This past June, Sachem High School East senior Julianna Mercado attended the National Leadership Academies’ prestigious Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Boston. 

Students selected to attend the conference are recommended by their teacher or guidance counselor for leadership ability, academic achievement and dedication to science and related fields while also holding a GPA of 3.25 or above. 

The three-day conference included numerous invigorating medical seminars, which spanned topics such as genetics, biomedical engineering and the advancement of modern medicine, led by world-renowned scientists and leaders in medicine. Speakers included winners of the Nobel Prize, award-winning young inventors and prominent medical school deans. Additionally, students viewed a livestreamed surgery and asked the surgeon questions in real time. 

“It was an incredible experience to watch a live surgery take place,” Julianna said. “As an aspiring medical professional, this was an invaluable opportunity.”  

Julianna is enrolled in several Advanced Placement classes and is a multisport athlete participating in both varsity track and the Arrowettes. She plans to pursue a degree in biology after graduation with aspirations of attending medical school.