Stafford Hospital Hosts Third Annual Health Occupations Students of America Symposium

Stafford, VA, (April 14, 2026) – Stafford Hospital recently welcomed 100 Stafford County Public Schools high school students for the Third Annual Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Symposium, an immersive, daylong experience designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The symposium brought together students from multiple Stafford County high schools enrolled in health and medical education pathways, offering a rare opportunity to bridge classroom learning with real-world clinical experiences. Throughout the day, students participated in hands-on learning experiences, including in-depth tours of Stafford Hospital’s clinical departments, interactive Anatomage tablet sessions featuring 3D digital dissections, and educational presentations focused on organ, eye, and tissue donation.

The event opened with a keynote address by Corey Wright, MD, trauma surgeon at Mary Washington Healthcare, who shared real-world insight into the full spectrum of general and trauma surgery and emphasized the importance of teamwork, service, and lifelong learning in healthcare careers.

Students also heard from a variety of healthcare professionals who highlighted the diverse and meaningful impact of medical careers. Presentations included discussions on providing critical care at 911-level speeds from AirCare 2 flight medics Mary Bentley and Nate Brown; the role of compassion in patient-centered care from Laura Slye of the SlyeStrong #6 Foundation; and the lifesaving importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation from Autie Hines of LifeNet Health.

“This symposium was an incredible opportunity to open our doors to students who are seriously considering careers in healthcare,” said Cody Blankenship, administrator, Stafford Hospital. “By providing hands-on experiences and exposure to clinical environments, we are helping students envision their future in healthcare while strengthening our connection to the community we serve.”

Stafford Hospital partnered closely with Stafford County Public Schools’ educators and advisors to deliver a meaningful, well-coordinated event focused on workforce development and student engagement.

“There is no substitute for real-world exposure,” said Stephanie Clinger, MS, ATC, LAT, CSCS, teacher, athletic trainer, and co-advisor to Health Occupations Students of America at Colonial Forge High School. “Seeing healthcare professionals at work and hearing their stories sparked a new level of excitement and purpose for our students.”

“Opportunities like this symposium help students see how their interests connect to real healthcare careers,” said Lisa Davis, MEm, EC, ETC-I, FF/NRP, CTE/EMS & ETC program instructor and HOSA co-advisor at Colonial Forge High School. “Hands-on experiences give students confidence and motivation as they explore their future in healthcare.”

Hospital leaders and school representatives described the symposium as a success and a powerful example of collaboration to support future healthcare workforce needs in the region.

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About Mary Washington Healthcare

Mary Washington Healthcare is a fully integrated, regional healthcare system that provides inpatient and outpatient care at more than 80 facilities including Mary Washington Hospital, a 471-bed tertiary hospital; Stafford Hospital, a 100-bed community hospital; four emergency departments, and a multi-specialty graduate medical education program. Mary Washington Healthcare is a non-profit health system with a longstanding commitment to providing care regardless of patients’ ability to pay. For more information about our services and facilities, visit mwhc.com.