Land O' Lakes High Junior Nominated For National Medical Congress

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Alexandra Romano, an 11th-grade student at Land O' Lakes High School, has been nominated to attend the Congress of Future Medical Leaders, a prestigious national event scheduled for this June at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Romano, who has overcome her own medical challenges, plans to pursue a career as a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and biomedical engineer.

Why it matters

Romano's nomination to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders highlights the growing interest and talent among young people in the medical field, particularly in specialized areas like pediatric orthopedics and biomedical engineering. Her personal experience as a patient navigating a serious medical condition has inspired her to help others, making her a role model for aspiring medical professionals.

The details

Romano was diagnosed with severe childhood idiopathic scoliosis at the age of five and underwent a full spinal fusion surgery at age twelve. Now fully recovered, she is an active multi-sport athlete who intends to use her firsthand experience to treat others. At Land O' Lakes High School, Romano is a member of the International Baccalaureate program, follows an advanced mathematics track, and participates in various extracurricular activities related to healthcare and leadership, including the American Red Cross, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Youth Leadership Pasco, and the 2026 AdventHealth Explorers program.

• Romano was diagnosed with severe childhood idiopathic scoliosis at the age of five.
• Romano underwent a full spinal fusion surgery at age twelve.
• The Congress of Future Medical Leaders is scheduled for this June at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

What’s next

Romano plans to pursue a pre-medical pathway in college and continue her journey towards becoming a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and biomedical engineer.