Written by Jillian Anderson, Postsecondary/Collegiate Vice President
Jeswin Vennatt’s journey exemplifies how exploration and perseverance can lead to a purpose-driven career. As the co-creator of popular Instagram account @medschoolboiz, the Chief Marketing Officer at Olera, Inc., and a current medical student at Texas A&M School of Medicine, Vennatt sits at the intersection of healthcare, entrepreneurism, and advocacy – all sparked by HOSA-Future Health Professionals.
Vennatt began his HOSA journey by following in his brother’s footsteps, but the organization soon became his own love as he attended conferences and competitions. Attending the state and national leadership conferences gave Vennatt a sense of camaraderie and inspiration, especially when he spoke to different HOSA leaders.
“It was passing conversations, but I was just really impressed by the poise and professionalism of the officers,” Vennatt recalls.
Those conversations ignited a spark that lead Vennatt to pursue leadership in HOSA. During his first year of college, Vennatt served as the 2017-2018 Western Region Vice President on the Executive Council. This experience was pivotal in helping him refine his leadership and public speaking skills while gaining a unique perspective on the work of nonprofits.
During his undergraduate education, Vennatt balanced his IEC role while studying public health. He pursued research opportunities and studied abroad, but upon graduation, he found himself uncertain of his next step. Deferring medical school, he enrolled in an MBA program, and it was here that he took a transformative turn. Through one of his MBA classmates, he became involved with the elder care startup Olera.
Olera connects caregivers with free essential non-clinical services such as assisted living, transportation, and food. With millions in grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Olera ingrained Vennatt’s belief in the transformative power of business within healthcare.
“There’s not much transparency in this industry and it can be difficult to navigate,” Vennatt explained. “Olera was an opportunity for us to increase access to care for a variety of populations.”
Once he earned his MBA, Vennatt began medical school while continuing to work with Olera. It was then that he and his classmates launched the Instagram account @medschoolboiz, offering an authentic glimpse into medical education. What started as fun and casual videos quickly gained attention, leading to hundreds of thousands of followers and eventually an LLC.
“The opportunity to interact and connect and hear all these amazing stories of various healthcare professionals was definitely worth it,” Vennatt said.
Currently at the Texas A&M School of Medicine, Vennatt is considering a specialty in psychiatry where he can combine his love of problem-solving with patient care.
Reflecting on what advice to give HOSA members, Vennatt shared, “When you’re first getting started, seize the opportunities you are given. Even in adversity, you learn and you grow a ton, and it expedites the process of introspection and growth… Then as you find your passions, be more selective and commit to the projects you’re interested in.”
Vennatt’s story continues to be written, but his dedication to maximizing personal and external impact remains constant. From his time in HOSA to leading initiatives in care and authenticity, Vennatt highlights the power of embracing diverse opportunities and staying true to oneself.
Interested in joining HOSA’s alumni network and connecting with amazing alumni like Vennatt? Visit hosa.org/alumni today to register at no cost!
