The Excellence in Learning program helps high school students cultivate skills for an ongoing and independent style of aggressive learning. Students experience patient-based learning the same way our medical students do – through clinical observations, interactions with healthcare professionals, and clinical simulations.

The program exists through a partnership among the MU School of Medicine, the MU Sinclair School of Nursing, the MU School of Health Professions, the Washington University School of Medicine and participating St. Louis high schools.

After the Saturday Scholars program at Washington University, selected students and one teacher from each school are invited to visit our Columbia campus for an intensive one-day medical education experience.

Program Schedule

The Excellence in Learning program will be held April 13, 2024.

Saturday

  • Leave St. Louis Saturday Morning
  • Arrive to Columbia
  • Breakfast and Welcome
  • Introduction to Patient-Based Learning
  • Clinical Observations
  • Lunch with undergraduate admissions
  • Patient-Based Learning Continued
  • Surgery Session
  • Closing
  • Dinner and leave for St. Louis
  • Arrive in St. Louis

How to Apply

Students currently participating in Washington University’s Saturday Scholars Program (SSP) will receive an invitation to apply. Based on their high school teachers’ recommendations and SSP attendance, students will be accepted and invited to participate in Excellence in Learning.