Medical students engage and inspire future healthcare leaders

Pictured above: Brianna Owairu (M2), Ankit Patel (M3) and Jonas St. Fleur (M3)

NEOMED College of Medicine students partnered with local high school educators to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals during a youth mentoring and career exploration event held on Dec. 5, 2025.

Participating NEOMED medical students included Jonas St. Fleur (M3), health policy and legislative affairs chair for the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) chapter at NEOMED; Brianna Owairu (M2), president of SNMA; and Ankit Patel (M3), who joined the outreach effort to support student engagement and pipeline development.

Organized in collaboration with school directors and supported by the SNMA, the event focused on increasing early exposure to careers in medicine and healthcare through mentorship, storytelling and hands-on engagement for students exploring future pathways in health and science.

High school students in attendance represented John Hay School of Architecture and Design, Collinwood High School and Rhodes College and Career Academy, bringing together students with a shared curiosity and interest in healthcare careers.

Throughout the event, students had the opportunity to interact with medical students, ask questions about the path to medical school and participate in interactive activities designed to make medicine approachable and exciting. Medical student volunteers shared their personal journeys, discussed overcoming challenges and emphasized the importance of perseverance, curiosity and community support in pursuing a career in healthcare.

The event aimed not only to spark early interest in medicine but also to establish meaningful mentorship connections that can support students as they progress through middle school, high school and beyond. By meeting students where they are and creating a welcoming environment, the NEOMED medical students demonstrated the power of mentorship in shaping future opportunities.

Special acknowledgment and appreciation are extended to Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) College and Career Readiness Program for sponsoring the event, as well as Karla Mell and Richard Larkin for their instrumental roles in coordinating and supporting the event. SNMA also thanks the advisors, teachers and school staff who were present to help run the event and support student engagement.

SNMA remains committed to community outreach, mentorship and fostering early interest in medicine by creating meaningful opportunities for students to explore careers in healthcare.

- submitted by Jonas St. Fleur, M3