History and Why

Seattle Mini Medical School (SMMS) is a project of the Tu Luong Medical Mission Foundation (TLF). TLF was established in 1992 by Tan Lam in honor of his parents, Tu and Luong. “Tu Luong” means “from the heart” in Vietnamese and “help or relief” in Tagalog. TLF’s original mission was to organize medical teams to provide free healthcare services to Vietnamese refugees in Southeast Asia. When the last refugee camp closed, TLF reincorporated in Washington State in 1998 to continue supporting medical missions and educational initiatives.

SMMS is approved by the Washington State Board of Education to provide a full grades 6–12 curriculum with a focus on STEM, Medicine, and Medical Mission. The school is designed for students who are serious about pursuing careers in medicine. SMMS gives high school students early exposure to the basic sciences of medicine and essential clinical skills. Our medical mission program provides hands-on experiences that cultivate compassion and help students understand the true meaning of medicine and service.

SMMS is a blended learning school, combining traditional and online classrooms. Online classrooms allow us to bring doctors, guest lecturers, and experts from around the world into the learning environment using Microsoft Teams and Google Meet.

Contact
We welcome your questions and inquiries. Email is the preferred method for initial contact. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

 

tanlam@minimedicalschool.org

International Students

Online U.S. High School Diploma for International Students

Seattle Mini Medical School (SMMS) offers U.S. High School Diploma programs for students worldwide. All international students are welcome to enroll in our online education program, which is accredited by the Washington State Board of Education. Students benefit from earning an official U.S. high school diploma and transcript without traveling to the United States, reducing expenses related to student visas, accommodation, and travel.

Online high school programs are becoming a popular option for international students seeking to advance their education. Our online curriculum covers a wide range of subjects and allows students to complete coursework at their own pace. International students will learn and interact daily with American teachers, gaining confidence in both academic and communicative English skills. This early exposure to American subjects, learning styles, and culture prepares students for future studies abroad.

SMMS also offers a dual diploma program, allowing students to continue their home-country education while enrolled with us. Most American universities will accept international students with an American high school diploma without requiring TOEFL or IELTS exams. SMMS will transfer up to 75% of credits from a student’s current high school, with a minimum of 5–6 credits required at SMMS for diploma issuance. For details, please see our credit transfer policy.

International students’ credits will be accepted only after verification and evaluation by the SMMS registrar or an approved credential evaluation service such as Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). Students are responsible for all evaluation fees. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing school or recognized authority; transcripts submitted by students themselves will not be accepted. College courses may also be transferred on a case-by-case basis, with 3–4 credit college courses counting as 1 SMMS credit, 2-credit college courses as 0.5 SMMS credit, and 1-credit college courses as 0.25 SMMS credit.

International students must provide authenticated official transcripts issued by a governmental authority. Transcripts not in U.S. equivalency must be translated through NACES or an approved credential evaluation service.

Program Benefits

Students gain early preparation for studying abroad by experiencing the American education system, including curriculum, classes, and interaction with teachers and peers. American high school credits enhance students’ competitiveness in university admissions. Accredited coursework counts toward earning a U.S. high school diploma. Highly trained certified teachers support students throughout the online learning experience. Online courses offer convenience, flexibility, and personalized attention while remaining cost-effective compared to studying in the United States. After graduation, students may choose to continue their university studies in the U.S. or pursue higher education from their home country.

Contact

SMMS provides access, options, and the tools to take control of your education and future. International students with questions about enrollment or course selection should contact our Admissions Advisor, who will assist in creating a program aligned with their academic and career goals. Email is the preferred method for initial contact. Thank you for your understanding.

Tan M Lam
tanlam@minimedicalschool.org

Medical Missions

Medical Mission Program

Our medical mission team provides much-needed medical, dental, and optometric care to underserved populations around the world who cannot access healthcare due to financial or geographical barriers. In addition, we mentor, nurture, and train the next generation of medical humanitarians who are prepared to serve anywhere in the world.

Medical missions give students hands-on clinical experiences that instill compassion and help them understand the true meaning of medicine and service. Students have the opportunity to participate directly in providing healthcare to underserved patients, shadow medical professionals, and gain valuable experience. They develop teamwork and leadership skills, which are reflected in letters of recommendation, while building long-lasting friendships and gaining meaningful cultural insights.

Contact
Email is the preferred method for initial contact. Thank you for your understanding.

 

tanlam@minimedicalschool.org

Clinical Science

Mini Clinical Curriculum

Seattle Mini Medical School’s Mini Clinical Curriculum is a shortened, simplified version of the clinical disciplines of Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Geriatric Medicine, Surgery, and Emergency Medicine. Students participate in patient care under the supervision of certified teachers, physicians, interns, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and medical students.

The curriculum includes lectures, guest speakers, scientific readings, writing assignments, and presentations. Writing assignments emphasize personal reflections, case studies, journal entries, and descriptive narratives of human systems, helping students understand the workings of disease in society.

Courses Overview

Introduction to Clinical Medicine
Course Code: 14003 | Grade: 11–12 | Credits: 0.5
Students learn communication and interview techniques, patient profiling, and adult screening physical exams. Objectives include developing professional conduct, understanding ethics, doctor-patient relationships, and continuity of care.

Medical Interviewing
Course Code: 14254 | Grade: 10–12 | Credits: 0.5
Students develop effective interviewing, listening, and observation skills while learning to handle sensitive topics and diverse populations.

Medical Database / Documentation
Course Code: 14157 | Grade: 10–12 | Credits: 0.5
Students learn to organize patient records, construct problem lists, and document medical databases clearly and concisely.

Physical Exam Skills
Course Code: 14151 | Grade: 10–12 | Credits: 0.5
Students perform standardized physical exams, use instruments correctly, and record findings systematically.

Case Presentation & Clinical Reasoning (Speech)
Course Code: 01199 | Grade: 10–12 | Credits: 0.5
Students present patient histories, develop clinical reasoning, participate in discussions, and submit write-ups.

Core Clinical Disciplines

Family Medicine
Focuses on common and long-term conditions in children and adults. Students practice primary care, wellness, and chronic disease management. Clinical scenarios include allergology, respiratory, endocrinology, nephrology, and cardiology.

Internal Medicine
Provides inpatient and outpatient experiences covering 12 core clinical topics: chest pain, dyspnea, gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, altered mental status, preventive care, fever, hypertension, diabetes, electrolyte disorders, kidney failure, and joint/back pain. Students refine history-taking, physical exams, and care for acutely ill patients.

Surgery
Combines surgical technology and clerkship. Covers operating room procedures, aseptic technique, surgical instruments, team roles, and patient care. Lectures explore general, vascular, cardiothoracic, and plastic surgery.

Pediatrics
Introduces inpatient and outpatient pediatric care, providing exposure to hospitals, clinics, and office-based pediatric services.

Emergency Medicine
Focuses on medical emergencies, including airway management, bleeding control, spinal immobilization, fracture stabilization, CPR, and first aid. Students gain supervised clinical experience with diverse patients and learn legal and ethical responsibilities in emergency care.

Contact
Email is the preferred method for initial contact. Thank you for your understanding.

 

tanlam@minimedicalschool.org

Biomedical Science

Full Biomedical Sciences Curriculum (FBS)

Seattle Mini Medical School’s curriculum is designed for students who are serious about pursuing a career in medicine or other healthcare professions. FBS is similar to, but a shorter and simplified version of, the first two-year pre-clinical portion of medical school. Courses include lectures, outside speakers, seminars, webinars, workshops, hands-on activities, note-taking, scientific reading, writing, and presentations. Writing assignments involve personal reflections, epidemiological and case study analyses, journal entries, and descriptive narratives of human systems.

Human Anatomy
Course Code: 03054 | Grade: 9–12 | Credits: 0.5–1 | Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
The Human Anatomy course presents the gross structure and function of the human body as it relates to medicine. Students use models and multimedia simulations, including surface, radiological, and cadaver anatomy, to gain a three-dimensional understanding of structural relationships. Medical embryology is integrated to cover development from ovulation through birth, organ systems, birth defects, and anatomical variants. The course includes online self-study, companion materials, and a journal club exploring developmental biology and medicine.
Students will describe embryologic principles, structural organization, thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities, skull, head and neck anatomy, three-dimensional relationships, and the basis for 3D imaging and physical examination.

Biochemistry
Course Code: 03059 | Grade: 9–12 | Credits: 0.5–1 | Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Medical Biochemistry introduces modern molecular biology and biochemistry applied to medicine. Topics include proteins, nucleic acids, metabolism, and related disease states. Students explore carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism with an emphasis on diseases like diabetes, obesity, and atherosclerosis.
Students will apply biochemical principles to diagnose and treat disease, interpret molecular mechanisms, use scientific literature, and understand the molecular basis of diseases affecting cellular function or development.

Cell Biology
Course Code: 03052 | Grade: 9–12 | Credits: 0.5 | Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
The Biology of Cells and Tissues course explores cell and tissue structure, function, and organ systems through lectures and lab work. Emphasis is on structure-function relationships and how cellular and tissue dysfunction leads to disease. Students learn microscopy, tissue identification, organ system structure, and develop systematic problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Genetics
Course Code: 03059 | Grade: 9–12 | Credits: 0.5 | Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Medical Genetics introduces human genetics and its clinical applications. Topics include inheritance patterns, chromosome abnormalities, gene mapping, pharmacogenetics, gene therapy, genetic counseling, and ethical considerations. Students develop skills in pedigree construction, diagnostic techniques, and understanding the genetics of disease.

Immunology
Course Code: 03052 | Grade: 9–12 | Credits: 0.5–1 | Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Fundamentals of Immunology covers immune system components, their interactions, and clinical relevance. Topics include innate and adaptive immunity, vaccines, immunodeficiencies, autoimmunity, transplantation, and tumor immunology. Students learn immune responses, tolerance, hypersensitivity, and immunological diagnostic techniques.

Virology
Course Code: 03052 | Grade: 9–12 | Credits: 0.5–1 | Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Virology covers the structure, classification, replication, and pathogenesis of human and animal viruses. Students learn viral transmission, epidemic recognition, viral diagnostics, immune system interactions, and strategies for prevention and treatment, including vaccination and pharmacological interventions.

Neuroscience
Course Code: 03052 | Grade: 9–12 | Credits: 0.5 | Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Medical Neuroscience integrates neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and neuropharmacology with clinical examples. Students study brain structure, sensory and motor systems, neurodevelopment, cerebrospinal fluid, cognitive and behavioral functions, and neuroimaging techniques. Team-based learning and practical assessments enhance understanding.

Microbiology and Infectious Disease
Course Code: 03060 | Grade: 9–12 | Credits: 0.5–1 | Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
This course covers pathogenesis, immunity, microbiology, epidemiology, and control of bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral diseases. Students learn chemotherapeutics, asepsis, infection prevention, and diagnosis and treatment principles for major infectious diseases.

Pharmacology
Course Code: 14253 | Grade: 9–12 | Credits: 0.5 | Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Medical Pharmacology introduces pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and the therapeutic use of drugs. Students study major drug classes, mechanisms of action, adverse effects, drug interactions, and clinical applications, including autonomic, cardiovascular, antibiotic, and anti-cancer drugs.

Medical Seminar
Course Code: 22106 | Grade: 7–12 | Credits: 0.5–1 | Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Medical Seminars provide small peer-group exploration of topics, enhancing research, presentation, interpersonal, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. Junior and senior seminars include college and career exploration.

Scientific Research and Design
Course Code: 03212 | Grade: 10–12 | Credits: 0.5–5 | Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry
Students design and complete projects using scientific inquiry and experimentation methodologies, focusing on research protocols, data analysis, and presenting coherent results.

Contact
Email is the preferred method for initial contact. Thank you for your understanding.

 

tanlam@minimedicalschool.org

Academics

Seattle Mini Medical School (SMMS) is a blended learning college preparatory school approved by the Washington State Board of Education to provide a full grades 6–12 curriculum with a focus on STEM, Medicine, and Medical Mission. SMMS is designed for students who are serious about pursuing careers in healthcare or related professions.

SMMS provides students with early exposure to the basic sciences of medicine and essential clinical skills. Our medical mission offers hands-on clinical experiences that cultivate compassion and help students understand the true meaning of medicine and service.

Goals

Our goals are to give students the opportunity to graduate with STEM, Medicine, Biliteracy, and Career- and College-Readiness, preparing them for BA/MD and BS/MD joint-degree programs or admission to top 30 national universities.

BA/MD and BS/MD Admissions

BA/MD and BS/MD programs combine undergraduate and medical school degrees. Requirements vary by school, but general expectations include a GPA of 3.85–4.0, SAT scores of 1450–1550, and ACT scores of 30–34.

Top 30 National Universities Admissions

General requirements include a GPA of 3.85–4.0, SAT scores of 1400–1500, and ACT scores of 29–33.

Extracurricular Activities

Leadership is key. Was the student an officer, did they manage people, or organize events? Commitment shows consistent interest and effort over time, including summer activities aligned with school-year involvement. Record of excellence highlights quality over quantity. Excelling in two distinct areas is stronger than participating in many activities without distinction.

Sample activities include volunteering at hospitals with plans to reach 900 hours by senior year, volunteering 150 hours at a village hospital in India, interning with a radiologist in Chicago, or spending a summer in South Africa helping AIDS patients and conducting research with doctors.

Summer Service Camp / Medical Mission

Our medical mission provides clinical experiences that instill compassion and teach students the true meaning of medicine and service, helping them take their education to the next level.

Admissions

Non-Discriminatory Policy

SMMS admits students of any race, color, national, or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities. The school does not discriminate in its educational policies, scholarships, athletics, or other school-administered programs.

Admission Requirements

Parents may apply for their child at any time. Attendance at SMMS is a privilege. Applicants must complete and sign the application form with a non-refundable registration fee. After receiving the application, the office schedules an interview with the administrator. The student must attend the interview with parents and provide all available school records, including report cards, achievement tests, and health and immunization records. Students must have a satisfactory academic and behavioral record from their previous school. Academic placement tests may be administered.

Maximum class size is 16 students. If a class is full, the student is placed on a waiting list. Eligible students are accepted in the following order: staff children, siblings of current students, then new students. SMMS does not have the staff or facilities to accommodate students with physical handicaps, severe learning or social difficulties, emotional disturbances, or a history of disruptive behavior.

Registration Checklist

Applicants must submit the non-refundable application fee, signed Statement of Cooperation, Student Health History, student records from previous schools, birth certificate, immunization records, complete student screening, parent interview with the admissions committee, reference forms (if applicable), and financial aid packet (if applicable).

Contact: Email is the preferred method for initial contact. Thank you for your understanding.

Public Lectures

Mini Medical School for the General Public

Program Highlights (Non-Credit)
Class Duration: 60–75 minutes
Certificate: Participants attending 7 or more sessions receive a Certificate of Completion
Online Lectures

In addition to high school programs, TLF offers Mini Medical School courses for the general public, designed for anyone interested in learning more about diseases and how the human body works.

Sample Topics

Alzheimer’s Disease
Emergency Medicine: Real Cases From the ER
Viral Hepatitis
Sickle Cell Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
HIV & AIDS
Prostate Cancer
Keeping the Beat: Restoring Rhythms of the Heart
Collapsed Lung! How to Treat a Pneumothorax
From Aedes to Zika: The Resurgence of Mosquito-Borne Viruses in the Americas
High-Tech Minimally Invasive Surgery
Advances in Urology: From BPH to Erectile Dysfunction
Human Hardware: Hip and Knee Replacement
Physical Therapy: Optimizing Movement Through the Ages
Flaps R US: Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment (with patient presentation)
Myths and Realities of Psychiatry: Depression – Diagnosis and Treatment
Psychiatric Drugs
Pathology in the Era of Genomics
Neuroendovascular Coils and Stents: Brain Surgery Without the Scars
Rheumatology: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia
Fast-paced weekend and/or evening sessions featuring the latest medical research
Experience a taste of medical school without reading, writing, or exams
Interactive learning with opportunities to ask questions
Explore today’s health issues: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
A celebration of hope for all participants

Tuition: $30 per class
Delivered via Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and/or Zoom

 

Email is the preferred method for initial contact. Thank you for your understanding. tanlam@minimedicalschool.org