School of Medicine hosts Future Leaders in Medicine Youth Summit

April 18, 2025

The University of Missouri School of Medicine recently hosted a Future Leaders in Medicine Youth Summit, a free event open to students from third grade all the way to undergraduate to expose them to the medical field.

The bi-annual event provides hands-on, interactive workshop experiences, seminars and panel discussions to excite, educate and empower students to actively pursue a career in medicine.

More than 150 students trekked to Columbia, Missouri, for this year’s Youth Summit. Attendees participated in three breakout sessions, which featured interactive simulation, suture and orthopedic labs, clinic tours, and mental health and well-being discussions.

Current MU faculty, staff and medical students provided expertise in educational and hands-on experiences for attendees.

“The Youth Summit was developed as one of the early pathway programs that aimed to address the projected shortages in the future physician workforce,” said Laura Henderson Kelley, MD, MPH, associate dean for preprofessional programs. “The pathway invests in young talented students interested in science and medicine, and it provides continued programing and guidance as they progress along. I’m grateful to everyone involved who gave their time and resources as we build a better future in medicine.”

Cambridge Epps, a fourth-grade student at Columbia Independent School in mid-Missouri, was one of the event’s youngest attendees. In one of her first opportunities to learn more about the field of medicine, Epps came away with deeper knowledge and appreciation of the profession.

“I liked learning a lot about the human brain and body in our different groups,” said Epps. “I didn’t think I’d be that interested in it all, but it was really fun learning more about everything.”

Rania Ahsan, a sophomore at the Barstow School in Kansas City, Missouri, said the program made her feel more prepared for a future in healthcare.

“My favorite part of the day was the opportunity to network with a bunch of the medical students and physicians that hosted us and led group activities,” said Ahsan. “Participating in the breakout sessions, learning more about health professions and talking first-hand with others gave me the confidence I needed to one day pursue a career in healthcare.”