Morsani Mini Med is a rigorous, immersive five-day experience designed for rising high school seniors who are curious about medicine, human biology, and the skills required to thrive in college-level coursework. Hosted in connection with the Morsani College of Medicine, this program offers students a realistic introduction to the science, responsibility, and self-awareness required of future healthcare professionals.
Students will explore major human organ systems and the chronic diseases associated with them through hands-on simulations, guided discussions, and reflective practice. Just as importantly, the program emphasizes personal and professional development. Great physicians understand not only the human body, but also themselves. Throughout the week, students will build emotional intelligence, communication skills, and academic strategies that support both patient care and personal balance.
MCOM Mini-Med Details
Program Director: Shirley Smith
Location: USF Health - Downtown Tampa
Grade Levels: Rising 12th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: TBD
| Dates | Campus | Is this eligible for Rocky's Residents? |
|---|---|---|
| June 22nd - 26th, 2026 | USF Health - Downtown Tampa | No |
What to Expect
Explore Human Anatomy Through Hands-On Simulation Labs
Dive into the body鈥檚 major organ systems using medical mannequins and standardized patient actors. Each simulation puts you in the driver鈥檚 seat of real clinical scenarios designed to make anatomy and biology come alive.
Connect Biology to Health and Disease
Discover how chronic diseases affect the body system by system. Through guided exploration, you鈥檒l learn scientific concepts and see how they relate to real-world patient care and health outcomes.
Build Communication and Emotional Intelligence
Medicine is as much about listening and connecting as it is about knowledge. Practice patient history taking, professional communication, and emotional awareness skills that are essential for effective care and teamwork.
Develop College Readiness and Academic Confidence
Each afternoon includes structured workshops on debriefing the morning simulations, preparing for college applications and essays, and transitioning successfully to freshman year. Students will also strengthen critical thinking skills, exam methodology, and study strategies for life after high school.
Grow Through Mentoring and Reflection
Work alongside near-peer mentors and participate in daily discussions with the program director. Low-stakes morning assessments and nightly preparation reinforce learning, while the week culminates in a mock patient interaction and reflective experience that brings your skills together.
This program goes beyond lectures, students engage in hands-on anatomy simulations, explore how chronic diseases impact the body, and practice real clinical communication using medical mannequins and standardized patient actors. Just as importantly, participants develop the academic confidence, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness needed to succeed in college-level science and future healthcare pathways through guided reflection, mentoring, and college-readiness workshops. It鈥檚 an authentic introduction to both the science and responsibility of becoming a future healthcare professional.
Useful Information
Registration & Camp Details
When does registration open for Morsani Mini-Med?
Registration for all 2026 summer programs will open on February 1, 2026.
What is the capacity of Morsani Mini-Med?
Each session of Morsani Mini-Med has a capacity of 30.
Where is Morsani Mini-Med located?
Morsani Mini-Med will be held in Downtown Tampa at the USF Health Building.
What time is drop-off and pick-up for Morsani Mini-Med?
Staff will be available to welcome students for drop-off at 8:50 AM in front of the designated camp location (to be announced). Pick-up will begin at 4:00 PM. If you anticipate being late for drop-off or pick-up, please contact our office at (813) 974-3355.
After registering for Morsani Mini-Med, when will I receive logistical details?
Families will receive a series of reminder emails leading up to the start of the program. Communications will be sent 60, 30, 14, 7, and 1 day prior to the first day of camp, each containing important logistical information to ensure a smooth and successful experience.
Staff & Safety
Who are the USF faculty and staff working Morsani Mini-Med?
Morsani Mini-Med is led by Shirley Smith, M.A., Director in the Department of Medical Education and Office of Student and Community Engagement at the USF Morsani College of Medicine, who serves as the program鈥檚 educational lead. Students will also learn from Dawn Schocken, MPH, Director of Experiential Learning & Simulation at the Morsani College of Medicine, whose work focuses on simulation-based medical education, patient safety, and chronic disease learning. In addition, Dr. Slone, an Associate Professor of Medicine and retired gastroenterologist, brings extensive experience in healthcare simulation and disaster medicine, including the development of high-fidelity simulations used in physician training and board certification. Together, this team provides students with an authentic, academically rigorous introduction to medicine through hands-on learning, coaching, and reflection.
Are staff background-checked and trained?
Yes. All staff undergo Level 2 background checks and complete USF鈥檚 youth protection and safety training.
Residential Options
Are there residential options available for Morsani Mini-Med?
No. Residential options are not available for Morsani Mini-Med. This program is hosted at the USF Health downtown Tampa location rather than the main USF Tampa campus, which means Rocky鈥檚 Residents housing is not available for this camp. All participants should plan to attend as day students.
Cancellation & Changes
What is the cancellation, transfer, and refund policy for USF Youth Experiences programs?
If you need to cancel a camp registration, please email youthxp@usf.edu.
Cancellations or transfer requests received at least 15 business days prior to the camp start date will be eligible for a refund or transfer to another available camp, minus any administrative or processing fees. Cancellations or transfer requests received within 15 business days of the camp start date are not eligible for a refund or transfer. No refunds will be issued after a camp has begun, regardless of the number of days attended or participation level. No refunds will be issued if a participant is dismissed from camp due to a violation of the camp鈥檚 conduct policy or code of behavior.
We make every effort to run all camps exactly as scheduled. In the unlikely event it becomes necessary to cancel, postpone, or combine camps, or change a camp location, you will be notified by email or phone. Please ensure your contact information is up to date. If USF cancels a camp, you will receive a full refund. If USF reschedules a camp, you will have the option to receive a full refund or transfer to the new session.
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