PJP’s Future Health Professionals Club (HOSA) has recently sparked lots of interest among students, increasing the club membership to a total of 61 participants, ranging from grades 8-12. Moderator, Mrs. Tiblier and officers Leah Mitchell (President), Winnie Pardue (Vice President), Brenna Becker (Secretary), Chloe Major (Treasurer), Macie Callais (Reporter), and Harley Steele (Historian) are excited to advance HOSA’s program and continue to attract additional students to the numerous opportunities that are offered in the medical field. Although Leah Mitchell was unable to attend, Mrs. Tiblier and the remaining officers participated in an interview to give more insight into the mission and involvement of HOSA……
Mrs. Tiblier appreciates HOSA’s ability to “provide opportunities for students who have interest in any part of the medical field”. She intends to continue allowing HOSA to be a student-led program in which students encounter a wide variety of medical topics (e.g. forensic science, veterinary studies, surgeries, astronomy, etc.) to meet all students’ needs. Winnie Pardue, a member of HOSA for 2 years and an aspiring trauma surgeon, enjoys the fun learning environment, field trips, guest speakers, and hands-on environment of the program. She hopes to boost HOSA’s program by gaining recognition for the school through upcoming trivia competitions and other public events. Brenna Becker, a member of HOSA for 3 years and an aspiring nurse, enjoys receiving a “hands-on experience that you won’t receive in a science class”. With hundreds of medical fields to choose from in the industry, Brenna and many other students recognize that learning the aspects of different medical professions before entering college proves to be extremely beneficial. Chloe Major, another 3-year member of HOSA who strives to major in chemistry, has been grateful for the opportunity to intern at Urgent Care during her first semester, stating that it gives her “experience on what is going on in hospitals before she gets to college”. Chloe plans to continue her educational experience as an intern at Southern Surgical Hospital next semester. Macie Callais, a member of HOSA for 2 years and an aspiring nurse, appreciates the early insight that she is able to receive in the medical field before she must decide her major in college. Similar to many other HOSA members, Macie finds HOSA helpful in narrowing down her career options. Harley Steele, a 3-year HOSA member and a prospective nurse practitioner, finds HOSA incredibly valuable because she can encounter “first-hand education from prime sources” while at the same time working with other students to “learn other methods and ways of thinking” in the medical field. In recent years, HOSA members have been privileged to become CPR certified, visit the Coroner’s office, and hear numerous speakers, including doctors, physical therapists, and more. In December, HOSA members plan to travel to the Infinity Space Center in Mississippi where they will learn about living systems in space and even dissect a sheep’s heart.