Frequently Asked Questions

1) Can I complete the internship fully remotely?​

Yes. The internship can be completed virtually, although we also offer substantial hands-on training in Northern Virginia. Virtual bonus assignments are available to replace the points associated with missed in-person events. Students who do not attend an in-person event and do not complete the corresponding make-up assignment will receive a grade of zero for that requirement.

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2) Can a parent apply on behalf of their child?

No. Students must apply and communicate with us directly. We accept mature, independent applicants who can manage their own communication and responsibilities without third-party involvement. There is no age restriction to apply. A student’s maturity and level of independence matter more than age. If a parent is managing the student’s application, communication, or activities for them, the student has not yet demonstrated the level of independence required for this internship.

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3) Is the Pre-Health Summer Internship an internship or a class?

The Pre-Health Summer Internship is a structured educational internship experience rather than a traditional classroom course. Students receive supervised exposure to a real medical-practice environment, professional expectations, and healthcare systems. They also learn directly from surgeons, radiologists, psychiatrists, and many other healthcare professionals. An internship is a supervised learning experience that provides real-world exposure to a professional field. It allows participants to develop skills, understand how the field operates, and gain practical experience outside a traditional classroom.

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4) Will I be required to perform work for Improve Life PLLC?

No. The Pre-Health Summer Internship focuses on clinical exposure, healthcare-related skill development, and professional growth. Participants do not perform work that directly benefits the business or replaces the work of paid employees.

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5) How much do the internships cost?

The Research Internship and Marketing Internship are free. Students who successfully complete an eligible Research or Marketing Internship prior to the start of the Pre-Health Summer Internship receive a $1,500 credit toward the Pre-Health Summer Internship, allowing them to attend the summer program at no cost. The Pre-Health Summer Internship requires a one-time, nonrefundable payment of $1,500 before the program begins. This is less than the cost of one average college course. The summer internship is expensive for us to operate because it is a physician-led, resource-intensive educational program requiring substantial teaching time, supplies, facility use, and administrative support. For a complete explanation, please review the “Past Program Expenses/Tuition Justification” section of the contract on pages 5–7. This section explains why the estimated value of the summer internship is closer to $1,900. Comparable summer programs may charge $10,000 or more.

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6) What are the internship’s start and end dates?

Each summer, the internship begins at the end of June and ends around the beginning of August. For example, the 2026 Pre-Health Summer Internship began on June 29 and ended on August 10. The Marketing and Research internships are year-round and are divided into summer, fall, and spring semesters. 

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7) What if I plan to take a vacation during the internship?

Students are responsible for completing assignments in advance if they plan to be away. Assignments submitted more than one week late will receive a grade of zero. We strongly recommend working ahead rather than waiting until after your vacation to complete missed assignments. Students that apply early receive access to the Google Classroom before the summer program begins so they can start working on assignments early when necessary.

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8) Will I receive a letter of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation are provided only to students who complete the program in good standing and demonstrate strong professionalism and performance. Students may request a letter by asking, “Do you feel comfortable providing a strong letter of recommendation for me?” They must also complete the online Letter of Recommendation Request Form.

Faculty members will respond honestly based on the student’s observed performance. A student who begins but does not complete a program, fails to meet program requirements, or demonstrates unprofessional behavior—including repeatedly missing assignments or ceasing communication without notice—is not eligible for a letter of recommendation or professional reference.

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9) How do I apply for the Pre-Health Summer Internship without applying for the Research or Marketing Internship?

On the application forms, leave the checkboxes for the Research and Marketing Internships unselected. Submit the completed forms, your CV or résumé, and your cover letter to info@improvemedicalculture.org. We encourage interested students to apply even if they are unsure whether they meet every preferred qualification. Applications are reviewed individually. The worst that can happen is that we decline your application, but you will never know unless you apply. Admission is rolling. The earlier you apply, the more likely it is that you will be accepted. We receive thousands of inquiries regarding these internships --sometimes as many as 20 in a single day. We prioritize responding to students who have completed their application. Therefore, if your email does not contain all the required application materials, it is unlikely you will receive a reply.

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10) What are the main points from the required forms?

The forms explain how the internships benefit students and help them in their path to healthcare careers. The forms break down the overhead costs that our program covers. The fee for the Pre-Health internship is nonrefundable. Parent or guardian communication should be limited to emergency concerns only. If a parent is managing the student’s application, communication, or activities for them, the student has not yet demonstrated the level of independence required for our internships. Pre-Health Internship grading is straightforward and there is little room for argument: assignments receive 100% if submitted on time, 50% if submitted one minute to one week late, and 0% if submitted more than one week late. Tests and quizzes are multiple-choice and have answer keys. We cannot guarantee that a student will not be photographed or recorded, therefore, this program may not be a good fit if you wish for complete privacy. We also have strict behavior and professionalism policies and students can be removed for violating these policies (no refund given). If you wish to see an extremely detailed review, please see our 2026 guide.