Lambert junior Neal Fernandes, the President of Georgia Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), is a student with a vision far beyond the confines of traditional education. His journey with HOSA began in the sixth grade, marking the start of an unwavering commitment to the healthcare field that has since only grown deeper.
Although he was not born into a family of healthcare professionals, his lack of medical professionals only fueled his desire to challenge himself and contribute to a community he had no prior knowledge of.
“I want to inspire the next generation of health professionals so that I’m confident that future populations will have access to the highest quality of healthcare,” Fernandes said.
As a member of HOSA for six years and now serving as its current president, he not only leads but inspires, driving forward initiatives that create a direct pipeline for future healthcare professionals into the field. His leadership extends to the state officer team, where alongside 11 individuals, he leads innovations to enhance member experiences. He also represents Georgia HOSA at state leadership conferences and annual meetings in Washington D.C.
“We create a pipeline for future healthcare professionals directly into the healthcare field so that students are better prepared when they go to college,” Fernandes stated.
But his achievements do not stop at HOSA. Fernandes is also the co-founder of Project Shine, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a love for science among children aged five to ten through free workshops held at local libraries. In a recent initiative, Project Shine partnered with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Aurora Day Camp to deliver over 80 science activity bags to young cancer patients.
He engages in a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities, including partnerships with universities and experts to enhance pediatric oncology resources. He also collaborates with laboratories to develop novel therapeutics and vaccine designs by applying machine learning algorithms.
His passion for neuroscience and oncology, coupled with his interest in researching neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, emphasizes his deep-seated desire to make a lasting impact in healthcare.
Besides his academic goals and achievements, Fernandes is a book enthusiast with science fiction being his favorite genre. He also loves listening to music and collecting vinyl.
His journey is a beacon of inspiration for individuals who strive for excellence in healthcare. Fernandes commented with a quote that has motivated him throughout his healthcare journey. “How big would you dream if you knew you couldn’t fail?”
