Squads Abroad at HOSA in 2024!
Squads Abroad attended HOSA regional conferences across the United States this past March and April to meet with aspiring health and medical students and share opportunities about our upcoming Global Medical Academy programs. It was so inspiring to meet with thousands of passionate high school students and teachers in California, Florida, Colorado, Wisconsin, Illinois and North Carolina. We can’t wait to see everyone again at the 2024 International Leadership Conference from June 26-29 in Houston, Texas.
One of Squads Abroad’s amazing Program Associates, Dulce Corea, traveled from Honduras to Orlando, Florida to present at the April 4-7 Florida State Conference.
“It was incredible to see the enthusiasm and interest [from students] on how they can positively impact international communities while gaining medical experience and collaborating with local teams,” shared Dulce. “Many students mentioned that it was the first time they had heard of such opportunities.”
Despite being in the midst of exam periods, for which they had prepared diligently, students took the time to visit the Squads Abroad booth and to learn more about our programs.
They were particularly attracted to the possibility of participating in international trips and working alongside local medical teams. The combination of medical service programs and cultural immersion in countries like Belize, Panama, Guatemala, Greece, Ghana, and Honduras sparked great interest.
Participating in our programs has a positive impact on students as it allows them to gain a comprehensive understanding of what international medical work entails. They learn about the social determinants of development and health, which makes them more culturally aware and helps them develop cultural sensitivity without falling into the savior complex. This experience provides them with the opportunity to acquire new skills, work with international and interdisciplinary teams, experience new cultures, and make a positive difference in historically underserved communities.
Ultimately, seeing these young individuals so committed and motivated is an encouraging sign that the future of medicine and health is in good hands. The experience at the HOSA conference underscores the importance of offering students opportunities that allow them to grow both professionally and personally while contributing to global well-being.
