. Unlike guided tours or generic introductory courses, this program places young people in functional hospital environments, professional simulation laboratories, and emergency rooms equipped for advanced training.
What makes Milan a reference in medical education?
The Italian medical tradition dates back centuries, but Milan modernized that heritage with massive investment in hospital infrastructure and clinical research. The city is home to the San Raffaele Hospital, renowned for complex procedures such as organ transplants, advanced cardiovascular surgery, and innovative cancer treatments.
Characteristics of the Milanese medical system:
- University hospitals integrated with the main medical schools
- Evidence-based protocols and updated European guidelines
- Emergency departments with a significant volume of complex cases
- Clinical research centers with ongoing studies
- Access to cutting-edge diagnostic technology (magnetic resonance imaging, tomography, 4D ultrasound)
This structure allows students to observe medicine practiced at a high level, with professionals who combine clinical experience with academic activity. Unlike hospitals focused exclusively on care, Milanese universities maintain a constant focus on teaching and training.
For those who consider vocational programs in other areas, medicine offers peculiarities that justify longer and more structured experiences. Two weeks represent the minimum necessary to understand complete care cycles, from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up.
How does the 30-hour intensive program work?
The Medicine Summer Program distributes 30 hours of practical and theoretical activities over two weeks. The schedule follows an intense pace, similar to what medical students experience in their first years of college.
Typical weekly structure:
Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with strategic breaks to reflect on the cases observed. Mornings generally focus on hospital activities or complex simulations, while afternoons alternate between specialized workshops and preparation sessions for IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test).
Practical simulations in laboratories:
High-fidelity mannequins replicate real clinical situations with impressive accuracy. These simulators breathe, bleed, show symptoms, and respond to medical interventions. Young people practice:
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation with real-time feedback on compression and ventilation
- Suture techniques on synthetic skin with different types of thread
- Abdominal ultrasound reading and identification of anatomical structures
- Airway management and intubation in emergency scenarios
- Interpretation of electrocardiograms and recognition of dangerous arrhythmias
Hospital immersion: how does it happen in practice?
Partnering with university hospitals allows supervised access to real clinical environments. Unlike quick visits, participants follow full shifts, observing from the initial screening to the outcome of the cases.
Areas accessible during the program:
Intensive care units (with advanced monitoring observation and life support), surgical centers (visualization of procedures through specialized galleries), emergency departments (screening, stabilization, and treatment decisions), diagnostic imaging laboratories (operation of equipment and interpretation of tests), clinical wards (medical rounds and multidisciplinary discussions).
The exhibition always takes place under the strict supervision of medical educators. Adolescents do not perform procedures on real patients, but they actively participate in clinical discussions, formulate diagnostic hypotheses, and understand the reasoning behind medical decisions.
Preparing for IMAT: why does it matter?
The IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test) is the gateway to English-language medical programs in Italy and other European countries. Unlike traditional entrance exams, the IMAT assesses logical reasoning, scientific knowledge, and problem-solving skills in medical settings.
The summer camp dedicates specific sessions to familiarize yourself with the test format. This is not an intensive course, but a strategic introduction to the type of issue and the level of knowledge expected.
IMAT components worked on in the program:
- Cell and molecular biology (metabolism, genetics, evolution)
- General and organic chemistry (reactions, bonds, stoichiometry)
- Applied physics (mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism)
- Mathematics and logical reasoning (probability, quantitative problems)
- Critical reading and interpretation of scientific texts
Adolescents who later decide to study medicine in Italy or other European universities leave the program with a concrete advantage. Getting to know San Raffaele inside, understanding the curricular structure, and having contact with teachers who participate in the examination boards provide valuable perspectives for future decisions.
Just like Pathway programs prepare for general university admission, specific preparation for IMAT within the medical context significantly increases the chances of success in competitive selection processes.
Milan beyond hospitals: what to expect from the city?
Two weeks in Milan offer more than medical immersion. The city combines North European efficiency with Mediterranean culture, creating an ideal environment for young people experiencing independence for the first time.
Urban infrastructure for students:
Efficient subway system connects the entire city, safe neighborhoods with varied food options, intense cultural life (museums, theater, music), urban parks for moments of decompression, an expressive international community of students.
The program includes accommodation in student residences or supervised shared apartments, providing an experience similar to university life. Participants develop practical skills such as time management, living with people from diverse cultures, and navigating a big city.
Who should consider this program?
The Medicine Summer Program meets the specific profile of adolescents. It is not enough to be generically curious about medicine, it is necessary to demonstrate consistent interest and emotional maturity to deal with hospital environments.
Ideal participant profile:
- Age between 15 and 18 years old (attending high school)
- Intermediate English to accompany classes and workshops
- Physical and emotional resistance for intense routines
- Ability to handle clinically challenging situations
- Discipline to take advantage of all scheduled activities
The program is not a theme vacation. The 30 hours of activities per week require constant concentration, active participation, and a willingness to learn at a fast pace. Adolescents who thrive in structured environments and enjoy intellectual challenges find in the program exactly what they are looking for.
On the other hand, those who are still exploring multiple career possibilities may prefer more comprehensive programs that present different professional areas simultaneously.
Frequently asked questions about the medical summer camp in Milan
Does the program offer certification recognized by universities?
Yes, participants receive a certificate issued by Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, a document that strengthens applications for medical programs at various universities. The certificate proves 30 hours of practical and theoretical medical training at an internationally recognized institution.
Do teenagers have direct contact with patients?
No. For ethical and safety reasons, participants observe procedures and accompany professionals, but do not interact directly with patients. All practice takes place on high-fidelity simulators or in discussions of clinical cases that have already closed.
Do I need to speak Italian to participate?
No. The entire program takes place in English, from theory classes to practical workshops. Basic knowledge of Italian makes it easier to navigate the city, but is not a requirement for academic enjoyment of the course.
What's included in addition to classes?
Accommodation in a student residence, daily meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), airport transfers, international health insurance, teaching materials, access to laboratories and simulators, cultural excursions on weekends, and 24/7 support from the organizing team.
Can I participate if I haven't decided to study medicine yet?
Absolutely. In fact, this is one of the main objectives of the program: to provide sufficient experience for an informed decision about whether or not to pursue a medical career. Discovering that medicine is not the right path before investing six years in a degree is a valuable result and saves significant time and resources.
Be Easy
Be Easy facilitates every step of the process, from enrollment to return, ensuring that families have peace of mind while young people experience genuine professional immersion. Contact us to plan this journey that may define your child's professional future.
