Written by Nick Ballard, 2024-25 International President & Aditya Suresh, 2024-25 Central Region Vice President

When people picture healthcare, they often see stethoscopes, scrubs, and exam rooms — but behind the scenes, it’s leaders like Angeli Sharma who keep the system running. From Parliamentary Procedure competitions with HOSA to graduate seminars at MIT Sloan and Harvard’s Kennedy School, Sharma’s journey is a masterclass in problem-solving and purposeful leadership. As a former national officer, she’s now forging a career path at the crossroads of healthcare, business, and public policy — all with the vision to transform how systems serve people.

 

Sharma began her HOSA journey at her local high school chapter in New Jersey. Her passion for healthcare culminated in her election as a national officer and the remarkable opportunity to pursue HOSA’s Public Health Leadership Scholars program with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Sharma describes HOSA as paramount to discovering the complex functionings of a system that carries the important burden of community health and well-being. 

 

“[HOSA] was really important in how I began to both get to know other students who were interested in similar careers and to understand healthcare better,” Sharma reflected.  

 

Having served as HOSA’s 2016-2017 Secondary Board Representative, Sharma expressed gratitude for the opportunity to strengthen her teamwork and organizational skills. “The conferences were so immaculately planned, with all the logistical details and organization,” she recalled. “It really showed me how much effort and passion people have for the organization and for helping students have successful careers.”

 

One of her most cherished HOSA memories is the camaraderie she found while campaigning for state office. “It’s really the friendships that I’ve made through this journey that have really stuck with me,” she shared. Through her campaign, Sharma found lasting friendships with many, including fellow national officer Abraham Onifade. “We still rely on each other for advice—it’s nice to see how HOSA similarly shaped our journeys and perspectives on healthcare.”

 

As HOSA approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026, Sharma reflects on the organization’s enduring impact. “The fact that HOSA has thousands and thousands of members internationally goes to show the value of this kind of career and educational pathway.”

 

During her time at Duke University, Sharma delved into medical ethics research, worked on Capitol Hill, and contributed to healthcare advocacy organizations, including Doctors for America, where she met former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. These experiences, coupled with an internship at a healthcare consulting firm, illuminated the potential for impact beyond traditional medical roles. 

 

“I think if you’re a doctor, you get to see firsthand each patient you treat, making one-on-one connections. In health policy, it was really interesting to learn about the magnitude of impact, which led me toward consulting. For me, I was really curious about the range of organizations and institutions that exist in healthcare, and I wanted to better understand it,” Sharma said. She found herself drawn to the data-driven approach and the opportunity to work with various healthcare institutions.

 

As a senior analyst at a consulting firm, Sharma tackled complex challenges, helping clients optimize their operations and expand their services. “It’s very data-driven,” she explains. “Often, an analyst will look at their data, such as interviews with experts, and use that to build potential pathways and co-create solutions to healthcare challenges.” 

 

Now, Sharma is expanding her expertise by pursuing a dual MBA and MPP at MIT Sloan and the Harvard Kennedy School. When asked how HOSA continues to serve her journey, Sharma shares how HOSA’s network has provided her with support and guidance as she navigates new environments.

 

Her advice to future health professionals is clear: “Be open-minded about your pathway. By doing different kinds of internships or talking to people who’ve had varied experiences, you can really get a better sense of all the things that exist in the world.”

 

Sharma’s journey from a passionate HOSA member to a future leader in healthcare policy is an inspiring example of how intentional exposure and diverse experiences can shape a remarkable career. Her story reminds us that the impact of HOSA extends far beyond competitions and conferences, fostering a community of future health professionals dedicated to making a difference.

To join our HOSA alumni network, visit www.hosa.org/alumni/. There, you can 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!