All students were invited by academic nomination only and represented the highest achieving high school students.
The Congress of Future Medical Leaders was created by the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists to help solve the growing problem of students never fulfilling dreams of entering the medical profession because of a lack of resources. This event gathered many of the country’s top high school students who aspire to careers in medicine.
During the three-day event, VanSprange said she was able to observe a robotic surgery and have a chance to submit questions to the surgeons in charge during the procedure. She also heard from world-changing researchers, futurists and technologists.
This year's theme was "Greatness Await" and delegates were mentored by some of the leaders in the field of medicine. Speakers included Nobel Prize Laureates, top medical school deans, leaders in medical research and cutting-edge technology, and leaders from private industry.
VanSprange is the daughter of Tammy Doornbos and Michael VanSprange. She said the opportunity to witness the surgery and hear from young people who made differences in medicine was amazing.
"I feel inspired," she said. "It was really a great experience."
VanSprange said she would like to pursue a career in biomechanical engineering to work on creating new and improved artificial joints and prosthetics.
She is a member of the swim and tennis teams at TKHS and is also a member of the GSA and RAD clubs in the high school.