The Michigan Health Sciences Summer Institute 

Founded in 2013 by Dr. Alex Blackwood, the Michigan Health Sciences Summer Institute (MHSSI) is a summer enrichment program designed to prepare students for careers in medicine and the health sciences. Through two distinct academies, the Career Development Academy (CDA) and Undergraduate Research Academy (URA), MHSSI provides students with opportunities to explore health professions, strengthen academic and professional skills, develop leadership capacity, and gain meaningful exposure to medical education, clinical care, and research.

Participants learn directly from Michigan Medicine faculty, physicians, researchers, staff, and medical students while building the knowledge, skills, relationships, and confidence needed to pursue their goals in the health sciences. Programming includes medical school and career exploration, academic enrichment, MCAT and application preparation, hands-on research, professional and leadership development, mentorship, clinical experiences, and opportunities to engage with the broader Michigan Medicine community.

MHSSI supports students throughout their academic journey, with experiences designed to help them explore their interests, develop their strengths, and navigate pathways toward careers in medicine and the health sciences.

Since April 2025, MHSSI has been part of the Michigan Medicine Health Advancement portfolio under the leadership of David J. Brown, MD, Associate Vice President and Associate Dean for Health Advancement. The programs are managed by Braini McKenzie, M.A., Pre-Medical Pathways Program Manager.