In 2025, over 100,000 students enrolled in medical schools, according to HealthDay. To build the skills these students need for their future careers, Future Health Professionals, formerly known as Health Occupations for Students of America (HOSA), is a student-led organization that encourages youth to become leaders in the health care field.
HOSA serves students across the nation and internationally, forming over 6,200 chapters around the world. Malden High School’s HOSA chapter shut down in 2025 because of a lack of members and an advisor. Junior President Maria Eduarda Candido noticed the lack of a chapter and took the initiative to revive it within the high school, believing that it would be “a really big opportunity for students.”
Junior Vice President Aya Bihi was thrilled with the revival, since she had first joined the club her freshman year and “wanted to continue with it through high school.”
HOSA opens up numerous opportunities for students to “explore careers in healthcare,” shared junior Social Media Coordinator Gesselle Rodriguez Portillo. The officers hope to expand the possibilities for students by inviting guest speakers, building medical skills, and sharing internship and volunteer opportunities.
One of the most notable parts of HOSA is the competitions. The organization offers over 130 different categories to compete in; Malden focuses on five: Health Science, Health Professions, Emergency Preparedness, Leadership, and teamwork events. These competitions take place at the Spring Leadership Conference, which also includes workshops, seminars, and chances to meet healthcare professionals.
Many officers, like junior Treasurer Meybelin Guadron, are “excited to learn and participate in the competitions”; however, they face an issue of a lack of funds. Candido shared how the club has “national dues” and required payments to attend the spring conference, causing a significant setback in the club’s goal.
Luckily, plans are already being made to overcome this problem. Junior Fundraising Coordinator Phalangecia Marie Jean Charles has plans to “work with HOSA management to organize and arrange monthly bake sales during games if possible” to open the club to everyone without students having financial worries.
Despite the obstacles standing in the way, the HOSA club has established a strong restart for its members. Through workshops and teaching students different medical skills during each meeting, they are not only prepared for the spring competitions, but also for a bright future in the medical field.
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