The next generation of doctors sits next to us in our classes, wait in the same lunch line, heads to after-school sports practice, and attends N.G.M.S. meetings. HPHS students who want to pursue a career in medicine can now join the Next Gen Medical Society club, which brings together students who share a passion for medicine, science, and human health.
A school club is an organized, student-led group that meets outside of standard classes. To create a school club, a student must find an idea that does not already exist and define its purpose. After that, they will approach a teacher with their idea and present it; if the teacher agrees, they will be the official supervisor. After that comes the fun part: gathering students who share the same interest and, hopefully, recruiting them. From there, they will build their cabinet, facilitate meetings, and grow around that topic.
Students voluntarily join the N.G.M.S. club to explore medical topics. N.G.M.S. is the bridge between real-world and classroom science, creating a hands-on experience in medicine for HPHS students.
Jose Zuniga, a current sophomore in the STEAM Magnet program, is the founder of this club. He says he created the club because, after high school, he plans to pursue a career in medicine and one day become a doctor. By being the founder of N.G.M.S., he hopes to gain firsthand experience and share it with his peers.
When asked what they have established so far, Zuniga says they have held their two meetings for the month and are currently working on building their cabinet. They meet every other Thursday during lunch in Ms. Cortez’s room. Moreover, since the club is just starting, they are planning future events for the Fall semester.
“We were thinking of having a CPR workshop. So we’ll have somebody that’s certified come and show us how to do it,” Jose Zuniga.
A traditional N.G.M.S. meeting begins with introductions; afterward, members discuss different roles in the medical field. This can range from Physician Assistants to Radiologic and MRI Technicians. Sometimes, other teachers, such as Mrs. Gonzalez, attend; they explain their occupations and answer any questions students may have. To end off the meetings, members provide student feedback.
Other members of N.G.M.S. are equally enthusiastic about the club and its upcoming events. Members are eagerly anticipating the activities and opportunities ahead.
These aspiring doctors and healthcare professionals recognize the valuable opportunities that N.G.M.S. is able to provide for them. When asked whether they believe N.G.M.S. will offer direct operational involvement in medicine, science, and human health, they responded confidently.
“Yes, I believe that because N.G.M.S. is a gateway to get hands-on experience with not only science-related things but also various medical topics,” Gerardo Dylen Salazar said.
Because N.G.M.S. varies by topic, each meeting will present something new! Members will be provided with a range of information that is not only science-related but also on medical topics.
“By joining N.G.M.S., I believe I have a much bigger opportunity in gaining hands-on experience with medicine, science, and human health because it’ll allow me to see what is shown when working in the medical field. I also believe I would have a better opportunity because it’ll be more on what you want to do in the future so you get to focus on your own pathway, also allowing you to see different perspectives,” Isabella Lujan.
Because this is the first time a medical club has been established at HPHS in recent memory, there is much room to expand on. It creates a pivotal impact on our school and will only grow from here. N.G.M.S. can inspire our future healthcare professionals and make an impact in their early education.
N.G.M.S. strives off of the student led body and leadership. However, this club has a teaching moderator who is equally passionate about this club.
Ms. Cortez is a health and science teacher working at HPHS. She decided to take on the role of a teaching moderator for N.G.M.S. when Jose Zuniga came to her with the idea. Because Zuniga followed through with his plan, she decided to commit to being the teaching moderator and saw the need.
Ms. Cortez explains that she will be engaged with this club and will offer the support that is needed for N.G.M.S. to strive. Stating that she will guide her students and will reach out to the appropriate people if the need arises.
“The club uses my room every other Thursday during lunch. During the meetings I allow the club leaders to facilitate the meeting, but I also support when needed. I am going to be the liaison with the school and the members. If we need anything, I will be the person to go and talk to the appropriate person. I am also actively looking for intern opportunities for our members,” Ms. Cortez explains.
N.G.M.S. has all the resources, members, and teaching assistance needed to strive! With all the support and passion this club has, members will gain lots of knowledge and experience that will help them with their futures. The next generation of doctors and healthcare professionals are just getting started!
Written by Mia Olivarez, Features Assistant Editor