Surgery: Inside the Operating Room and Beyond
Surgery draws on anatomy, technology, and teamwork in ways that make it one of medicine's most distinctive fields. Taught by a Harvard Medical School professor and a practicing surgeon, this course takes you beyond the procedures to examine how surgical teams communicate and make decisions in high-stakes environments. Explore how specialties differ, how outcomes are measured, and how innovations like robotics and AI are reshaping the future of care. Discover where surgery fits in your path forward.
Choose the course length that works for you: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Eligibility
For students ages 18 and up
Fees
$2,195
Explore the Full Scope of Surgical Medicine
Surgery Beyond the Operating Room
Discover what surgery really involves, from training pathways and daily responsibilities to the teamwork and judgment that define the profession. Learn why human factors matter as much as technical skill.
Finding Your Place in Surgical Medicine
Explore how surgical specialties differ across anatomy, patient populations, and daily practice. Compare lifestyle and clinical focus across fields to see where personal interests and strengths might fit.
How Surgeons Read the Body
Identify the anatomical landmarks and terminology that form the foundation of every surgical decision. Trace how spatial reasoning and diagnostic imaging allow surgeons to plan and execute with precision.
Decision-Making in High-Stakes Environments
Uncover how multidisciplinary surgical teams communicate and coordinate across every phase of care. Investigate how surgeons balance risk, clinical evidence, and patient values when determining the right course of treatment.
Where Research Meets the Operating Room
Chart how robotics, imaging, and AI are integrated into surgical practice to improve precision and patient outcomes. Consider how new technologies are tested, adopted, and shaped by ethical and global considerations.
From Learning to Clinical Problem-Solving
Select a clinical challenge within a surgical specialty and propose a solution that integrates your learning across the course. Present findings as both an academic summary and a patient-friendly explanation.
Pre-Med Online Certificate Program Advantages
- Learn through expert-led courses taught by Harvard Medical School faculty, with mentors providing guidance and feedback throughout your experience.
- Benefit from a flexible, self-paced format that allows you to progress on your schedule.
- Engage with interactive modules featuring case studies, assignments, and discussion boards that deepen your exploration of medical topics.
- Apply your learning through a final capstone project that connects coursework to real-world health care challenges.
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from Harvard Medical School, a valuable credential.
Four Benefits of the Program
Final Capstone Project
This online course culminates in a final project that allows you to:
- Select a clinical challenge in a surgical specialty and design an evidence-based solution that draws on course concepts.
- Present your findings as both an academic summary and a patient-friendly explanation, bridging technical and human dimensions of care.
Experience Medical School-Level Content
- You’ll have access to material, quizzes, and other engaging content designed by physicians, scientists, and faculty from Harvard Medical School.
- Courses lay a foundation for success in medical school, fostering the intellectual curiosity, empathy, and leadership qualities that define exceptional physicians.
Support from Mentors
- In addition to learning from Harvard Medical School faculty, you’ll be supported by mentors — including physicians, researchers, and health care professionals — who will provide insight and encouragement to help you succeed.
- Here’s what to expect: You’ll receive guidance tailored to your course’s specific discipline, along with encouragement and direction throughout the program. Mentors are here to help you stay on track and succeed every step of the way.
Maximum Flexibility
- The program is entirely online, allowing you to pursue the rigorous curriculum on your schedule; anytime, anywhere.
- Experience flexible, immersive video content.
- Take multiple courses to deepen your learning experience and further prepare you for medical school.
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
Taught by HMS Faculty
Mark Preston, MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School
Dr. Mark A. Preston is a urologic surgeon, the Vice Chair of Urologic Research at Mass General Brigham Urology, a MassGeneral Brigham Endowed Cancer Chair, and an Associate Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Preston received his Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in Canada, where he also completed his residency training in Urology. He completed a three-year accredited fellowship in Urologic Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital, including a Master of Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health with a concentration in clinical effectiveness. Clinically, Dr. Preston specializes in the surgical management of prostate and bladder cancer, with expertise in robotic surgery. Dr. Preston's research focuses on the epidemiology of prostate cancer risk with an emphasis on predictive biomarkers, prostate cancer screening, and clinical trials in prostate and bladder cancer.
How To Apply:
Our application process is straightforward. Tell us why you are interested in medicine and how this program can help you on your medical journey. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required.
Note: Please submit all application materials in English.
Begin the guided application process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.
Want to Know More?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
Admissions
Our application process is easy. You can expect a prompt decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you're accepted? Find answers to your questions here.
Scholarships
We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.
