Future Medical Professionals of America, or FMPA, is a pilot club at VHHS this year, meaning that it will become a full club next year if it generates enough interest. FMPA has seen incredible success in its first few meetings. As many as 60 to 70 students have attended the club’s meetings, and the club fully anticipates that this high level of interest will continue next year.

The club is organized by Aakash Setty (10) and Isabella Kosoglaz (11). They were interested in organizing a club that gives interested students information about what it takes to be in a medical profession.

“They really want to create common awareness of what it means to be a physician through presentations and a hands-on experience,” said Mr. Chinske, who is a teacher adviser for the club, along with athletic trainer Joe Payawal, who is the co-adviser. “The club was student-generated.” Chinske explained that the students wanted to start the club because Aakash and Isabella both felt that there was a strong interest in the medical among their friends and classmates, which was proven by the large turnout at the meetings thus far.

Students attending FMPA meetings have had the opportunity to do hands-on activities, such as making sutures on pigs’ feet and inserting injections into oranges. They have also seen a number of presentations from current doctors, nurses, and dentists, where they learn about the education process and expectations of becoming a medical professional.

“I don’t know where Aakash finds these presenters. I’ve only helped a little bit with some suggestions, and he finds these amazing presenters that have been not only interesting, but professional,” said Chinske.

“It was really important for our school to have something like this, because a lot of other schools have it already. We wanted to form this club because it helps students find what they’re passionate about,” Aakash explained. “We went around getting teachers involved, and a lot of people approached us asking to help with the planning as well.”

“I saw that Stevenson had something like this, and as soon as I saw Aakash starting it, I knew that it would be a wonderful asset to the high school. Even if people are not sure what they want to do yet, having the opportunity to see an orthodontist and a neonatal surgeon, they might get inspired,” said Isabella, who got involved in planning with Aakash as he began forming the club. She plans to continue to work as a leader in FMPA as it grows in the future.

The club hopes to go to the next level someday by competing in Health Occupations Students of America, or HOSA, competitions. HOSA is a national organization whose mission is to provide “knowledge as well as leadership development” to students interested in careers in healthcare. They accomplish this mission by sponsoring competitive events that include such categories as medical math, clinical specialty, and medical photography. Aakash hopes to get the club involved in these events as soon as next year.