Mariana Ortega is a freshman and honor student at Questa High School. She has been selected as a delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders to be held from June 26 through June 28, 2024, just outside Boston, on the University of Massachusetts campus.
Mariana’s nomination was signed by Dr. Mario Capecchi, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine and the Science Director of the National Academy of Future Physicians. The program is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields.
The purpose of this event is to honor, inspire, motivate, and mentor top students in the country who are interested in these careers, while helping them map out a plan to succeed. The program will provide networking opportunities to help students understand what resources are available to help them achieve their goals.
During the three-day program, Mariana will join students from across the country and hear Nobel Laureates and national Medal of Science recipients as they discuss leading medical research across the country. She will also receive mentorship from top Ivy League medical school deans on what to expect in medical school. The program also offers the opportunity to experience stories told by patients who are living medical miracles, while connecting with like-minded peers to network and build relationships as they continue on their journey.
Mariana is an active member of her community, as a part of The Questa Achievers 4-H group, winning a Reserve Grand Champion Buckle and a Showmanship Buckle at the local 2023 Taos County Fair. She is also a New Mexico Girl Scout and worked at the Questa Farmer’s Market for the summer of 2023.
Her impressive resume also includes membership to the National Junior Honor Society, Questa Mariachi, JV volleyball, JV basketball, varsity track and varsity cheer. Notably, her cheer team are the 2022/23 New Mexico Athletic Association state champions in their district.
Prior to attending the Congress of Future Medical Leaders, Mariana will be hosting several fundraising efforts to help her raise money to pay for her travel expenses. If you would like to support her involvement in this program, you can contact her mother, Feliz Ortega, at (575) 770-1676 or at felizelena1@hotmail.com.
