Coral Reef HOSA Hosts Freshman Orientation for Incoming Medical Students

National Officer, Nathalie Figueroa joined Coral Reef High School in Miami, Florida in welcoming the Class of 2015 to the Academy of Health Sciences.  Laura Fink, Coral Reef Chapter Advisor, Florida HOSA Competitive Events Chairperson, and National HOSA Teamwork Events Lieutenant, did an excellent job at providing and overview to the standards expected of students and the opportunities available in the academy. The chapter officers and academy parents hosted a booth where they sold academy shirts to advocate the spirit of medicine, as well as refreshments to help fundraise for their HOSA events this upcoming year. 


Scrub Squad's Media Coordinator, Diego Figueroa, provides a more detailed account of what the purpose and goals of the event and of the student council are for the year.




"Coral Reef’s HOSA Chapter and the Medical Academy’s student council, better known as the Scrub Squad, spent their Saturday morning welcoming incoming medical freshmen. Our Saturday morning consisted of informing, educating and familiarizing parents and students about all the opportunities available through HOSA and the Medical Academy. We want to make sure that the Medical Academy’s student body gets the most out of their high school experience and what better way than to start early? The Scrub Squad ensures a productive and stimulating year by planning entertaining and constructive events, fundraisers and field trips. We hope to start off the year by branching out into the community and offering as much help as possible by adopting an underprivileged school and sending care packages to the Army. Furthermore, the Scrub Squad works with the academy to achieve the mediums for which the students can attend more HOSA conferences and excel in their competitive events. Working along with HOSA, we hope to continue to fuel the passion of future healthcare professionals. "

Here are some pictures of the event!

                                           

          A Medical Academy parent helping raise money for the chapter by selling the Academy shirt.

Vanessa De Laosa registering parents to join the Medical Academy's Booster Club.

Laura Fink talking to her team, (left to right) Vanessa De Laosa, Ashlin Endter, Celeste Roche.

Nathalie talking to incoming freshmen and their parents about HOSA.

Coral Reef's Scrub Squad and Nathalie take a picture after sharing the morning together.

If your local chapter has ideas, goals, and achievements you would like to share with other chapters nationwide, please do not hesitate to contact us through HOSANECblog@gmail.com. We truly want to showcase all the talent and time you put into HOSA as we continue to "Celebrate the Members!"

Strive & Succeed - Tips & Resources to Help Conquer the School Year

The golden hours of our summer are leading into yet another school year and why not make our school year golden too, rather platinum? The National Executive Council wants to help you make it so by giving you a list of tips and resources that may help you achieve your academic, extracurricular, and HOSA goals.  The best part is that these can help anyone from middle school to college!  So don't hesitate to take what you need and spread the word and the productivity.

1. Set expectations for yourself.

• Be realistic in what you expect from yourself, but aim high.

• Make sure to dedicate time and attention to all aspects of your life. Don't forget yourself! If you're healthy and happy, you can be more efficient in dedicating time and talent to your goals and responsibilities.

2. Set goals.

• There is a study demonstrating that writing one’s goal enhances goal achievement. So think about what you want to do for the year and set your goals on paper, on a file in your computer, or anything visible.

• A similar tactic includes posting a picture of a role model on the ceiling above your bed so it's the first thing you see as you wake up and the last thing you see as you fall asleep. Every time you see it, think of why you admire that person. Is it their life philosophy, work ethic, the way they overcame struggles, their achievements and/or current employment? Use this to guide your goals.

• Visualize yourself achieving these goals. Repeat in your mind the pictures of having achieved your goal already and in this way you will be affecting your subconsciousness. "Thoughts in your mind transform into emotions. Emotions are the basic line for subconsciousness. And the longer these emotions stay in your mind, the more they impress your subconsciousness. All thoughts deep-rooted in your subconscious mind affect your physical reality." (Big Success)

• For more tips check out: http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/10-secrets-to-success/

3.  When thinking of time management think organization, reminders, preparation, and plan B, C, D...

• The old school way to organizing time includes the use of a calendar, but thanks to technology we can carry our calendar with us on our phone, laptop, or electronic tablets. Keep these updated and set reminders. How? As soon as you are presented with an event, input it into your calendar. If not, focus some of your free time to update your calendar for the week, month, or year.

• A resource for prioritizing responsibilities, making checklists, and completing them is www.producteev.com. "Producteev will help you manage your tasks from wherever you’re comfortable working : E-mail, IM, Web, iPhone, Gmail, Google Calendar…" It is also an application that may be available for download on your electronic, so check it out!

4. Don't just organize your time, organize your resources.

• Organize your workspace. Use filing cabinets, folders, color coordination, post-its and whatever else you need to keep all of your assignments, projects, and materials arranged. This will help you maximize your effectiveness in completing, archiving, and referencing back to your work.

• If you also enjoy online solutions, www.Evernote.com is one of the best resources literally at the tip of your fingertips for organizing notes. Besides an online source, it is also an application that is available for download on any Blackberry, Apple, or Android products. "Capture anything, access anywhere," and then search for it whenever you need to.

5. What about resources?

TRI Leadership does a great job at providing us with links and online access to resources via HOSA University. If you have not had the opportunity to attend yet or have lost the links, here they are. We have also included some of our own.

• www.Quizlet.com - "Quizlet is the largest flash cards and study games website with over 6 million free sets of flashcards covering every possible subject."

• Wolfram Alpha -  A search engine that helps with math/science studying.

• www.Slideshare.net - "SlideShare is the best way to share presentations, documents and professional videos."

• www.Prezi.com - Bring presentations to life with the innovative and interactive software of Prezi.

• www.Zotero.org - "Zotero is the only research tool that automatically senses content and adds it to your personal library with a single click." This is an extension that works only with Mozilla Firefox Internet Browser.

• http://onlinenursepractitionerdegree.com/2010/49-fascinating-youtube-videos-to-learn-about-the-human-body/ - “49 Fascinating YouTube Videos to Learn About the Human Body” that can be very efficient in your Health Science courses.

• If you need to turn for more advice on how to improve productivity, check out http://www.lifehack.org/topics/productivity for more articles on how to do so.

6.  Seek support.

• Reach out to classmates, teachers, advisors, professionals, and your family about any concerns you may have. Many times we don't realize how much support is available until we become open to accepting it and reaching for it.

• High School Students: Check out http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/starting-points/index.html to see the action plan that best fits you. Planning ahead and being prepared will help make you the top contenders for college admissions (as well as actively participating in HOSA)!

• College Students: Become familiar with the various support available on campus. Your academic advisors, student advisors, the career center, and professors are there to help you. Take time to e-mail them or visit them in person in order to become acquainted with each other. There is nothing better than seeing a student who is active in their academic endeavors, but also in maintaining relationships.

7. Do the things you love and love the things you do.

• Working hard is important, but sometimes it burns you out. In doing the things you love, you will feel revitalized instead of drained.

• However, don't forget to lead a healthy lifestyle. This includes nutrition, sleeping habits, and physical fitness. For more tips and information visit First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move Campaign website: http://www.letsmove.gov/

Team 2012 truly wishes you a successful school year. We know you will continue to surpass our expectations as you exercise your talent and skill in participating in your local, regional, and state chapters.  We look forward to not only representing you, but also to working with you. Don’t forget to continue checking back for the variety of articles we will be posting up in our commitment to “Celebrate the Members!”

HOSA Internship in the Offices of the Surgeon General: Day V

Today marked the final day of the HOSA Internship in the Office of the Surgeon General. The interns had a fantastic time, and are very excited to share their experiences back at home with their HOSA chapters and State Associations. This day was filled with a little work, excitement, learning opportunities, and final remarks.  

At the beginning of the week, each of the interns were assigned a project to work on for the rest of the week. All topics were connected to the Medical Reserve Corps and each of the interns put an abundance of hard worker and effort into their assignments! The day began with preparation for their final projects that they would be presenting, however before giving their presentations to the Public Health Service officers, the interns took a ride down to the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS)!

The HOSA students had the opportunity to tour the campus, and it was absolutely breath taking! The USUHS is a graduate university for those pursuing a career in the medical field. Once you earn your bachelor's degree, you have the opportunity to apply and potentially attend USUHS for absolutely free! Once you complete your education, you are required to pay back the university by serving in one of the following uniformed services for several years: Army, Navy, Airforce or the Public Health Service. This is a great opportunity for HOSA members! If you would like more information, visit www.usuhs.mil

After returning back to the office, the interns then gave their presentations that they had been prepping for all week! They all did a fantastic job and left the PHS officers with positive impressions. At the conclusion of the day, the interns where then presented with awards and special MRC Coins from the officers. 

The HOSA Internship in the Office of the Surgeon General has been a great opportunity for all three HOSA members! It has definitely been the ultimate experience of a life time! All HOSA members should look out for the OSG Internship application and apply to be interns for the summer of 2012!

HOSA internship in the Office of the Surgeon General: Day IV

Today was the 4th day of the HOSA member's Internship. The students stepped outside the office once again, and had the ultimate exerieince of the USA Department of Health and Human Services. They had the opportunity to meet with LT McBryde, Debbie, Katrina, and Deb, who all work in the office that is soon to be one of the new locations for the Office of the Surgeon General and the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). 

We all are aware of the transition from the "My Pyramid" dietary guide, to the "My Plate". In this office, publications regarding these changes by the USDA were found. It has been proven that there is a low health literacy in our nation, therefor, dietary and physical activity guides are written at a 6th-8th grade level in order to make the material more comprehensive. The interns were then given a power point presentation regarding "Healthy People 2020". This project is updated every 10 years in order to assist with the creation of healthier people, healthier communities, and a healthier nation. To collect all data for Healthy People 2020, 9 regional conference are held nationwide, in order to receive input from all geographical regions. This projects involves more aspects of health outside of medicine. For more information, visit www.healthypeople.gov 

The HOSA interns were then introduced to another website, www.healthfinder.gov . On this website, you can type in various information such as your age, ethnicity, gender, etc. You will then be able to discover information that you should have checked out by your doctor. This is a great tool to ensure that you are aware of the healthy requirements of your body at your age, whether you are a child, adolescent or adult. The HHS, holds that aspiration of making sure all Americans are well aware of health issues that pertain to them.

Following the various meetings, the interns then had the opportunity to tour the Public Health Service (PHS) offices withing the HHS towers. They were introduced to members of the Public Health Service who cam from wide varieties of the health care field.  They met with nurses, social workers, healthcare administrators, and even an engineer! In the Public Health Service, opportunities await almost anyone and everyone. 

After lunch, the interns then had the time to take the day off and relax, and prepare for their presentation that will be given on the final day of their internship. With only one more day left, the interns are sad that this amazing experience is coming to a close, but are very excited to showcase everything they have learned throughout the past week!

HOSA Internship in the Office of the Surgeon General: Day III

Day three of the HOSA Internship in the Office of the Surgeon General began with the interns getting on the Metro Train early this morning and heading to downtown Washington D.C.! Downtown, the interns discovered an abundance of information about the Human Health Services (HHS). The morning began with a tour of the Secretary Operations Center (SOC), where all National Emergencies are monitored. In this room you can find desks, computers, large monitors, and people keeping an eye out on American Emergencies 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. 

One of the interesting facts the interns learned this week, was that the Surgeon General has three offices, the office the interns visited today being her main office. Although, the interns did not have the opportunity to meet the Surgeon General due to the preparation for meetings that had already been scheduled, they did meet with the Dr. Benjamin's assistant LT Collins. She was very excited to share her story with the Public Health Service, and is a huge supporter of HOSA along with "America's Doctor" Dr. Benjamin. 

After spending time with LT Collins, the students had the opportunity to experience publications that are issued through the United States Public Health Service. These publications are work of the Surgeon General and the Acting Director of Science and Communication. The inters were able to review documents on tobacco use, breastfeeding, and underage drug and alcohol abuse. This experiences was very exciting for the interns, simply because it provided them with a side of healthcare that usually is not given much attention.

Their time in downtown concluded with a visit to Capitol Hill with HOSA's Political Lobbyist George Sifakis. The students meet in the office of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was not present, but her assistant was available. She was very excited to here about all the opportunities HOSA provides students, and assured the interns that she will keep her up to date with the latest HOSA news that the interns shared wit her. The interns then took the metro train back to their hotels, and met back up once more for dinner with the Public Health Service Officers they have been working wit daily. 

HOSA Internship in the Office of the Surgeon General: Day II

After receiving a warm welcome into the Office of the Surgeon General on day one, day two consisted of the interns getting into the office and working hard on the projects they had been assigned. At the end of the week, all three interns will have a presentation prepared to showcase everything they learned about their specific topic. Brittany Ebbing, will be focusing on Health Disparities; Oregon McDiarmid chose to focus on Emergency Preparedness; and Brittany Woods will study information on the opportunities for HOSA members as Jr. Medical Reserve Corps volunteers.

Throughout the duration of the day, the interns had time to take a break from all their hard work and sit in on two conference calls. The first call was regarding the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine that is distributed every year  during the fall just in time for flu season. The moderator of the call was Assistant Secretary of Health Dr. Koh.  Members on the call reported out from their working groups. Topics ranged from pregnant women receiving flu vaccinations to ensuring that health professionals are vaccinated as well. LTJG Hager even discovered that there is a "Flu pledge" by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Along with this pledge is a catchy phrase that states, The Flu ends with "U"!

The second conference call of the day took place in Captain Tosatto's Office after the interns had lunch. This call was with a political lobbyist for HOSA who has an interest of informing HOSA members about the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and the Public Health Service (PHS). With the MRC and PHS as partners of HOSA, it is believed that this partnership can assist with strengthening America's pipeline of future health professionals. 

The day concluded with an interview with a graduate student of the University of Arizona. The student was participating in a project on youth engagement in the MRC. She found the interns as a helpful resource and chose to survey them for her project. Through this opportunity, the interns had the chance to make their voices heard, and possibly assist with getting more youth members involved as volunteers for the Medical Reserve Corps. Each intern had the choice of receiving their survey results as well as a 10$ target gift card for participating in the research project.

Even though majority of the day was filled with work for the interns, these three HOSA members still had a great experience and cannot wait to see what's in store for them tomorrow!

HOSA Internship in the Office of the Surgeon General: Day I

National HOSA Secondary Board Representative, Brittany Woods, and Arizona Natives, Brittany Ebbing and Oregon McDiarmid are very excited to have the opportunity to represent National HOSA in the Office of the Surgeon General. The morning began as the interns anxiously waited to meet with their escort LTJG Hager. Once they all joined forces, the interns had the opportunity to meet several staff members in the Office of the Surgeon General. Staff members in the office were thrilled to have the opportunity to work with HOSA members. They all greeted the interns with very warm welcomes and were delighted to answer any questions they had.

The Interns then had the opportunity to be provided with information by several members of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and United States Public Health Service (USPHS). Captain Tosatto shared with the interns the history of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). Did you know that the MRC was founded in 2002 as a demonstration project? It now covers about 75% of our nation's Geographic Region with over 200,000 volunteers, and 952 MRC units. Also, keep in mind that the MRC does not only focus on Emergency Preparedness, but it provides communities across the nation with a dual focus in emergency preparedness and public health. Community outreach projects such as health screenings and health fairs may be hosted by an MRC Unit in your local community!

LCDR Davis assisted with the contribution of the Public Health portion that is vital to the work that is done in the Office of the Surgeon General. He asked each intern what did public health mean to them. Impressed by the answers given, LCDR Davis provided the interns with the understanding that public health is much more than hands on clinical work, but it is taking a step back and visioning the bigger picture of health care.

At the conclusion of the day, the interns were able to leave the office knowing that they weren't the only HOSA members who have the opportunity to become involved. You can get involved as well! Find out if there is a Jr. MRC Unit in your local community that is specifically targeted to youth who are interested in volunteerism and community service. Or you can see if your MRC Unit integrates all members ranging from youth to adults to become MRC volunteers. If you do not have a local MRC, talk with your HOSA advisor or health partners within your community and see how you can get involved by starting a potential MRC unit. For more information visit the MRC website: http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/HomePage.

The first day of the HOSA Internship in the Office of the Surgeon General was an ultimate success! The interns are looking forward to the opportunities that await them throughout the duration of the week.