Started in the summer of 1965, the Summer Scientific Work Program (SSWP) at Franklin Hospital was designed to help college students decide whether or not a career in medicine is right for them. This renowned program offers students the opportunity to complete a four-week summer internship where they have the chance to observe and ask questions in order to learn more about the medical field. Throughout these four weeks, accepted students rotate through various departments in order to gain a well rounded experience of the hospital. Some of these departments include the operating room, emergency room, radiology, geriatrics, laboratory, psychiatry as well as the rehabilitation unit. Participants also have numerous opportunities to go on rounds with doctors, observe physicians in their private offices and attend hospital conferences.

Complementing the hospital rotations are daily lectures given by representative physicians from many of the medical specialties and sub-specialties. Some topics include general surgery, oncology and hematology, neurology, dermatology, orthopedics, cardiology and plastic surgery. Through these lectures, students learn not only about the practice of medicine, they also have the chance to learn more about all the aspects of a doctor's life. The doctors on staff, some who are alumni of the program, are always willing to spend time with students and answer questions.