A Newton High School freshman will soon travel to the nation’s capital for an honors-only program that will focus on teaching aspiring medical professionals more about medical science and honor some of America’s highest-achieving high school students.
Jameriah Clark has been nominated to attend the Congress of Future Medical Leaders program in Washington, D.C., Feb. 14-16.
The program is for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. Students must have a minimum 3.5 grade-point average to attend.
The three-day program will honor, motivate and direct students pursuing medical careers by providing them with paths, plans and resources.
Dr. Connie Mariano, medical director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, nominated Clark to represent Georgia based on her academic achievement, leadership and determination to serve in the field of medicine, a news release said.
Clark, also a Newton College and Career Academy associate, will join students from across the country who will have the chance to listen to Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science winners talk about leading medical research; hear advice from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what to expect in medical school; and hear the stories of patients who are living medical miracles.
In addition, students will hear from teen medical-science prodigies and learn about cutting-edge advances and the future of medicine and medical technology.
At the conclusion of the event, the Congress of Future Medical Leaders will award three scholarships — a full-tuition scholarship up to $185,000; and two $10,000 scholarships, all to attend medical school — something Clark said she love to have.
"I am super-excited to be attending the Congress. I have never been to D.C., so I’m very anxious to see the city and meet all of the other eager students from around the country," Clark said.
"From this experience, I believe I will be an eyewitness to all of the amazing ways medical science has advanced the world and see how it has evolved over time. I expect to get a deeper understanding about the medical field and the basic fundamentals that could possibly be helpful in my future career," she said.
"Also, I hope to be able to discover many different careers in the medical field that aren’t very common in today’s society; that would give me a chance to explore my options for careers before college."
Richard Rossi, executive director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, said in a news release that this is a crucial time in America, when more doctors and medical scientists are needed.
"Focused, bright and determined students like Jameriah Clark are our future, and she deserves all the mentoring and guidance we can give her," Rossi said.
According to information from the NAFPMS, the medical organization based in Washington was founded on the belief that prospective medical talent should be identified at the earliest possible age and given help to acquire the necessary experience and skills for a medical career.
