Halaylah Lewis-McGlothan was a Delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders this June on the University of Massachusetts Lowell campus. The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. Halayah joined students from across the country to hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science recipients discuss leading medical research; be given advice from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what to expect in medical school; witness stories told by patients who are living medical miracles; be inspired by fellow teen medical science prodigies; and learn about cutting-edge advances and the future in medicine and medical technology.

 Halaylah's nomination was signed by Dr. Mario Capecchi ’56, P’02, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine and the Science Director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, to represent PA based on her academic achievement, leadership potential, and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine.

I aspire to be a dermatologist, which means I will have to go through the lengthy challenge that is medical school in the future. One of the things I know I will encounter is amazing research, and so I was really looking forward to meeting scientists who have done groundbreaking scientific work. At this Congress, we were able to hear many amazing speakers, including Dr. Mario Capecchi (George School Class of 1956). Hearing the story of his growth and the fact that he went from living on the streets of Italy at four years old to winning a Nobel Prize was inspirational, and I was even able to meet him afterwards and talk about my experience at George School.

Having done some research of my own for my IB Biology Internal Assessment (IA), I am familiar with how difficult and frustrating the research process can be, which is why I was extremely impressed by some of the young scientists who spoke on stage. One of these scientists is named Heman Bekele and he is only 15 years old, yet has already won the 3M Young Scientist Award in 2023 for his research and invention: a soap that can cure skin cancer. Another student named Leanne Fan, who is a rising junior, won America's top young scientist in 2022 for her invention: a pair of headphones for children that uses blue light to kill bacteria, meaning kids can listen to music while curing their ear infections. These young scientists showed me that anything is possible, and that you are never too young to reach your goals.

My favorite moment of the congress was when we were inducted into the Society of Torch & Laurel and then all took the Hippocratic Oath. It was a magical moment because there were thousands of us chanting and making these vows, in sync. Those moments solidified for me how many like-minded peers I had just in that room! I immediately made a friend on the first day there when we were both trying to find seats in the large stadium. I quickly learned that she aspired to be a pediatric surgeon, and that she was most looking forward to the live surgery. It felt really good to meet another black female teen who has medical aspirations just like me! I was so delighted to look around the stadium and see every kind of person imaginable, all wanting to make this world a better place.

I owe much of my current scientific interest to George School. Before taking science classes with George School’s hands-on approach, I had never been interested in STEM before. But now, clearly, that has changed! With my newfound love of science and George School’s approach to classes, I have been inspired to figure out the “whys” in the world around me. My psychology class has taught me some of the “whys” behind the people around me, biology is teaching me the “whys” behind the world around me, and as I continue to explore the medical field I hope to learn and understand the “whys” behind the complex systems of the human body.

The speakers and minds behind the Congress of Future Doctors share this same curiosity, and many have used it to save lives. If I could sum up my takeaways into one statement, it would be that I should always explore my curiosities and passions, wherever they may lead me. I have gained so much valuable knowledge from this experience, and I know that it will follow me throughout my future!

Halaylah is a rising senior at George School, an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate, an Admission Ambassador, and is involved with cheerleading, vocal music, and UMOJA (a student affinity group and space for descendants of Africa and the African Diaspora) and Women’s Empowerment clubs.