Jun 9, 2026
Radiation Sciences connects with aspiring health care professionals at HOSA state conference
Representatives from the Department of Radiation Sciences traveled to Roanoke in mid-March to engage with hundreds of young students at the HOSA – Future Health Professionals state conference, marking the department’s first official participation in the event.
The VCU delegation included clinical coordinators Adrienne Pourteau and Charlie Downing and senior sonography student Laura Marshall, a former HOSA member and first-place state competition winner. Together, they visited the Hotel Roanoke to represent the breadth of radiation sciences while introducing students to educational pathways that blend advanced technology with patient-centered care.
HOSA – a global, student-led organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services – equips and educates middle school, secondary and postsecondary students interested in health professions. Its competitive events and leadership programming are designed to expose students to a range of health care careers while cultivating professionalism early in their academic journeys.
Beyond the novelty of engaging with HOSA for the first time, Pourteau – who teaches diagnostic medical sonography classes at VCU – saw strategic value in meeting students before they reached the college application stage. “I thought this would be a really great opportunity to get VCU's name out there, to let students know what kind of programs we offer and to get us more involved in the broader health care and education community in Virginia,” she said.
Pourteau led multiple “Waves of Discovery” presentations that combined an overview of the sonography profession with hands-on demonstrations using a mobile ultrasound unit and neonatal head phantom. Per feedback, students not only enjoyed the presentation, but many said it changed their perception about what sonography is and its potential as a career path.
Meanwhile, Downing – a nuclear medicine technology instructor – served as a competition judge, evaluating student research posters and oral presentations on the impact of social media and cell phone use on teenagers. The presenters’ knowledge and professionalism exceeded her expectations.
“So many students were presenting collegiate-level research, and I was really impressed by how hard they worked and the amount of thought that they put into their projects,” Downing said. “Everybody was well-dressed and knew how to conduct themselves in front of the judges.”
Returning as a VCU student after competing in HOSA during high school allowed Marshall to connect authentically with participants. Along with seeing a conference from the “other side” – the logistics and planning required to put it together – she had the opportunity to connect with students navigating a chapter she remembers well.
“At the very core, HOSA taught me to get into a professional mindset – how to accurately research and prepare information, how to professionally interact with health care professionals and so on,” Marshall said. “I was able to give students direct advice not only about how to leverage HOSA and the applications it has for their careers, but also share my overall post-high school tips and tricks.”
Marshall also made known her appreciation for the personal and professional growth she’s undergone at VCU: “The program has provided me with every didactic and clinical skill needed to enter a fast-paced job. Just as importantly, it has instilled in me a sense of determination and confidence.”
Looking ahead, faculty see the conference as a foundation for deeper involvement. Downing emphasized the importance of visibility and mentorship, noting that early connections can shape long-term aspirations.
“I think it's important for students to envision where they want to be and help them plant that seed in their mind,” she said. “So, when it becomes a reality, they can say, ‘Wow, I dreamed this. I thought of this and I made it happen.’”