Congress of Future Medical Leaders

[MOpGrad2013]

I am over the moon with excitement! DD16 received a nomination packet from Harvard for her to attend this summer's Congress of Future Medical Leaders.

DD is a Junior in high school. She hadn't really thought about a career in medical, but she is a strong science and math student. English..not so much "computers have spell check, mom.." She has been thinking about becoming a teacher in sciences, but then this past week, she said "I'm good at arguing my point..I would be a great lawyer." So, suddenly, Harvard and all the Ivy Leagues moved back on to the list of schools to look at.

So, the surprise of "someone from Harvard sent me a letter..." I asked her about the aspect of blood (they view a live surgery) and she said she can get over her jeebies. The Congress is actually held at Univ of Mass, but she is still excited. "I still might see the campus"

The cost to attend this 3 day excursion is $2000+ so nothing to sneeze at. But, DH and both her older brothers have said "If she wants to go, nothing will stop us. We'll do pb&j for a while if needed." The big boys are planning to pitch in on her spending money.

Have any of you attended or sent your student to this program? There was one student nominated in the 2013 graduating class from our area. So, it's pretty much a "put the little school on the list" if she goes.

She will fly into BOS and then she will be escorted to the hotel by volunteers.

 

[Schminston-Mo]

I don't want to burst your DD's bubble, but a quick Google of this organization seems to indicate it is a for-profit organization and that it isn't necessarily an honor to be invited.

Participation in these conferences may be interesting, but not necessarily cost efficient or helpful on college applications. Since your DD has a passing interest at best of a medical career, it may not be the best investment for you.

If she is interested, she may look into joining HOSA (Future Heath Professionals) if her school has a chapter....or look into starting one.

 

[BadgerGirl84]

I'm sorry, but this is a scam.

https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/1657765-congress-of-future-medical-leaders.html

You may get more mileage out of your $2000 by doing your own trip to Boston and signing up for a tour of Harvard.

 

[sukhakuli]

My husband is a physician (never went to this thing, BTW). Don't get me wrong, he loves his job, but the work hours are intense. And it's not like they let up after residency. Some specialties are just an 80-100 hour work week (much of it over night in 24-30 hour shifts) for the rest of your career. I know a lot of female physicians who get tired of never seeing their kids and they quit. Then they feel guilty for their expensive education that they no longer want to use. It seems less of an issue for the men I know than the women, I'm not sure why.

 

[MOpGrad2013]

Thank you for the quick replies. This is not the first leadership type conference she has been invited to...(nor her brothers). We haven't been able to even think about affording the past ones.

I will talk with her and DH...then see about the trip to Boston. (as a family)

And you are correct, she only has a passing interest. Maybe finding a lawyer leadership would be better.

The biggest thrill is the idea that she will look beyond the small town we are in currently. Even though we are military retired and have seen many different cities nationwide, she has embraced our community. Most of the kids we have around us (non-military) have never left the county.