Since ninth grade, Rahma Mkuu, MPH, PhD, knew she wanted a career in healthcare. However, during what she thought was a journey to become a physician, she fell into a serendipitous discovery of the impact and vastness of research.

“HOSA was a big deal at my high school,” Mkuu said. “I saw an opportunity for leadership experience, and honestly, it looked fun.”

HOSA–Future Health Professionals was introduced to Mkuu while she was enrolled at her high school’s Academy of Health Professionals. It was part of a career and technical education track that offered students a firsthand glimpse into healthcare careers. 

Fully immersed in all things HOSA, Mkuu quickly went up the ranks in organizational leadership and was elected as the Postsecondary/Collegiate Vice President of the 2010–2011 National Executive Council. Her experience representing members across the nation deepened her commitment to advocacy and education.

“HOSA gave me my first platform to lead on a larger scale,” she said. “I learned that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about serving and empowering others.” Her Florida state advisor, Lloyd Devault used to tell the leadership team that, “a good leader leads, but a great leader serves.”

Riding the momentum of her HOSA success, Mkuu decided to continue to pursue her dream of becoming a physician. However, during her undergraduate studies, she realized that career path might not be the right fit for her.

“I got weeded out in the ‘hard sciences,’” Mkuu recalled. “I found those very challenging so I explored other options. My professor, Dr. Adam Barry, a former HOSA member, is the one who introduced me to research.”

With Barry’s mentorship and support, she began to see how public health research could bridge her interests in healthcare, education, and community impact. Barry invited Mkuu to volunteer in his lab and later supported her academic journey.

“I got experience doing data entry, and Dr. Barry wrote me letters of recommendation for both my master’s and my PhD. So I think HOSA not only provided mentors, but also peers who I’ve leaned on throughout the years,” Mkuu said.

That early investment into Mkuu laid the foundation of what would be groundbreaking work addressing health disparities in the United States and Kenya. As an Implementation Science and Health Outcomes‬ researcher, her published work ranges from children’s healthy eating habits to unrecorded alcohol use in East Africa.

As a Kenyan raised in rural America, Mkuu experienced firsthand the challenges of accessing quality care. “Where you live determines your outcomes and your access to healthcare,” she explained. “I saw that growing up, and it still drives my work today.”

In addition, Mkuu is recognized as an expert on cervical cancer screening. She was interviewed by national outlets for her expertise on at-home screening innovations such as the Teal Wand and the Evelyn Brush. 

“While I did not participate in the development of these tools, my research is focused on how we can bring these discoveries into the community,” Mkuu explained.

Amid her innovative work, Mkuu makes time to mentor undergraduate students and invest in their success. She has published papers with them and guided them along their academic journey, just as Barry did for her.

“Mentorship, to me, has been the most fulfilling [part of my career]. I love seeing that I’m able to help others pursue their dreams, just as HOSA inspired me to pursue mine,” Mkuu said.

Mkuu’s message to current HOSA members is simple yet powerful: find mentors and seek hands-on experience.

“Yes, you can ask AI, but it’s all about relationships,” Mkuu said. “In public health especially, real-world experience is everything, so volunteer, intern, and get involved. Hands-on experience helps you translate what you’re learning.”

From the hallways of Bell High School Florida, to the laboratories of a globally recognized institution, Mkuu’s healthcare journey nurtured by HOSA underscores the power of staying open, curious, and active.

“HOSA gave me my start,” she said. “Now, I hope to give others the same start and help them see what’s possible.”To learn more about the HOSA​​–Future Health Professionals alumni network visit www. hosa.org/alumni and stay connected with healthcare leaders like Dr. Rahma Mkuu.