Saint Paul’s students interested in the medical field spent their summers gaining valuable healthcare knowledge in various interactive experiences.

These Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) students—members of Saint Paul’s medical and engineering clubs, respectively—used this break to prepare for their future.

Hyland Authement (‘25) at Covington Trace ER and Hospital

HOSA moderator Tammy Freeman praises these men for taking the initiative during their break. “Their efforts not only underscore their dedication to advancing their knowledge and skills but also highlight their unwavering determination to make a positive difference in the healthcare community.” 

Saint Paul’s senior Hyland Authement spent over 100 hours at Covington Trace ER and Hospital.

While shadowing local ER doctors, Authement learned important ER skills, such as accurately diagnosing patients and effectively managing time. He also gained hands-on experience with imaging technology, such as CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and X-rays.  

Most importantly, Authement understood how a passionate and effective doctor improves patients’ lives. 

He finds this entire experience incredibly valuable to his future. “I observed two total knee replacements—one robotic and one traditional—and gained valuable insights into the techniques and environment of an operating room. This experience was highly educational, and I am deeply grateful for it.”

Another HOSA member, Saint Paul’s senior Aryan Kumar, spent part of his summer shadowing a pulmonologist. Kumar learned proper hospital etiquette and other formal duties of a pulmonologist, which is a physician that specializes in the respiratory system . 

Kumar also researched the diet of western tiger salamanders and how it affects their fitness. He presented this research at the annual Louisiana Archaeological Society at Southeastern Louisiana University.

Kumar’s classmate, senior Will Landers, shadowed Dr. Joseph Landers this summer as well. 

Will Landers (’26) shadows his father, Dr. Landers

Landers says that his time was an amazing experience through following his dad. While shadowing, he also gained new reasons to like this occupation. “Meeting with different types of patients, it was all really interesting to me.”

Besides shadowing fellow professionals, Saint Paul’s was represented in other ways as well.

Junior Theo Hadskey attended the International Leadership Conference (ILC) as Saint Paul’s HOSA representative. 

During this three-day conference, Hadskey took numerous academic tests, including the NGL (National Geographic Learning) and Toltech XR Anatomy tests.

Hadskey also participated in an ILC tradition of trading pins and connecting with his fellow leaders from around the world. Hadskey says that he is excited to participate in next year’s conference in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Saint Paul’s other representative, junior Blaise Muguira, also made both Saint Paul’s and its HOSA chapter proud. 

Muguira was elected executive board Region 3 Vice President. Because of his new position, he attended a week-long training to prepare. Through this training, he worked on public speaking, learned more about his new role, and studied proper event etiquette.

Blaise Muguira (‘26), far left, with his executive board

Muguira also was able to talk to former HOSA leaders, visit a surgical glove factory, and participate in team-building activities. Muguira takes all of these opportunities to help him observe medical fields and surgical procedures in practice.

Saint Paul’s HOSA chapter continues to grow each year.

The club meets every other Thursday and is welcoming to all new members. During meetings, they plan future meetings and discuss their plans for the immediate future.

All 63 members are all active in the club and its activities. One member, Luke Murphy, is very grateful for both the club and its resources it has to offer. “It is a great opportunity for internships and learning about what you want to do in the medical field.”

Students who are interested in becoming HOSA members and gaining valuable real-life experience in the medical field can visit Mrs. Freeman’s classroom in room 212 for more information.