Photo credit: Sasha Kezhaya

STARTING UP | Inspired by the excitement of the club’s presidents, club advisor Liz Micheals agreed to help launch the new group and support their passion for health care. “The two girls, Eva and Ashlei, approached me and said it was something they were really interested in, and that they needed a club advisor, and so their enthusiasm made it hard to say no,” Micheals said.

Health Occupations Students of America, a national organization that educates high school students about potential careers in the medical field and provides opportunities for them to attend statewide competitions, made its way to North this year. Bringing resources such as awareness campaigns and medical research to students, the club has quickly gained popularity at North, with 15 students attending the first meeting in advisor Liz Michael’s SCI 103 classroom on Oct. 15.

Creating a way to explore topics and careers in healthcare, HOSA allows students, including junior Daniel McConaghy, to build a foundation for his future. McConaghy believes the club encourages members to strive toward their fullest potential through organizing community service opportunities.

“It’s not based exactly on research and careers specifically, like we do in HCIC [Health Careers Investigations] Club, more projects and a foundation in looking into health careers and stuff like that,” McConaghy said. “I’ve seen all around, nationally they do drives, make blankets for people and stuff like that.”

HOSA lays the groundwork for McConaghy’s future in the medical fields of dermatology or optometry, offering hands-on projects and real-world opportunities to help others. Prioritizing inspiring teens’ interests in careers, club advisor Liz Micheals believes it is essential to their growth in the future.

“Anything that sparks enthusiasm in young adults is important to encourage,” Michaels said. “It doesn’t necessarily need to be health-correct curriculum. It’s just getting students to think about their future and what things they can do now to be excited about their future is always important.”

With the club’s ability to instill a passion for healthcare in students, Henry Ford Health Infection Preventionist and Registered Nurse Alysia Stewart notes that promoting the medical field to a younger generation will minimize detrimental issues like a nursing shortage. Stewart believes that by educating new minds through HOSA’s focus on medical professions, patient care and safety can ultimately improve. 

“It is important to learn that all positions in the medical field are demanding careers, but are extremely rewarding,” Stewart said. “You get to meet and help many different types of people. Any club that assists students in having a better understanding of careers they may be interested in is very beneficial. If they do not fully understand what their role may be in a career they have chosen, they could be unhappy with their decision and set back in their studies if they choose to change paths.”

Starting the club to help students explore career opportunities in high school, presidents Ashlei Anatalio-Williams and Eva Dai are hoping that the new chapter of the club will be beneficial for North. 

“We hope to provide students with opportunities to learn and explore health professions and possible career paths, enhancing their teamwork and leadership skills while being a part of the HOSA community,” Dai said.