Los Angeles Pediatric Society
Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program

The Los Angeles Pediatric Society established the Summer Medical Career Program in 1969. The purpose of the program is to stimulate high school students to choose careers in the health professions. This is accomplished by providing first-hand experience observing doctors, nurses and allied health professionals at work in hospitals and through career guidance provided by counselors at each participating institution. For a period of four weeks, students take part in a variety of activities affording direct contact with both the medical staff and patients. They rotate through the various departments in hospital and observe the role of health-care personnel in providing medical services. The program is different at every location and is usually tailored to meet the interests of the participants. A brochure describing the Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program is available for download.

A weekly stipend of $75.00 is given each student to cover incidental expenses and a certificate of completion at the end of the program. In addition, two $500 scholarships are awarded each year from the Edward M. Rissman Scholarship Fund.

Frequently Asked Questions provides more information about the program.

Funding is provided by sponsor contributions from individuals and groups, Medical Careers Unlimited Medical Group Members and our new Circle of Friends and Donors. All are cordially invited to join and contributors will be listed in the newsletter. To join, please fill out and return the Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program Member Form. A special memorial fund has been established in memory of Dr. Jim Seidel to provide scholarships for selected Summer Medical Career Program participants to continue their education. Contributors to this fund will also be acknowledged in the newsletter.

Applications for the 2008 program are now available.This form may be completed online, but it must be printed out and submitted with the essay, signed parent/guardian consent form, and leter(s) of recommendation. Mail the completed application packet to LAPS, PO Box 4198, Torrance, CA 90510-4198. The form may not be submitted online.