Student attends Congress of Future Medical Leaders

William Pallay, a freshman at Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta, attended the Congress of Future Medical Leaders at the University of Massachusetts.

The purpose of the June 21-23 event was to inspire, motivate and direct top students in the country interested in medical research or becoming physicians.

To attend the honors-only congress as a delegate, students needed to fill out an application showing strong grades in math and science and a grade point average of at least 3.5.

William fulfilled those requirements and is interested in a career in the medical field.

His nomination was signed by Mario Capecchi, winner of the 2007 Nobel Prize in Medicine and science director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists.

At the event, William joined students from throughout the country to hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science recipients discuss leading medical research. They also heard stories from patients who are considered living medical miracles and were able to seek advice from top medical school deans. The event included a live shoulder surgery.

“This conference gave me more of a general idea of what it would be like to be a doctor,” said William. “It is something I would definitely be interested in pursuing.”

Darlene Pallay, William’s mother, was excited about him attending the conference.

“We’re all in it together as a family. We’re all there to support him and all our kids and whatever different ventures they want to pursue,” she said.

In addition to his academics and interest in medicine, William has a passion for football.