Participants are exposed to a variety of experiences in many varied departments, labs, and clinics of the Medical College of Virginia's Hospitals. The Governor's School for Medicine requires the completion of a research project during the six weeks. Students work along with their research mentors in selecting a topic, developing a hypothesis, researching background materials, conducting studies, completing statistical analysis, and summarizing the conclusions on their individual area of research. The finished project is presented in written format or poster display during the closing program of Governor's School. In addition to the mentorships and activities, students learn important lessons about life from the college-like atmosphere.
Students live in a dormitory on the college campus and eat in the hospital cafeteria.
The value of money, the sincerity of friendship and an exposure to a variety of leisure time activities are all important in this environment. The small size of the program enhances the experience, fostering closeness and togetherness among these students as they explore the world of medicine.