Akshay Reddy describes his journey with HOSA and its impact on his life and future career.Have you ever thought that an extracurricular activity could change your whole view on life? After entering Walled Lake Central High School, I would have gullibly responded to that question with a negative reaction, not making a big deal about it. In spite of the fact that upon my graduation, I can gladly answer that equivalent inquiry with certainty, energy, and self-experience, and even name that activity to be HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). I began investigating joining clubs in high school, and that is when I became acquainted with HOSA. I figured it would simply be a run of the mill club that discussed a lot of various themes in medicine, but what I discovered was actually an organization with a great many individuals whose point is one objective: setting up America's future clinical calling. At my first HOSA meeting, I was welcomed by a group of individuals who shared the same passions and interests as myself in healthcare. As a competitive athlete, my main interests in healthcare were in the sports medicine field. At the time I had no idea what I had aspired to be when I was older but I knew I wanted it to be within the sports medicine field. HOSA allowed me to partake in competitions which gave me insight into career options in the sports medicine field. I was shown basic practical medical techniques that psychical therapists, physiatrists, and orthopedic surgeons used in examining a patient. I was also given the opportunity to practice these techniques and hone these skills for future competitions that were held by HOSA. From practicing how to wrap a cast to understanding the physiology and anatomy of basic human parts, HOSA confirmed for me my passion in the sports medicine field. I knew then that at that moment I wanted to become a physician, but more specifically an orthopedic surgeon. As an athlete who was recruited for his sport, I was told that I wouldn’t be able to compete in college as a student-athlete and pre-med student due to the time and commitment required by both, At certain times, it looked like I had no option but my HOSA team’s confidence in me never wavered. They helped me get in contact with members of the HOSA committee who informed me of a program by Nova Southeastern which offered guaranteed admission to the med school pending minimal requirements. These requirements compared to what the average med school applicant applied with were much easier, so as one could imagine the competition to get into this program was top-notch. I knew this program was the only way that I could continue both my dreams of becoming a physician and student-athlete. With the help of HOSA, I was able to craft an application that demonstrated my purpose for combining both aspects of these important things in my life. Fast forward 9 months later, and here I am an incoming freshman to that amazing direct-med program at Nova Southeastern where I will also be a student-athlete. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had at HOSA, from finding my dream career and making it a possibility with my other passion through the help of some of the most amazing, aspiring medical professionals I have ever met.
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