By Tamas Mondovics
Newsome High School Junior, Omar Jean-Baptiste, has big plans to start the new year thanks to being nominated to attend the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Washington, D.C. on Friday, February 14-Sunday, February 16.
The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or enter medical research fields. Jean-Baptiste was nominated by Dr. Connie Mariano, the Medical Director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, to represent Florida based on his academic achievement, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine.
“I feel incredibly privileged to be attending this program and look forward to being in Washington,” Jean-Baptiste said as he reflected on being chosen for the event. According to the National Academy of Future Physicians Website, America’s highest potential students never fulfill their dream of entering the medical profession because they lack resources, direction, self confidence or guidance. It is this notion that the three-day Congress, which Jean-Baptiste has a chance to attend, will address while allowing students from across the country to hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science Winners.
The Congress will feature advice from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what is to be expected in medical school. They will also hear stories told by patients who are living medical miracles. While there, they may be inspired by fellow teen medical science prodigies, such as 16-year-old Jack Andraka who discovered a rapid and early method to detect pancreatic and lung cancer.
Executive Director, National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists Richard Rossi said, “This is a crucial time in America when we need more doctors and medical scientists who are prepared for a future that is changing exponentially.”
Based in Washington, D.C., the Academy plans to launch a series of programs including online social networks through which future doctors and medical scientists can communicate and provide opportunities for students to be guided and mentored by physicians and medical students. They are also working on communications for parents and students on college acceptance and finances, skill acquisition, internships and career guidance just to name a few. Visit www.FutureDocs.com or call 202-599-8442, x701 for more information.
