Author: Ria Mohan, 2024-2025 International President-Elect
Hugo Quezada, MD, began his journey with HOSA in 2007 when he joined his local chapter in El Paso, Texas. At the time, he had little idea of the profound impact the organization would have on his life. Immersing himself in healthcare-related learning opportunities, he quickly rose to leadership positions. He served as his chapter’s president and later as the 2014-15 National HOSA President. One of the most valuable lessons he learned during his formative years in HOSA is, people matter. This principle continues to guide him in his medical career, where valuing people forms the foundation of the lives he touches daily.
Now an attending physician at the urgent care unit of Seattle Children’s Hospital, Quezada reflects on how HOSA prepared him to make a positive impact in his patients’ lives. “Always have compassion for those you come in contact with,” he recalls. In each patient interaction, he prioritizes equitable compassion and care, using his role not just to treat but also to educate and support patients and their families.
Beyond his clinical work, Quezada is committed to advancing education and diversity in healthcare. He leads an AI-based project aimed at improving live medical translation in languages such as Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, and Arabic, helping to break down language barriers in patient care. He also organizes monthly continuing education meetings, holds office hours for mentoring, and actively participates in conferences to stay at the forefront of pediatric medicine. His passion for these initiatives stems from his own challenges navigating the path to a medical career.
As an undergraduate student, Quezada struggled with securing shadowing opportunities, a challenge compounded by his status as a first-generation college student. He and his peers faced repeated rejections from doctors’ offices, leaving him questioning whether he truly belonged in the medical field.
“My friends and I were all first-generation college students and Americans. We knocked on doctor’s offices asking for shadowing opportunities and we were told ‘no’ over and over again,” Quezada said.
Determined to create opportunities for himself and others, he founded a HOSA chapter at his college and connected with a mentor who believed in education. Under his leadership, the chapter thrived, hosting speaker events and paving the way for its members to volunteer at a free medical clinic.
Even with this renewed confidence, Quezada’s path to medical school was not without obstacles. Taking the MCAT twice and enduring the challenges of the application process taught him that success is rarely a linear journey. Through perseverance and the support of mentors, he ultimately achieved his dream of becoming a physician.
Quezada offers current HOSA members aspiring to enter the healthcare field advice on a two-tier approach.“Use HOSA as a tool to determine whether this is the right career path for you. If you decide it isn’t, that’s okay!,” Quezada shares, “Don’t be discouraged by doubts or external pressures. Healthcare is an evolving field—challenging, yet absolutely achievable.”
Quezada’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of HOSA in shaping future healthcare leaders. From his early experiences as a chapter president to his current role as an attending physician, he has not only embraced the lessons of compassion and resilience but also dedicated himself to making healthcare more accessible and inclusive.
For those looking to continue their HOSA journey, join the alumni network today to build lasting connections and contribute to the future of healthcare. Visit hosa.org/alumni to register and embark on your own path of empowerment and service.
