Monday's Internet Edition, May 12, 2008.
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HOSA is a national student organization endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Technology Education Division of ACTE. HOSA's two-fold mission is to promote career opportunities in the health care industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. HOSA's goal is to encourage all health occupations instructors and students to join and be actively involved in the HSTE-HOSA Partnership. There are three levels of medical related events, including the regional level, the state level and the national level.
Besides the National Competitive Events program, HOSA’s National Leadership Conference includes informative general sessions, educational and social learning activities, leadership academies, tours to healthcare facilities, exhibits presented by professional healthcare associations, the annual business of the national student organization of HOSA by the national voting delegates, the Educational Symposium — workshops presented by professional partners that provide Information about current health care issues and an opportunity to meet people from across the United States and Puerto Rico with similar career goals
Elaine Rabon, R.N. N.P, the sponsor of Ledford High School HOSA program said of the program.
“We offer almost endless opportunities for those interested in a health career,” Rabon said. “A few of the classes offered include Health Team Relations, Biomedical Technology, Allied Health Sciences I & II, and Health Science Advanced Studies”.
The goal of the Academy of Medical Science is to prepare students for the health career of their choice.
“It also gives students who are not sure if they want to continue in the healthcare profession an opportunity to see if they have what it takes to be in the Medical Field,” Raybon said.
She noted that she is tough with her students and that the standards are high.
“That is why we have so many winners”, she said proudly.
However, there are other career pathways, which the student can transfer to without loosing any credit hours if they decide not to continue in a health career.
At the state competition, 50 students participated. Of those students, 24 came out in the top 10, and of those 24, 14 students won either first, second or third place.
First place for Medical Photography went to Lauren Crowson. Allysen Schaaf took first place in Sports Medicine. Heather Ziglar, Kayla Wright, Ashley Griffin and Chelsea Gibbons won first place in Health Education. Second Place prize for Creative Problem Solving was won Jessica Otey, Jessica Burch, Erica Clinard, and Erin Callicutt. Second place in Community Awareness was taken by Cara Trotter, Sara Cline and Suzanne Cranford, and Meagan McGee placed third in Researched Persuasive Speaking.
The following students were in the top 10 statewide: Megan Yountz for Medical Math, Olivia Davis for Medical Assisting Clinical, Kaitlyn Sherrer for Medical Spelling, and for Biomedical Debate Stuart Ellis, Ross Lackey, Josef Kablan, and Katie Thomas. For Medical Photography, Stephanie Lambeth, for Health Education Meredith Baity and Brette Staley, for Physical Therapy, Casey Wilson and for EMT, Wesley Clodfelter and Gary Swaim.
Students that progressed to finals in the HOSA Bowl were Melody Church, Adam Price, Laura Hollar and Chelsea Sapp. Rabon also stated very proudly that “Meagan McGee was elected State President of HOSA. The Club received Gold Star Chapter status by being the largest 2A Chapter and the Largest Growth. They were also presented with the Prevent Blindness Award, the Red Cross Award, and the 100 Club Award.
Ledford High School Principal, Bill Butts had nothing but praise for Rabon.
“She has built a strong, strong, program by encouraging the students to achieve to their maximum potential,” Butts said.
He is also very proud of the students and how they relate to Rabon.
Aside from their school-related projects, the students also reach out to the community in various ways. During the Christmas Holidays they caroled at Britthaven, They had a blood drive and participated in the walk for Juvenile Diabetes. In particular Rabon is very proud of her students for the “Prom” that they give to the senior citizens. They make corsages for the ladies and boutonnieres for the gentleman. For those that cannot participate they take either a corsage or boutonniere and pin it on the patient who is bedridden. The students do the planning, decorate, serve refreshments, hire a band or a DJ, and hire a photographer.
The interaction between Rabon and her students has evolved into more than just teacher to student and has become one of respect, pride and affection. Two of her students claim that Rabon is her second mother.
Rabon originally started the program in 1992 at Thomasville High School, but then it was later moved to Ledford. However, the program is open to any student in Davidson County.
“There are more girls in the program then boys” Rabon said, though, it gives young men a chance to train the same way as girls to be physicians, vets, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, lab technicians or radiology technicians. The students work in area hospitals in different departments, including Pathology where they do post mortem care.
Because of the growth of the program, a second teacher has been hired. Tona Turner teaches the introductory courses and will be taking Rabon’s position next year as Rabon is retiring.
“Aside from the intense preparation of the students for the national competition, Turner is also learning the ropes of running the program and I have great respect and admiration for her”, said Rabon.
The HOSA National Leadership Conference will run through June 26th to 29th in Anaheim’s Hilton and Marriott Hotel.
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