Interested in exploring the field of healthcare? HOSA- Health Occupations Students of America- is both a global and innovative student institution that offers a wide range of opportunities for students looking to pursue healthcare careers. HOSA was brought to North in 2024 by our co-presidents and co-founders, Riya Jose (class of 2027) and Alexander Poulos (class of 2027).
When asked why he wanted to start HOSA, Alex replied, “Riya and I wanted to start HOSA because North has so many clubs fit for people interested in humanities and business, but none that focused on medicine. We wanted to give North’s future healthcare workers a club honed to their careers. On the other hand, while HOSA targets people interested in medicine, it is a club for anyone who wants to develop both leadership and interpersonal skills by communicating with the national HOSA community.” Riya added that she is, “most excited for the upcoming workshop in November, where club members will be able to demonstrate their interests in medicine to a group of doctors and a HOSA community at large.” She hopes to bring home a few awards, too.
Last November, Ms. Demuro, the club’s advisor, organized a hands-on CPR training session for club members. While this didn’t qualify as an official CPR certification course, students had the opportunity to practice on several CPR mannequins, which was advantageous, especially for students considering joining the Ambulance Corps.
Last March, HOSA did a blood drive where they gathered 41 total donations, which would help 123 people in need of blood. This year HOSA plans to host 2 blood drives, one in February and one in May – stay tuned. HOSA also invited a Medical Director from the #1 Orthopedic Hospital in the county (HSS), Dr. Faye Rim, for a Q&A to help students determine whether or not a career in healthcare was meant for them. She shared her journey through medical school and her day-to-day life in the hospital. Students were given a glimpse into the reality of a career in healthcare. It was inspiring for students to hear from someone who once sought a career in medicine, and succeeded.
When asked why she wanted to join HOSA, Chloe, who became a member as a sophomore, said, “I wanted to be exposed to medicine before I went into the healthcare field.” Michelle, a senior, added, “I want to go into nursing so I found that HOSA would give me a thorough background in healthcare before I leave high school and go into the real world.”
HOSA closed off their first year as an official club, with a successful pickleball tournament fundraiser, raising $350 to cover competition expenses this year. Students and staff enjoyed their time playing a game of pickleball to raise money for a great cause.
This year HOSA members will be attending a workshop in Albany from November 21-22. It will be an amazing teambuilding opportunity, where members can meet with other HOSA chapters and explore the events they may want to do. The main event this year will be from March 24- 26, 2025, in Syracuse, where the HOSA competition will take place.
HOSA expanded greatly as a club, with over 60 registered members who joined this year alone. HOSA’s success wouldn’t have been possible without our dedicated club advisor, Ms. Demuro. She works tirelessly to ensure that our club succeeds at whatever we put our minds to. If you’ve been thinking about joining, your spot in HOSA is waiting for you.
