8:30am - 9:30am | Waianae Room

Dr Amy Woron PhD, MPH, MS, M(ASCP)MB, CIC 

Learn about Microbiology through a case-based look at real outbreaks and biocrimes, highlighting the essential role of clinical microbiology laboratories in detecting biological incidents and protecting public health.

8:30am - 9:30am | Waialua Room

Danae Jones, BSN, RN, SCRN 

The Queen’s Medical Center Neuroscience will highlight an accessible overview of how the brain works, what happens during the two primary types of stroke, and the treatments that can save lives. 

8:30am - 9:30am | Oahu Room

Micah Heimuli , Keely Smith, JABSOM Med School students 

Gain insight from two current students from John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM). This workshop covers general tips and best practices for pursuing medical school, including an overview of the medical school application process and preparation for the MCAT. This open-question session will provide advice to students on how to build a well-rounded resume and hear about first-hand experiences as medical students.

8:30am - 9:30am | Kahuku Room

Wendy J. Lum, MSW, M.Ed., Cassie Castillo, MSW, LCSW 

Do you care about people, justice, and making a real difference in your community? Social work might be the career you didn’t know you were looking for! 

This interactive presentation introduces you to what social workers do, why they’re urgently needed—especially in health and mental health—and the many career paths available. Learn about the values, skills, and education that prepare social workers to support individuals, families, and communities.

9:30am - 10:30am | Waianae Room

Winona Lee, MD, Kimberly Yamauchi, MPA, and Diana Thompson, MEd 

This interactive workshop introduces the Lifeline Activity, a creative tool used in the ‘Imi Hoʻōla program to help students learn from each other and build resilience. Through a hands-on session, participants will map their own journeys from their roots to their future career goals. By sharing these "lifelines," students can discover shared experiences, build a supportive network, and connect with the personal passion that drives them toward a healthcare career.

9:30am - 10:30am | Waialua Room

Chanel Hunter, MPH, BS; Maya Matsubara, BS; Kirk Terada-Herzer, BA; Thayne Tsuneoka, BA;  Ivy Nip Asano, MD, MAT/Ed 

Learn more about how to be successful on the road to college and beyond!  These medical students will be taking you on a tour across the country from Hawaii to Pennsylvania. Gain insight on how to navigate the bumps and turns on the road to college, medical school, and becoming a health professional.

9:30am - 10:30am | Oahu Room

Saya Shibata 

This workshop will explore how youth can work in public health through advocacy, with a focus on tobacco prevention and control. Participants will learn how to use their voices to influence policy and create meaningful change in their communities.

9:30am - 10:30am | Kahuku Room

Michelle Tagorda-Kama, MPH & Agnes Malate, PhD 

This interactive workshop invites students to explore health careers by recognizing the strengths they already bring from their families, cultures, and communities. Through small-group activities, reflection, and discussion, students will connect their lived experiences to health career pathways and build confidence, a sense of belonging, and pride in who they are and what they bring to the health field.

10:30am - 11:30am | Waianae Room

Amber Yip, MLS (ASCP)cm 

Explore the fast-paced daily life of the Blood Bank, from emergency calls to lifesaving matches, where lab teams make real-time decisions that directly impact patient care. Here, students will learn about how the laboratory plays a vital role in patient care and safe blood transfusion, identify major blood groups, and inditfy compatible crossmatches for transfusion.

10:30am - 11:30am | Waialua Room

Moanalua HOSA

Have you ever thought about how you can turn your hobbies into meaningful passion projects that serve your community? Led by Moanalua High School HOSA members, these students will be teaching how to crochet and elaborate their story as to how their self-taught skills became more than just a hobby. 

10:30am - 11:30am | Oahu Room

Zachary Oglesby , Maiya Akazawa

The VR Anatomy Workshop Scavenger Hunt provides students with an interactive, hands-on learning experience with a VR headset and an iPad. Using 3D cadaver software, students explore, dissect, and fully immerse themselves in virtual reality to examine anatomical structures in a realistic, three-dimensional environment. 

11:30am - 12:30pm | Waianae Room

Lisa Ann Amaral 

Learn how the University of Hawaii at Hilo can provide educational opportunities for those interested in health care. UH Hilo offers amazing programs in Nursing, Biology, and Kinesiology. Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy is also the only such school in the Pacific region. Come and start your journey! 

11:30am - 12:30pm | Waialua Room

TJ Donayri, RN, BSN, MSHS, CEN, TCRN, CPST 

This workshop teaches students how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and take immediate action to save a life. Here, students will learn how to apply direct pressure, pack a wound, and correctly use a tourniquet in emergency situations. Upon successful completion of the session, participants will receive a nationally recognized Stop the Bleed certification.

11:30am - 12:30pm | Kahuku Room

Patrice M. Jackson, MS-HIM, RHIA, RHIT, CHP, CCS, FAHIMA

Dr. Lynette Williamson, Ed.D., MBA, RHIA, CCS, CPC, FAHIMA, FCAHIIM 

Every piece of health information tells a patient’s story. Health information professionals play a vital role in providing a unique perspective that connects the data to the individual. Join Hawaii Health Information Association to learn more about health information, explore careers from data analytics to cybersecurity, and valuable opportunities.

11:30am - 12:30pm | Oahu Room

Zachary Oglesby , Maiya Akazawa 

The VR Anatomy Workshop Scavenger Hunt provides students with an interactive, hands-on learning experience with a VR headset and an iPad. Using 3D cadaver software, students explore, dissect, and fully immerse themselves in virtual reality to examine anatomical structures in a realistic, three-dimensional environment. 

12:30pm - 01:30pm | Waialua Room

Moanalua HOSA

In need for a mental health break? Join these Moanalua High School Students in exploring how simple crafts such as origami can help balance your mental health. 

12:30pm - 01:30pm | Kahuku Room

Jessica Newton Wilson, PhD 

Surfer’s Myelopathy is a rare but serious, non-traumatic, spinal cord injury that may result in a severe disability. Learn how this rare injury can come from a common surf lesson.

12:30pm - 01:30pm | Waianae Room

Abby Maresh, Associate Director of Admission, Creighton University

Sarah Richardson, Assistant Vice Provost for Enrollment, Director of Admissions and Scholarships 

irectors as they break down what nursing programs look for in applicants and what you should look for in a program. Learn how admissions committees evaluate candidates, what makes an application stand out, and how to assess program fit so you can choose a school that supports your goals, learning style, and success in nursing.

11:30am - 12:30pm | Oahu Room

Erica L. Davis, MSNP, GCDF, GAL, MHFA-C

This workshop teaches students how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and take immediate action to save a life. Here, students will learn how to apply direct pressure, pack a wound, and correctly use a tourniquet in emergency situations. Upon successful completion of the session, participants will receive a nationally recognized Stop the Bleed certification.

01:30pm - 2:30pm | Waianae Room

Obrein Antonio, UH Manoa, Direct Entry Nursing Student, Former HOSA State President

Learn from this past Hawaii HOSA State President and his unique perspective on how he got into the University of Hawaii at Manoa High School, Direct Entry Nursing (DEN) program and the various things he wishes he knew back in high school. He will be highlighting the classes in high school that helped him, the jobs that gave an advantage, and the skills that prepared him for nursing school success.

01:30pm - 02:30pm | Waialua Room

Mitzi Gold Ph.D. LCSW MPH Sylvie Fields BA, MS Education 

Your Circle of Life is your individual road map to inner peace personal satisfaction, and authentic happiness.  Here, you'll learn how to balance your life, enrich your relationships, fulfill your deepest goals and dreams by taking small steps to bring about big changes and  discover your own purpose and destiny 

01:30pm - 02:30pm | Kahuku Room

Kalani HOSA - Kayla Kim, YiJia Wang, & Kalea Maglidt 

Kalani HOSA members will be conducting hands-on teaching about the components of how to take blood pressure manually. This includes how to use a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope, and how to find the brachial artery and assessing the patient's pulse. Participants will also be introduced to basic patient-interaction and sanitation skills.

01:30pm - 02:30pm | Oahu Room 

2nd Year KCC RT Students 

Discover the "unsung heroes" of the ICU. This session provides a deep dive into the technology and clinical skills required to manage a patient’s respiratory system. From direct laryngoscopy to setting tidal volumes, get a head start on the skills used in Respiratory Therapy and Critical Care Medicine.

02:30pm - 03:30pm | Oahu Room

Dr. Kiana Shiroma, Director of the Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center  

This session empowers HOSA students across Hawaiʻi with a clear roadmap to careers in the health professions. Participants will explore healthcare pathways, academic preparation, leadership and service experiences, and strategies for transitioning successfully to college. Students will leave with practical steps to begin building a strong and competitive pre-health foundation.

02:30pm - 03:30pm | Waialua Room

Ruben Frescas, Jr., MD, MPH, FAAFP 

Join Ruben Frescas, Jr., MD, MPH, FAAFP as he shares his professional journey bringing him to medicine then public health with key lessons that informed this journey as well as how the cumulative experiences have informed his work locally. The culmination of working across the globe has garnered broad skills which he applies in his work here in Hawaii to support his current work for children with special needs across the state.

02:30pm - 03:30pm | Waianae Room

Yuka Polovina, PhD & Tetine Sentell, PhD 

This presentation provides students with foundational public health concepts to help students visualize a wider range of health careers. The workshops introduce foundational public health concepts and demonstrate these important perspectives can expand students’ ideas of what working in a health field can look like beyond clinical care.

2:30pm - 3:30pm | Kauai Room

Moanalua HOSA

Have you ever thought about how you can turn your hobbies into meaningful passion projects that serve your community? Led by Moanalua High School HOSA members, these students will be teaching how to crochet and elaborate their story as to how their self-taught skills became more than just a hobby. 

2:30pm - 03:30pm | Kahuku Room

Kalani HOSA - Kayla Kim, YiJia Wang, & Kalea Maglidt 

Kalani HOSA members will be conducting hands-on teaching about the components of how to take blood pressure manually. This includes how to use a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope, and how to find the brachial artery and assessing the patient's pulse. Participants will also be introduced to basic patient-interaction and sanitation skills.