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.