At the HOSA International Leadership Conference (ILC), a selected group of aspiring students come together to compete and learn more about their passion for healthcare. Attending students can collaborate and come up with innovative solutions and ideas, inspiring one another to make a difference.
Taking place from June 26th-29th, the HOSA club was tested on their medical terminology, clinical duties, and healthcare skills. Some of the students took free exams to become certified in their respective fields. The students who passed the exam were able to gain some experience in clinical competitive events, gain insight into the fields they are interested in, and engage in healthy competition.
These competitions involved a variety of different events, ranging from veterinary science to pharmacology.
To attend HOSA ILC, the students must take part in three preliminary competitions and place first at state. Only then they are able to qualify and attend the conference. Students must do this every year if they would like to attend ILC.
Although this was Millard North’s first year back at ILC, the team had some hefty goals they were aiming for.
“We’re all shooting for top 10. Some events had round components so you can qualify to round two or you go into round two or round one. Honestly, just placing in the top 10 and then qualifying for rounds was probably our main goal,” Junior Jude Ramsey said.
Although only a few students had reached round two, it shows the team’s resilience and ambition. Their experience reflects a commendable effort and puts an emphasis on simply building your healthcare skills. No matter the outcome, the team’s commitment shows that they fully embrace problem-solving and teamwork to build their skill in their event.
As HOSA continues to expand, its growth shows a broader perspective for the future of healthcare. Science Teacher and HOSA Advisor Christina Preuss knows this is a part of what makes the organization so special.
“I wanted them to have a chance to network with other high school students because, there was over 10,000 people that were at the event actually competing.”
This was one of Preuss’s goals going into the event and it shows the value of networking with other students from around the globe and sharing experiences, which, in HOSA, can be impactful to other students.
Science teacher Karlie Knoepfler volunteered to attend the event as a chaperone to assist Preuss through the trip. She recognizes the dedication the students have to enriching their knowledge.
“You’re out of that school mindset in the summer. I can’t imagine, in the middle of July going to go take, a biology test. I think in general, HOSA students, especially like our Millard North HOSA students, are very focused and competition minded. So even though they’re out of that school kind of mindset, they were still focused.”
In addition to this dedication, attendees are able to learn more about niche topics they are interested in.
“I got to learn a lot more about AI in medicine and how it could and is being implicated and how it shouldn’t be implicated,” senior Noamin Ketaw said.
This is just one of many examples of curiosity and dedication coming from the HOSA students. Each student who attended ILC leaves prepared to pave their way in medicine.
Knoepfler and Preuss found themselves amazed at what new kinds of development are in the works in the world of health and showcased at HOSA ILC.
“Students adapt little Fisher Price cars for kids who are supposed to get motorized wheelchairs. But because kids are growing, they can’t afford to replace motorized wheelchairs. I got to see a bunch of high school students adapt these official Fisher Price cars for little kids with disabilities,”
Through intense competition, collaboration and communication, the attendees strengthened their skills while making meaningful memories and connections. It is clear that Millard North proved themselves in more ways than one.