How Michigan HOSA is Shaping the Future of Healthcare

Michigan HOSA prepares students across the state to become future health professionals and leaders. Administered by Michigan Health Council (MHC), the organization provides opportunities for middle and high school students to gain hands-on experience, develop leadership skills, and build meaningful connections with industry professionals. With thousands of members, it is more than just a student organization; it serves as a stepping stone for the next generation of compassionate, skilled, and innovative professionals ready to make a lasting impact in healthcare.

Real Experience, Real Impact

Through competitive events, Michigan HOSA gives students the opportunity to explore their interests and learn new skills in healthcare. Competitive events are the cornerstone of the Michigan HOSA experience. From Forensic Science and Medical Ethics to hands-on projects in Health Education and Clinical Specialty, Michigan HOSA’s competitive events help students explore the reach of the healthcare industry and discover where they might fit within it.

Zainab, a high school senior aspiring to become an OB-GYN, explored different career paths through the Michigan HOSA Clinical Specialty competitive event. She shared, “I shadowed a Pharmacist, an Internal Medicine Physician, and a Dentist. It helped me discover what aligned with my goals—and what didn’t.” For her, the experience highlighted not only career fit but also how every role plays a critical part in patient outcomes. 

A Pipeline With Purpose

Peter Sanin, Detroit Catholic Central, 2024-2025 Michigan HOSA State President Dhanya Chugh, Northville High School, 2024-2025 Region 5 Representative Zainab Ahmed, Farmington High School, 2024-2025 Region 8 Representative

Beyond competitions, Michigan HOSA offers a wide range of leadership and networking opportunities, such as serving on the state officer team, attending national leadership academies, and connecting with students across Michigan. These types of experiences help shape students into confident, capable professionals.

For Dhanya, a high school junior, Michigan HOSA helped refine her dream of becoming a doctor into a passion for health policy. After attending the HOSA Washington Leadership Academy conference, she realized the power of advocacy and the impact policy can have on people’s health. “HOSA helped me narrow down what I wanted to do. But even more than that, it taught me how to connect with professionals, lawmakers, and peers,” she said.

Building Skills Beyond the Clinic

While many Michigan HOSA students aspire to become healthcare professionals, the organization’s impact reaches far beyond sites of care. Leadership, public speaking, networking, and collaboration are at the heart of every Michigan HOSA experience — and these transferable skills are critical in any profession, healthcare-related or not.

Peter, a senior and the 2024–2025 Michigan HOSA state president, is a strong example. He hopes to become a Physician and credits Michigan HOSA for teaching him essential leadership and communication skills. “Being part of a state officer team taught me how to communicate early, often, and clearly,” he shared. His experience in events like Forensic Science and Medical Law & Ethics also helped him see healthcare from broader clinical and legal perspectives, deepening his understanding of how systems work together to support patient care.

Zainab put it simply: “Even if you don’t go into healthcare, the skills you learn through Michigan HOSA- leadership, communication, networking, and teamwork- stay with you.”

Shaping the Future Together

Michigan HOSA represents more than competitions and career exploration, it represents opportunity, community, and excellence. In a time when the healthcare industry is in dire need of dedicated, well-prepared professionals, Michigan HOSA is answering the call by equipping students with the skills and human-centered perspective to lead.

Learn more about Michigan HOSA at www.michiganhosa.org.