Congress of Future Medical Leaders Inspires this Saint Viator Student

Franco Berlen ’25 aspires one day to be a dentist or an orthodontist, and after attending the Congress of Future Medical Leaders last month outside Boston, he is more excited than ever.

“The experience was unbelievable,” Franco says. “I feel more motivated than ever in pursuing my career in medicine.”

Franco was among 4,500 delegates from across the country to attend the Congress, which is sponsored by the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists. Each student must have a grade point average higher than 3.5 to attend and demonstrate a strong interest in science.

The Congress is an honors program for high school students who are dedicated to the service of humanity through medicine, either as physicians or in scientific research. Its stated purpose is to inspire and motivate top students in the country and help them stay true to their dreams.

Consequently, the Congress features notable speakers as mentors, including Nobel Prize winners, doctors, scientists, medical deans and even pro athletes. 

“The biggest highlight was watching a live-streamed shoulder surgery.” Franco says. “They were long days, but they kept it fun by having a DJ keeping us upbeat.”

Among the speakers that made the biggest impact on Franco were Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, a physician who specializes in pulmonary and critical care at Johns Hopkins, as well as performance expert Todd Herman. 

“Dr. Panagis explained that if we want to be great doctors, we have to treat the patient like a person, not like a number,” Franco said. “He also told us not to hold yourself to a perfect standard while going to medical school.”

Mr. Herman shared advice he gives to top athletes and executives: to create a heroic alter ego to activate when the chips are down.

“Watching and listening to the speakers’ stories, of how they worked to get to their position makes me even more excited,” Franco said, “and they’re not even in the same field I would like to work towards. I am sure the other delegates felt the same way, by the enthusiasm that was in the crowd.”

When Franco is not enjoying his science classes at Saint Viator, he can be found practicing and competing with the bowling team. As a junior he plans to work behind the scenes in theater productions, in tech crew, and in LINK Crew, welcoming incoming freshmen to the school.