Our Final Day

Written by Saili Samoa

We, the July PHLS Members met at the O’Neill Building with Ensign Michitta Andre who briefed us on the agenda for the day.

We finished up the team project to be presented in the afternoon to the leaders of the MRC face to face and the National HOSA on a conference call.  Working with Piyush (N.J), Erin (N.C.), Michell and Advisor Evette (both from Texas)  on this project was like being in an orchestra where everyone knew their parts to play in order to produce a masterpiece.   While busily working Lt. Katie informed us that we will be joining the ASPR Leadership Meeting in the adjoining room.  I sensed this was an important and rare opportunity.  We were introduced by Mr. Ed Gabriel a huge fan of HOSA and asked to talk about HOSA and say a few words about each of us.   I appreciate Piyush and his strong talents in public speaking as well as  Erin, Michelle and Evette. Again it was an opportunity to share our story and the many benefits of HOSA.

Mr. Mike Vineyard and Jessica Fantinato spent time with us and shared what they do in the Office of Emergency   Medicine.  They are full of resources and were able to inform Piyush and Erin of some contacts in the areas they are interested in.

Mr. Ed Gabriel stopped by to say good bye and gave each of us a beautiful coin.  So neat!  I first met Mr. Gabriel in Anaheim on stage when we received our plaques, and it has been a great to see him when we went to meet him and Dr. Lurie earlier and see him this week.  To hear him share about his career as an EMT and all he has experienced including his Disney memorabilia will be unforgettable.

We were introduced and met with Parag Mehta, the Chief of Staff for the U. S. Office of the Surgeon General.  Awesome.  He gave us a history of the Office of the Surgeon General and the 5 pillars in the vision of health that the Surgeon General has for the people of America.  Heard his story and the vast experience he has had in his career and in Washington.  Joining us in the meeting were  CDR Collins, CAPT Denis, LCDR Payne and ENS Andre.

We rode the Metro to Bethesda, Maryland and took a tour of the Uniformed Services University orrof the Health Sciences.  Met several people and toured the cadaver lab.

The last presentation we had was from CAPT Patrick Denis to bring a closure of our experience this week and to reinforce the importance of balance and holistic health.  It was a great way to end the 2015 PHLS and LCDR Skip Payne and him shared words of wisdom and encouraged us to stay in contact with them.   

So grateful to everyone, Piyush, Erin, Michelle, Evette and Michitta.  Love you, Saili.