Mini Med School

Learn. Engage. Be inspired.

About Mini Med School

Mini Med School (MMS) is an award-winning health science outreach and public education program. Attendees have the opportunity to hear from scientists, interact with expert researchers, and participate in hands-on activities.

Each year’s curriculum is designed to give a basic understanding of the field while exploring the latest research and clinical applications, as well as social and ethical implications. Supported by BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, this popular series uses big ideas, big discoveries, and big names to engage high school students in learning and discussion about health research topics.

Mini Med School strives to empower youth and promote an equitable and inclusive learning environment. Further space is available for BC students from Grades 10-12 who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis. Students will be asked to self-identify as Indigenous at registration.

Available Mini Med School Formats

High school students across British Columbia have two ways to participate in Mini Med School!

for grades 11-12 students

Mini Med School Vancouver

Engage with researchers and clinicians at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute in person or virtually. As a participant, you have the opportunity to ask questions directly to the presenters, receive a weekly newsletter to keep you informed on program updates, and receive an electronic certificate of program completion if you participate in all four sessions. Grade 12 students are eligible to apply for the Mini Med School Scholarship.

Can’t attend? Don’t worry! Through Mini Med School On-Demand, you can participate when it works for you.

For Grades 10-12 students

Mini Med School BC

Mini Med School will be on the road for years to come! We want to give as many communities as possible the opportunity to interact with BC Children’s Hospital’s world-class researchers and clinicians. For 2026, Mini Med School BC will be in Prince George, BC!

Can’t attend? Don’t worry! High school students throughout BC and the Yukon can now experience Mini Med School online at any time and from anywhere through Mini Med School Self-Directed.

for grades 8-12 Students

Mini Med School Self-Directed

Any student in Grades 8-12 throughout BC and the Yukon can now experience Mini Med School online at any time and from anywhere. Participants in our self-directed program are eligible to receive an electronic certificate of participation by completing the Mini Med School Online program form. Participants will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone and a stable internet connection to watch pre-recorded Mini Med School videos. Participants will also need to have a sponsor teacher or parent/guardian to support their program form.

How to participateCheck out the Mini Med School videos below and select a series you’re interested in exploring. Complete the Mini Med School Online program form. Submit the form. If you’re eligible, the Mini Med School team will follow up with an electronic certificate of participation.

Mini Med School 2026

Mini Med School 2026: details to come.

Sessions will be held from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, in person at BC Children’s Hospital or virtually. Registration will be open to students in Grades 11-12.

The Mini Med School application process is competitive! We’re looking for motivated and inquisitive students who demonstrate interest in being part of this one-of-a-kind program.

Mini Med School 2026 Session Dates
  • Session 1: TBD
  • Session 2: TBD
  • Session 3: TBD
  • Session 4: TBD

Mini Med School Prince George

Mini Med School Prince George is now full!

Click here to add yourself to the program waitlist. If a spot becomes available, we will contact you directly. Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more about Mini Med School Prince George.

Questions or concerns? Contact the Research Education team.

email research education

Mini Med School 2026 Curriculum

Details to be announced.

Details to be announced.

Details to be announced.

Details to be announced.

Details to be announced.

Mini Med School FAQs

If you don’t see your question answered here, please email the Research Education team.

We encourage you to consider your own learning style before registering to attend Mini Med School. While high marks in sciences are not required, participants should have a passion for health sciences. 

The Mini Med School course curriculum has been designed for a senior high school audience. With only four sessions to explore new scientific concepts, participants should expect a fast-paced learning environment. Similar to a post-secondary seminar, Mini Med School is lecture-based with a small selection of hands-on activities. Some students may find this learning format challenging. 

Unfortunately, no. Each student may only register once. During registration, you will need to indicate your preferred method of participating: In-Person, Virtually Live OR On-Demand.

Before applying you will need to find a Sponsor Teacher. They are not required to write a letter of recommendation or personally attend the event. Your Sponsor Teacher may sponsor more than one student applying to Mini Med School.

Who should your Sponsor Teacher be? Your Sponsor Teacher should be someone who: 

  • Knows you well — ideally a teacher who understands your personality, work ethic, and learning style. If needed, they should be able to confirm that you’re a good fit for this kind of extracurricular learning opportunity.
  • Is a teacher with experience teaching a science, technology, engineering or mathematics course, or is a career counsellor.
  • Is a current or former teacher — your Sponsor Teacher doesn’t have to be someone who is teaching you this year. If you had a strong connection with a teacher from a previous grade, you can ask them instead.

What does the Sponsor Teacher need to do?
Your Sponsor Teacher will NOT be required to write a letter of recommendation or attend the event. However, they should be aware that:

  • We may contact them if we have any questions or concerns about your application. For example, if something in your form needs clarification, they might be asked to verify details.
  • If you are accepted into the program but we have concerns about your participation or attendance, we may also contact them. This is just to ensure that you are well supported.
  • This is not a personal reference, and the teacher is not responsible for your performance in the program — they’re simply a trusted adult in your school who can help verify your academic performance if needed.

For the application, what information do we need about the Sponsor Teacher?

  • Name
  • Email Address

Should I ask the Sponsor Teacher before listing their name on my application?
Yes! Please make sure to speak with the teacher before listing their name on your application. Let them know about the Mini Med School program and that they may be contacted by email only if we need to verify or clarify any information in your application.

If you’re unable to attend, please email us at researchevents@phsa.ca as soon as possible so we can offer the space to someone on the waitlist. 

Mini Med School participants will not be required to complete any assignments or tests. Occasionally students do like to take notes during lectures, but it is not required. 

Nothing is required. If you’re interested in taking notes, a notebook and pen is recommended. 

All students registered for Mini Med School (In-Person, Virtually Live OR On-Demand) are expected to participate in all available sessions. If your schedule doesn’t allow for this, we do not recommend registering. With limited capacity, we want to ensure everyone participating is fully engaged in the curriculum.

By early January, all sessions will be posted on the BCCHR website’s Video Library for anyone to access. You can also apply for an electronic Certificate of Participation if you have viewed at least three sessions after the October-November curriculum has ended.

Yes! Students who are interested, and have attended at least 3 sessions, will be provided with an electronic certificate of participation upon request.

For On-Demand participants to be eligible, students must watch the full recording of each session; partial watch times will not count.

Teachers are welcome, but not required, to attend. Teachers interested in registering should contact researchevents@phsa.ca directly. 

Mini Med School could be classified as an unpaid career-related work experience that includes career investigation. Some schools will consider the hours spent attending Mini Med School (either In-Person or Virtually Live) as being eligible for your work experience hours. We encourage students to verify this with your school or career counsellor. 

The Mini Med School team cannot sign any Work Education Agreements, Work Experience Placement Forms or any similar forms/contracts on the day-of. Forms can be sent to researchevents@phsa.ca for electronic signature before or after the event. 

We realize various school districts have different requirements for tracking hours. Unfortunately, the following cannot be provided: 

Employer or student assessment/evaluation

Onsite safety orientation, including a training plan or safety checklist. This should be covered in school

Letter of reference verifying student participation or duties performed. An electronic certificate of participation will be issued if the student completes at least 3 sessions

To be added to the waitlist after the initial registration period, contact researchevents@phsa.ca. Please note, Mini Med School is a very popular program with limited capacity each year. It is unlikely additional space will become available.

For those who are unable to attend, check out our video library to explore previously recorded Mini Med School lectures on a variety of health topics.

No, the curriculum for Mini Med School has been designed for a senior high school audience and space is limited. We encourage those in younger grades to check out our Mini Med School Self-Directed program.

No. Previously, each school could only nominate 3 students to attend, but that has recently changed.

The Mini Med School application process is now competitive and comparative. We’re looking for motivated and inquisitive students who show a demonstrated interest in being part of this unique program.

Yes, assuming you continue to meet all the eligibility requirements, you can register for Mini Med School again.

Mini Med School Self-Directed FAQs

If you don’t see your question answered here, please email the Research Education team.

No. Once you’ve watched the entire series, you can submit the Mini Med School Self-Directed program form whenever you’re ready. 

Mini Med School Self-Directed participants will not be required to complete any assignments or tests. Occasionally students do like to take notes during lectures, but it is not required.

It can take up to two weeks for the Mini Med School Team to review your program form and email your electronic certificate of participation.

Yes! For every recent series you watch, you can complete the Mini Med School Self-Directed program form for an electronic certificate of participation. Please submit a new program form for each series you watch.

While students can still watch older Mini Med School series from the Video Library, only the more recent series from the last 5 years (listed above) will be eligible for an electronic certificate of participation.

No. Mini Med School Self-Directed does not have a deadline. Videos are not in real-time; participating is like watching a video on YouTube. You also have the opportunity to start and stop videos on your own schedule.

As Mini Med School Self-Directed is not in real-time, you will not have the opportunity to ask presenters questions.

Mini Med School 2024 Videos: From Data to Diagnosis — Navigating Digital Health

Watch Mini Med School presentations.

Health Informatics Basics + Using Data Analytics in Pediatric Health Care

Health informatics uses technology and data to improve pediatric care and enhance decision-making for better patient outcomes.

Watch video

Personalized Cancer Care + Childhood Diabetes Care in British Columbia

Precision medicine, AI, and technology are leading to personalized cancer treatments and proactive diabetes management.

Watch video

AI-Driven Personalized Medicine + Generative AI Research in Health Care

Artificial intelligence is transforming medicine and health-care research, bringing us closer to truly personalized care.

Watch video

Immersive Technology in Medical Training + the Science of Concussions

Technology is transforming medical training and concussion education, from immersive learning tools to evidence-based concussion care.

Watch video

Mini Med School 2023 Videos: Infectious Diseases and the Immune Response

Watch Mini Med School presentations.

Vaccine Hesitancy: How Do We Get More People Vaccinated?

Dealing with the COVID-19 “infodemic” and navigating the world of online information.

Watch video

Immune Response: Why Do Some Kids Get Sick and Others Don’t?

Inherent errors of immunity and the role of genetics and microbiota in intestinal infections.

Watch video

Vaccine Development: How Are Vaccines Made and How Do We Know They Are Safe?

Improving care for kids and youth with OCD and subgrouping autism types via “omics.”

Watch video

Antibiotics: Is Antibiotic Resistance the Biggest Threat We Have?

How antimicrobial resistance increases illness and complicates health care.

Watch video

Mini Med School 2022 Videos: The Developing Mind — Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Watch Mini Med School presentations.

Intro to Mental Health and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Learn about mental disorders in young people, prevention, and treatment programs.

Watch video

Somatization and Risky or Self-Damaging Behaviours

Somatization involves the physical experience of emotions.

Watch video

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and the ‘Omic’ Spectrum of Autism

Improving care for kids and youth with OCD and subgrouping autism types via “omics”.

Watch video

Stigma, Resilience, Family Intervention, and Drug Interactions

How does stigma affect health? How can certain interventions help? And how do drugs cause specific effects?

Watch video

Mini Med School 2021 Videos: Discoveries in Diabetes — A Century of Innovation

Watch Mini Med School presentations.

Diabetes 101: Beta Cells, Living With Diabetes, Indigenous Health in T2D

Diabetes causes, treatments, life experience, and factors that influence Indigenous health.

Watch video

History of Insulin Discovery and Pancreatic Beta Cells in Diabetes

The history of diabetes research, effects of insulin on the body, beta cells, and more.

Watch video

Reshaping Immunity in Diabetes and Islet Transplantation

The immune system in type 1 diabetes and pancreatic islet transplantation.

Watch video

The Role of Nutrition in Treating Diabetes and Stem Cells for T1D

Diabetes and nutrition and the current research on stem cell therapy for T1D.

Watch video

Mini Med School 2020 Videos: Go With Your Gut — The Microbiome, Good Bacteria, and Your Health

Watch Mini Med School presentations.

Gut Microbiome and Its Role in Health and Disease

All about the microbiome and health, as well as techniques used to study the microbiome.

Watch video

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and Clinical Trials

Learn about the history of fecal microbiota transplantation and how it’s performed.

Watch video

Harnessing Good Gut Bacteria and Dietary Fibre

Reviewing the evidence for microbes that support our health, plus the benefits of fibre.

Watch video

Asthma, Gut Microbes, and the Brain-Gut-Microbiome Connection

Asthma, missing gut microbes, and the gut-brain-microbiome connection in Parkinson’s.

Watch video

Mini Med School 2019 Videos: Beyond a Cure — Pediatric Cancer Research

Watch Mini Med School presentations.

History of Cancer

Learn about the earliest evidence of this disease and the path to modern treatments.

Watch video

What Is Cancer?

What is cancer? Depends who you ask. Let’s look at patient perspectives.

Watch video

Bone Marrow Transplantation

The role of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in cancer therapy.

Watch video

Engineering the Immune System to Fight Pediatric Cancer

The early successes and challenges in CAR T cell therapy in pediatric leukemia.

Watch video

Tumour Genomics and Precision Oncology

Investigate precision oncology and its role in targeted therapeutics in cancer care.

Watch video

Leukemia in Children and Teenagers

The biology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation of pediatric leukemia.

Watch video

A Trailblazer in the Development of New Cancer Treatments

Pediatric leukemia, its underlying biology, and current leukemia research.

Watch video

How Our DNA Can Lead to More Effective Cancer Treatments

Pharmacogenomics is a form of precision medicine that uses info from DNA.

Watch video

‘Cured’! Now What?

Investigate what it takes to care for survivors of childhood cancer.

Watch video

Up Close and Personal: A Conversation With the Healthcare Team

A candid discussion with a pediatric cancer survivor, oncologist, oncology nurse, etc.

Watch video

Mini Med School History

We celebrated the 20th anniversary of Mini Med School in 2023! Created by Dr. David Speert, Mini Med School was introduced in 2003 as an eight-part lecture series on infectious disease.

Each year, Mini Med School presents knowledge that captures the imagination and fosters public dialogue, engages students in participatory learning of scientific research topics, provides BCCHR researchers with opportunities to share their work and its implications, and inspires high school students to pursue careers in science and medicine.

The feedback we receive from Mini Med School participants continually mentions the engaging presenters, inspiring subject matter, and unique opportunities to explore careers in health sciences.

What do participants say about Mini Med School?
  • “I really appreciated the opportunity to gain so much exposure to the medical world.”
  • “I liked listening to the presentations and connecting everything to what we’re learning in school.”
  • “I really enjoyed learning about cutting-edge treatments that could change the future of medicine.”

Research News

Every day, BCCHR researchers work towards breakthroughs to transform the lives of kids in BC and around the world. Learn about our latest innovations and advancements in child health.

  • News

    Collaboration led by BCCHR researchers awarded European funding to improve community-based care in Uganda and Kenya

    Dr. Matthew Wiens and colleagues at the Institute for Global Health at BC Children’s & Women’s Hospital, BC Children’s Research Institute, and the University of British Columbia, are the first Canadian Team to lead a Horizon Europe Pillar 2 project. The consortium was recently awarded €5 million under the Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking for a project that…

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  • High School Student Events

    Mini Med School Prince George

    Mini Med School will be on the road for years to come! We want to give as many communities as possible the opportunity to interact with BC Children’s Hospital’s world-class researchers and clinicians. For 2025, Mini Med School BC will be in Whitehorse, Yukon for the first time!

    Read more
  • High School Student Events

    Women in Science

    Join us as we celebrate the 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science. At BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre, we are proud to support the next generation of health scientists. At this unique event, designed specifically for grade 11-12 students, you will have the opportunity to connect with inspiring…

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