Kadoorie Cardiovascular Internship

2025 Kadoorie Program Interns proudly display their university signs with hand gestures


The Kadoorie Cardiovascular Internship is a unparalleled 10-week internship program tailored for second- and third-year undergraduate students considering a future in medicine. Selected interns will rotate through various services, gaining knowledge in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions, including heart and lung transplantation, coronary artery disease, thoracic diseases, and other chest-related ailments. In addition, interns will have access to weekly conferences that provide multidisciplinary insights into diseases and the latest advancements in treatment. Mentorship is provided by faculty members from the cardiology, cardiovascular/transplant, and thoracic surgery departments, along with experts from the Houston Methodist Research Institute.

Interns observe fundamental surgical abilities, surgical cases, and receive personalized exposure to basic translational research. At the end of the program, interns will present on a topic of their choosing. Selected interns should be prepared for daily activities starting at 7 a.m. and concluding at 5 p.m. While weekend participation is not mandatory, students have the option to shadow in emergency cases. Interns are provided a $6,000 stipend for participating.

Program Director

Gerald M. Lawrie, MD
Michael E. DeBakey Distinguished Chair in Cardiac Surgery
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery
Houston Methodist

PROGRAM COORDINATORS

 
Boris Bratovich, MHA, PA-C
Physician Assistant Residency Coordinator
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery
Houston Methodist
 
Nicole Davenport, MPAS, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery
Houston Methodist

Internship Guidelines & Requirements

Applications for the 2026 Summer Internship Programs will open on December 1, 2025, and close on January 30, 2026. The programs will begin on May 26, 2026, and end on July 31, 2026. The internship is held at the main Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center (6565 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030).

All programs require a full-time commitment for the 10-week duration (May 26–July 31, 2026). Daily attendance is required of each student for a full 8-hour workday, approximately 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., except for the July 4th holiday. Please review our comprehensive FAQ for more information.

Eligibility:

  • You must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program to participate
  • Must be a current Sophomore or Junior ONLY
  • Only US citizens, legal permanent residents, and foreign nationals who already hold a legal visa status (F-1, J-1, EADs) are eligible to apply to any of the internship programs.

 

Application Requirements:

  • Completed summer internship program application
  • Three required essay questions
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Current transcript (official or unofficial): The grades from your current academic year must be included for your transcript to be accepted. Your transcript MUST include your grades for the current 2025 fall semester.
  • Resume

Testimonial

"My time as a Kadoorie Cardiovascular Intern at HMH was an incredibly enriching experience. While I didn’t participate directly in procedures, I gained valuable insight into the daily operations of a leading cardiovascular department. Learning alongside expert clinicians enhanced my understanding of cardiac care, patient management, and the complexities involved in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular conditions.

By attending multidisciplinary team meetings, clinical rounds, and observing advanced procedures, I developed a greater appreciation for how collaboration impacts patient outcomes. The dedication and expertise of the healthcare professionals inspired me and highlighted the importance of empathy, precision, and lifelong learning in medicine.

This experience has deepened my commitment to pursuing a career in cardiovascular medicine and provided me with a clearer vision of the challenges and rewards that lie ahead. I am truly grateful for the mentorship and exposure offered by the Kadoorie Program at HMH, which have played a key role in shaping my future in healthcare.”


Khac An Vu (2025 Kadoorie Cardiovascular Intern)
University of Houston

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