Wake Forest Summer Immersion: Sports Medicine Institute

The Sports Medicine Institute at Wake Forest University offers high school students a week-long, immersive experience into the dynamic field of sports medicine. Designed for students in grades 9–12, this residential program provides hands-on opportunities to learn about innovative medical care for elite athletes while exploring diverse career paths in sports medicine. From surgical skills labs to biomechanics research, participants will gain invaluable insights into how science and medicine enhance athletic performance and recovery. Program Highlights This institute combines academic rigor with practical experiences to inspire future healthcare professionals: Topics Covered Concussions: Understanding their impact and treatment. Athletic Training and Physical Therapy: Techniques for injury prevention and rehabilitation. Knee and Shoulder Injuries: Common issues and surgical approaches. Pediatric Sports Medicine: Specialized care for young athletes. Prosthetic Design, Biologics & Regenerative Medicine: Cutting-edge advancements in sports medicine. Hands-On Experiences Visit the Wake Forest Pitching Biomechanics Lab and Athletic Training Facilities. Participate in Surgical Skills Labs, including suturing, casting, and splinting techniques. Engage in a Guided Cadaveric Surgical Anatomy Lab to explore knee and shoulder anatomy. Learn ankle taping techniques used by professional trainers. Observe electrophysiological experiments to understand muscle function. Daily Schedule A typical day at the institute includes: Morning: Lectures on topics like neurobiology or pediatric sports medicine, followed by hands-on labs. Afternoon: Field trips to research facilities or mock operating rooms for surgical skills training. Evening: Group discussions, social activities, or free time for reflection. Program Details. Location: Wake Forest University Reynolda Campus, Winston-Salem, NC. Eligibility: Open to high school students entering grades 9–12 (ages 14–18). Tuition: $3,400 (includes lodging, meals, course materials, and activities). Participants will receive an official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion upon finishing the program. Why Choose This Program? Parents and students praise the Sports Medicine Institute for its engaging curriculum and real-world applications. Key benefits include: Expert Instruction: Learn from renowned orthopedic surgeons like Dr. Gary Poehling and Dr. Nicholas Trasolini, as well as experienced trainers and medical professionals. Hands-On Learning: Gain practical experience through labs and fieldwork that mirror real-world medical practices. Career Exploration: Discover diverse career paths in sports medicine, from physical therapy to orthopedic surgery. For teens passionate about sports and healthcare, this program offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore how medicine supports athletic excellence while gaining valuable skills for future academic or career pursuits. It’s more than just a camp—it’s a gateway to understanding the science behind sports performance!