HOSA, a global student-led organization with a mission to promote career opportunities in the health industry and enhance the delivery of quality healthcare, plays a significant role in shaping the aspirations of students. In the vast state of Texas, HOSA is organized into seven areas, and Area 7, the largest among them, encompasses secondary, post-secondary, and now middle school chapters spanning the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, Corpus Christi, and the regions in between.
Each year, a local HOSA chapter assumes the responsibility of spearheading one of three major conferences. This year, La Joya ISD's Academy of Health Science Professions & STEM took the lead in organizing the Texas HOSA Fall Leadership Conference, aiming to bring HOSA's myriad opportunities to the forefront.
As the Fall Leadership Conference Chairman for Area 7, my role included confirming and organizing breakout sessions for HOSA members and recruiting a primary guest speaker to inspire participants during the opening session. Leveraging my connections at STC, UTRGV, TAMU, DHR, South Texas Health Systems, and more, we curated over 30 diverse sessions, enabling conference participants to explore various career pathways, including those in the army, nursing, health informatics, public policy, mental health, therapy, and graduate-level programs available within the Rio Grande Valley.
Our HOSA members actively participated by assisting breakout presenters and engaging in networking opportunities to gain insights into the plethora of sessions available. Dr. Javier Saenz, a Family Medicine Doctor from Saenz Medical Center in La Joya, TX, graciously shared his inspiring journey with over 800 conference participants, aligning perfectly with this year's theme: "Dream Past All Limits."
Dr. Saenz's compelling narrative resonated with the conference theme, emphasizing the importance of persevering towards one's dreams. He recounted his personal challenges and triumphs, from graduating high school and college to fulfilling his dream of becoming a doctor and establishing his own clinic in his hometown. Dr. Saenz urged aspiring healthcare professionals to remember their roots and give back to the communities that supported them in achieving their dreams.
The success of this conference was a collective effort, made possible through the unwavering support of CTE administrators, campus administrators, and the dedicated students and staff of AHSP. Together, we celebrated the spirit of HOSA, fostering a community committed to realizing dreams and making a positive impact on the future of healthcare.
###