To help students explore the wide range of career opportunities in healthcare, the Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Health and Medical Sciences (HAMSci) program launched its inaugural Guest Speaker Series this spring. Designed to inspire and inform, the series features local healthcare professionals bringing their experiences, challenges and advice directly to classrooms—connecting real-world expertise with classroom learning.
Each 45-minute session is held during designated academic blocks at Briar Woods and Tuscarora high schools, which host the HAMSci program. To maximize student access and professional availability, the series includes a variety of in-person presentations. Every session provides students with the opportunity to engage directly with professionals in healthcare careers they may one day pursue.
The series began in early March and students have heard from experts representing a wide range of specialties, including community health, biomedical sciences, emergency nursing, OB-GYN, cardiovascular technology, human resources in healthcare and more. Speakers have shared their career journeys, educational pathways, qualifications, salary insights and reflections on the rewards and challenges of their work.
Along with several other respected professionals from Inova, HealthWorks and other leading healthcare organizations in and around Loudoun County, the speaker lineup has been nothing short of impressive. Students have learned from:
Dr. Tonya Adkins, Ob/Gyn and CEO at HealthWorks for Northern Virginia
Rochelle Fashaw, Director of Human Resources, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
David Goodfriend, Director at Loudoun County Health Department
Susan Mitchell, CEO & Founder of Athari Biosciences
Tonya O’Neil, MS RN CCM, Director of Nursing, Healthworks
Michelle Parsons, EMS Training Manager at Loudoun County Fire & Rescue
Dr. Sumera Rashid, Dental Director, Accredited Dental Program at Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC). Dr. Rashid also serves as the Little River District member on the Loudoun County School Board.
These professionals have generously given and continue to give their time to support the next generation of healthcare workers, helping students envision what’s possible and inspiring them to pursue their goals with confidence. Staff shared that students’ excitement and curiosity have grown with each session. This series has opened their eyes to career paths they may never have considered and provided direct access to mentors and role models in the field.
The HAMSci Guest Speaker Series is a valuable opportunity for students just beginning their high school journey. Showcasing both clinical and support roles, ranging from emergency nursing and phlebotomy to medical coding and hospital leadership, the series broadens students’ understanding of how diverse, essential and rewarding careers in healthcare can be.
The series continues through May and is a powerful example of how real-world connections can elevate student learning. LCPS and the Special Programs and Career, Technical and Adult Education teams, extend heartfelt thanks to all the professionals who have supported this initiative.
For more information about the HAMSci program or to learn how to get involved in next year’s speaker series, visit the HAMSci website.