For young adults who aspire to a career in the medical field, Coastal Carolina University is offering a new summer learning opportunity. Mini-Medical University, a residential camp open to 24 rising high school juniors and seniors, will be held at Coastal from July 29 to Aug. 4. The fee for the week-long program is $549 per person.

During the program students will learn about up-to-date health and science information in an informal setting. Students will gain a better understanding of the crucial role of basic science and research in supporting and advancing modern medicine.

Visits to several of the state's top medical facilities to gain hands-on experience highlight the program. Participants will shadow doctors to experience how they diagnose and treat disease. They will also observe an emergency room in action and will spend an evening with sports medicine personnel at a Myrtle Beach Pelicans baseball game. In the classroom, students will learn about genetics, microbiology and parasitology in lectures led by Coastal faculty members.

"This is a great opportunity for students to go behind-the-scenes of the medical profession," said Connie Lee, coordinator of the program. "They will get the chance to observe medical professionals at work as well as learn from university faculty members."

During the medical camp, students will have the opportunity to experience college life as they live in one of Coastal's residence halls and enjoy meals at the on-campus dining facility. They will also have access to the university's fitness center, state-of-the-art track and field facility and indoor pool.

To learn more about Coastal's Mini-Medical University, call 349- 2665 or visit www.coastal.edu/learn on the Internet.