Leaders Today….Professionals Tomorrow!

Submitted by Dennis Fiscus.

On April 1, 2012 over 1400 students from around the state arrived in Tucson for the 7th AzHOSA Spring Leadership Conference. The conference was held at the Westin La Paloma Resort and hosted by the 2011-2012 AzHOSA State Officers. Students from Career and Technical Education Programs in Nursing Services, Sports Medicine, and Therapeutic Massage, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Assisting and Biomedical Technology were ready to showcase their knowledge and skills and to participate in the Medical leadership Village, attend educational sessions and network with exhibitors.

The high energy opening sessions recognized the advisors that have been leaders in their schools for 5 Years. Mr. Elliott Hibbs, Deputy Superintendent brought greeting on behalf of the Department of Education and stayed to observe several competitions. Sean Sheffer, National HOSA President and Tayla Brown, National Region I VP brought greetings on behalf of of the National Executive Council. The conference included over 58 competitive and recognition events. The leadership events gave members the opportunity to improve skills such as interviewing for a job, preparing and giving a speech and debating biomedical issues. The high tech events like Biotechnology, Nursing Assisting, Medical Assisting, Forensic Medicine and Pathophysiology allow student to showcase the skills they learn in their CTE programs. All this was accomplished with the support of over 100 healthcare professionals that serve as judges and presenters.

At the Annual Business meeting, the AzHOSA Association Bylaws were amended and the new 2012-2013 AzHOSA State Officers were elected. These officers will attend training in April and June and host the Arizona Delegation at the 2012 National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida.

At the closing of the contests, an exciting awards session at in the Arizona Ballroom recognized the top five winners in each event. The state winners placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd are eligible to compete at the 2012 National HOSA Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida.