Idaho HOSA Attends 2024 International Leadership Conference in Houston, Texas

Over the past week (June 26^th-29^th), Idaho HOSA SLC qualifiers from across the state got the chance to travel to Houston, Texas to compete at the HOSA International Leadership Conference (ILC). There, members get the opportunity to build connections within the healthcare field, attend symposiums to gain insight into the different aspects of healthcare as well as healthcare issues around the world, and of course; compete alongside fellow HOSA members from other states and countries for a chance to place at an international level.

The conference officially started Wednesday morning with the opening of registration. This is where advisors and members get to communicate with each other and their state officers. They also get the opportunity to ‘pin trade’ with other states. Each chartered association creates their own themed pin that they can trade with other states members to put on their conference badges. The day ended with opening session, officially kicking off the start of competition. Members got to hear a bone marrow transplant story through the NMDP and listen to a keynote speaker. This year‘s keynote speaker was Dr. Rayne Rouce, a Pediatric Oncologist and Physician Scientist, and a Baylor College of Medicine HOSA Alumna. She spoke to members about the importance of patient connection and why she loves the job that she does.

Throughout Thursday and Friday, HOSA members spent their time walking around the HOSA Expo and conference center, making connections with other members and competing in their events. Friday ended with the ILC recognition session where Idaho chapters were able to be rewarded for their efforts outside of their competitions.

The Idaho chapter recognition awards include:

Barbra James Service Award

• Bronze Level: Emily Davis, Domonic Merman
• Gold Level: Vannessa Cortez, Katie Kim, Alexandira Preciado

HOSA Happenings

• Owyhee High School
• Meridian Medical Arts Charter High School

HOSA Service Project

• Owyhee High School
• Meridian Medical Arts Charter High School (Top 3)

Outstanding HOSA Advisor

• Taylor Clark, Owyhee High School

American Red Cross Volunteer Service (Individual)

• Bronze Level: Maria Arreola, Lindsey Gonzales, Kaily Carrasco, Jennifer Perfecto, Callie Lovitt, Amado Chavez, Aundra De Witt, James Hamilton

American Red Cross Volunteer Service (Chapter)

• Nyssa High School (Chapter of the Year)

ABC’s Blood Drive

• Bronze: Nyssa High School

Finally, on Saturday night, all members attended the award sessions where Idaho was able to represent in multiple competitions!

The Idaho Top 10 Winners include:

Secondary

• Clinical Specialty: Towako Tamano, 1^st
• Emergency Medical Technician: Dorr; Zimmerman, 5^th
• Pathophysiology: Hazel Fuhs, 5^th
• Pharmacy Science: Kelby Huynh, 6^th
• Parliamentary Procedure: Seabrease; Elkington; Neilson; Black; Davis; Daniell, 7^th
• Public Service Announcement: Dacones; Saul; Jones, 2^nd
• Veterinary Science: Cassie Coelho 10^th

Post-Secondary

• Dental Science: Emily Tellez Regalado, 4^th & Guadalupe Partida-Parra, 6^th
• Dental Terminology: Carolina Lopez, 1^st
• Medical Terminology: Avery McClymonds, 9^th

Officially closing the 2023-2024 HOSA competition season, Idaho HOSA could not be prouder of its members, and The State Officers are looking forward to another great year going into the 2024-2025 season.