Freeport student joins future medical leaders of America
A Freeport Area School District student took part in a medical conference that featured other future medical leaders of America and some of the top names in the industry.
Owen Close, a Sarver resident and rising senior at Freeport Area High School, was a delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders, which took place in June on the campus of the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
“It was really unique,” Owen said. “I was able to gain exposure and learn a lot about the medical field. I got to learn about procedures that go on.
“For instance, there was a guy that talked about plastic surgery. His whole thing was that he was a face re-modeler, and he showed us pictures of faces he remodeled. You got to see all different aspects of the medical world. It was an expo of all medical things.”
Owen’s nomination for the program was signed by Mario Capecchi, previous winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine, and science director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists.
Owen was chosen to represent Pennsylvania based on his academic achievement, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine.
“I don’t know what it’s been in my life, I don’t know what the reason is. But something’s called me to it. It’s something that I just really want to pursue,” Owen said.
During the three-day congress, Owen joined students from across the country to hear from Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science recipients discussing leading medical research. He also heard advice from Ivy League and medical school deans on what to expect in medical school; witnessed stories told by patients “who are living medical miracles;” and learned about cutting-edge advances and the future of medicine and technology.
“This is a crucial time in America when we need more doctors and medical scientists who are even better prepared for a future that is changing exponentially,” a news release about the program said. “Focused, bright and determined students like Owen Close are our future and he deserves all the mentoring and guidance we can give him.”
