Marko Mijic, Managing Director at Sellers Dorsey, former Undersecretary at the California Health and Human Services Agency, and former U.S. Department of Health and Human Services employee, started his journey as a health policy leader as a member of HOSA future-health Professionals.
Mijic’s involvement with HOSA began as a highschool sophomore in Layton, Utah. What initially started as an extracurricular activity quickly turned into a pivotal part of his life, shaping his leadership style and career trajectory.
Mrs. Davidson, his Medical Anatomy teacher and HOSA advisor, was a key mentor and role model in Mijic’s life. He fondly remembers the first day of school when he met Mrs. Davidson. She had her students line up outside her classroom to shake her hand and greet her as though they were at a job interview. It was a simple yet profound lesson in how to carry oneself with professionalism—a lesson that Mijic carried into every leadership role he would hold.
“She [was] an unbelievably special human being,” Mijic said. “She was able to see the best in us and push us in the right direction.”
One of Mijic’s most memorable experiences in HOSA was attending the National Leadership Conference (NLC, now known as ILC). Being able to represent Utah HOSA on the national stage was a source of immense pride for him and an eye-opener for what his future could hold.
“That was the most magical thing I have ever experienced in my life,” Mijic said. “I had to save a lot of money and got a few scholarships to make it to the NLC, [but when I got there] it was so profound to see people from all walks of life.”
Eventually Mijic became Utah HOSA President and National HOSA Region I Vice President. However, the real impact of HOSA went beyond titles—it was the lessons learned, relationships built, and the leadership skills that propelled him into a successful career in health and human services policy.
“HOSA isn’t just an organization for students interested in healthcare careers—it’s a leadership incubator,” Mijic noted.
Another pivotal mentor was Karen Koeninger, Mijic’s National HOSA advisor, who reinforced the importance of leading by example. From her, Mijic learned that actions speak louder than words, and how you treat others and the impression you leave can shape how you’re perceived as a leader.
“I am a kid of immigrants [and] I am an immigrant myself,” Mijic said. “My parents did not go to college, so [when] I think about Dr. and Mrs. Koeninger, these were the people who were my second parents who helped me navigate college and my professional career.”
These experiences of dedication and perseverance laid the groundwork for Mijic’s later success in health policy.
Looking back, Mijic credits HOSA as the foundation of his leadership journey. It was an introduction to possibilities outside of his experiences in Layton, Utah and training grounds for the world of healthcare he would later impact. These lessons and experiences, coupled with the strong mentorships have had a lasting impact on his career, shaping him into the national leader he is today.
To join our HOSA alumni network, visit www.hosa.org/alumni/. There, you can connect with health professionals like Marko Mijic, access exclusive job and internship opportunities, take advantage of our latest discounts, and more—all at no cost. We look forward to welcoming you back to the HOSA family!
