Canyon View High School sophomore Serene Morss has been nominated for the Congress of Future Medical Leaders.
Held in June, the Congress of Future Medical Leaders is a program created by the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists for high school students planning on entering medical careers and jobs. The program aims to motivate and inspire these top students to further pursue their interests and support them in reaching their goals in the medical field.
Serene was nominated to represent Arizona at the congress, based on her high school performance, academic achievement, and plans to serve humanity in the field of medicine. Her interests in medicine stem from sports, as she plans on becoming a sports medic or physical therapist.
As a student in the medical pathway at her school, she works the sidelines at school sports games by shadowing a sports therapist and helping injured athletes. She said the congress helps her gain a greater focus and a competitive edge on her journey into a career in medicine.
“I hope this helps me decide what I want to do with all the information at my fingertips,” she said.
Serene said she wants to study physical therapy because it is so vast and she would like to learn more about the different career prospects and possibilities available to her early on.
With the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s Congress of Future Medical Leaders will be held virtually to ensure all students are getting the same educational experience safely. Because of this, more high school students passionate about medicine are able to attend the congress.
During the two-day program, Serene will join other students interested in medicine from across the country and world. She will hear Nobel laureates, National Medal of Science winners, and professors discuss medical research; get advice from Ivy League school and medical school deans; learn about the future of medicine; and network with other passionate students.
The program will have breakout rooms that allow her to learn about taking notes and medical shadowing as well as meet new people. In addition, the academy offers free services for delegates, including mentoring opportunities, online social networks, skills acquisition, internships and career guidance. Students also have the option to earn one college credit offered by Bottega University for attending.
For Serene, she hopes to use this experience to become more knowledgeable about medical careers.