SGHIP 2025 is now open for applications!

SGHIP 2025 Applications is Now Open! 

What is SGHIP? 

The Summer Global Health Immersion Program (SGHIP) is a transformative, one-month medical and community health volunteer program in Pampanga, Philippines, designed specifically for high school students. Through SGHIP, students gain hands-on experience in healthcare, work with the mobile clinic of ABC’s for Global Health, and ignite a passion for the medical field—all while making a meaningful impact on underserved communities.

Who can apply? 

We welcome all high school students from Northern California who are responsible, passionate, and ready for an adventure! We will be selecting 8 students to join the program, accompanied by U.S. college students and Filipino medical students, under the expert guidance of Dr. Julieta Gabiola and Dr. Arthur Gallo.

• Program Dates: June 12 - July 12, 2025
• Cost: $3,000 - $4,000

Interested? Learn more through our information slideshow. 

Hear directly from our past participants about their life-changing experiences with SGHIP!

Become a Mentor

Are you an undergraduate or graduate student with a passion for healthcare and mentorship? Join SGHIP as a mentor! 

Mentors play a crucial role in guiding high school students on their journey of personal and professional growth. In addition to mentoring, you will have the chance to lead clinic-based research projects addressing pressing medical challenges in the Philippines. Interested? Contact Dr. Gabiola at jettegabiola@gmail.com. 

Please include:

• A brief introduction or your resume
• Your reasons for wanting to join the program
• What you hope to gain from this experience

 What Will Participants Do? 

1. Learn Essential Medical Skills 

Partnering with ABC’s mobile clinic, students will learn to take vitals, interact with patients, and shadow doctors. They'll also master skills such as suturing, using EKG machines, and performing physical exams. Plus, they’ll gain insights into managing non-communicable diseases, understand the role of telemedicine, and explore public health concepts.

2. Visit and Serve in Various Filipino Communities 

SGHIP participants will have the unique opportunity to visit and provide healthcare services to 20 disadvantaged barangays (communities) in Pampanga. Weekends will be spent exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines, with trips to iconic destinations like Manila, Baguio, and Tagaytay.

3. Conduct Impactful Research 

Students will engage in research projects related to the communities they serve, culminating in group presentations led by mentors. Past research topics have included diabetes, hypertension, and social determinants of health. Students will also have the chance to contribute to ongoing research initiatives with ABC’s.

4. Build Lasting Connections 

SGHIP is about more than just medicine—it’s about forming meaningful relationships. Whether it’s taking vitals, conducting interviews, or chatting during consultations, students will connect with patients and each other. The program fosters a sense of family and camaraderie among high school students, college students, and medical professionals, creating memories that last a lifetime. Unique opportunities, like meeting the founders of the ABS-CBN foundation or touring the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, are part of the SGHIP experience.

 

Program Fees Breakdown 

• Non-refundable Deposit to ABC’s: $250
• Board and Lodging: $1,500
• Flight (subject to booking date): Approximately $1,500
• Clinic T-Shirts (4): $50
• R&R/Miscellaneous/Laundry: $150