This summer, young scholars from across the nation will participate in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine. Sessions take place in eight cities throughout the United States. Scholars will join other high school students from around the country who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and an interest in a career in medicine.

Aaron Amundson, son of Alan and Sue Amundson of rural Glenville, will participate in the NYLF conference in Chicago in July. He as the aspirations of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.

Throughout the 10-day forum, NYLF/MED will introduce students to a variety of concepts in public health, medical ethics, research and general practice and will include site visits to medical facilities and clinics. Scholars will engage in a simulation using problem-based learning, an educational method in which students will be presented a fictional patient’s case history and must diagnose and develop a treatment plan for the patient. “Each student may very well be the face of the future of medicine,” said NYLF Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Marguerite C. Regan. “The National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine creates a virtual classroom with hospitals, clinical facilities and healthcare professionals. By shadowing key personnel, these students will have a great opportunity to gain a behind-the-scenes perspective on a medical career. Timing is critical as young people explore their career paths, just prior to immersing themselves in college coursework.”

In addition to visiting cutting-edge medical schools and clinical facilities, scholars will have the opportunity to hear from and interact with leaders within the medical field. Students engage in personal contact with physicians, surgeons, researchers, scientists and medical educators as they view these professionals at work.

NYLF is an educational organization that brings various professions to life, empowering outstanding young people with the confidence to make well-informed career choices. NYLF has provided programming to more than 100,000 young people.