Club Spotlight: Health Professions Organization

In an occasional series, Royal News spotlights clubs from the university’s 100+ student organizations on campus, speaks to members and offers information on how to connect with the clubs. 

To suggest a club for a future Royal News article, to share ideas or to inform us of any upcoming club events, please email RoyalNews@scranton.edu or Elizabeth.vanderneut@scranton.edu.

By: Elizabeth Vander Neut, student correspondent

GET INVOLVED

Club: Health Professions Organization

Meet: Will Vinsko '26, shown, is a biology major from Wilkes-Barre.

Role in the Club: President 

Connect: @uofs_hpo 

Q: Your club is one of many extracurricular opportunities at The University of Scranton. How does HPO stand out?

The Health Professions Organization is a club for all students who are pursuing careers in healthcare after graduation, including those who are planning on attending graduate school. Our goal is to educate students on the path to their chosen healthcare career by providing guidance through requirements and experiences needed for success.

This organization is unique in that we often host panels of doctors, dentists, physician assistants, optometrists, etc., including alumni from the University and local professionals. Our panelists often offer shadowing, work opportunities, or career advice. Additionally, we offer a support network for classes, standardized tests, and we provide opportunities for community service.

Q: Why did you join the club? Why would you recommend someone join?

I joined this club to strengthen my understanding of the process of becoming a physician and receive guidance on classwork and research. When I joined as a freshman, I learned so much more than I expected. Students should join HPO because the resources we provide are current, from real students who were recently in your position, and from admissions committees and current professionals.

Q: What is the mission of HPO?

The University of Scranton Health Professions Organization aims to guide students toward careers in the healthcare fields to create the next generation of physicians, dentists, veterinarians, optometrists, physician assistants, pharmacists and podiatrists. Our meetings and events educate students about their career options and the steps students need to take to reach their specified goals. We are committed to creating a support network of students and faculty that can guide students to professional school and successful careers, while still allowing students to maintain a well-rounded lifestyle and giving them the ability to enjoy their time in college. As a club, we are trying to make this process easier by providing shadowing opportunities and work opportunities to build up clinical hours early in the process.

Q: What, in your opinion, are the most exciting events or activities you present as a club?

This year we will again be hosting a suture clinic for students to learn how to stitch a wound. Also, current Emergency Room Physicians who are also Scranton alumni will be coming to discuss their coursework at the University and how they chose their specialty.

Q: How has participating in HPO benefited your experience at the University? What advice can you share to incoming students on taking part in the organization?

HPO has made the pre-health process much more manageable. This club has helped foster my preparedness for graduate school by connecting me with my peers and mentors who have shared the same experiences and aspirations. As we welcome incoming students, my advice would be to not be nervous and get to know people around you. Also, to contact all of our officers including me and older members who plan on pursuing our same occupation. Each of our current members are dedicated to being a resource for one another.

HPO club officers from left to right: Emily Cosklo '27, David Banko '26 and Will Vinsko '26.

Q: Please share the format of a typical meeting. How can someone who is interested find out more about these meetings?

At a typical meeting, students sign in using their Royal IDs and the officers will announce any upcoming service events or important announcements for the week. Then we will get started on presenting the main topic, such as introducing today’s guest speaker or school representative, then we will close out the meeting with questions and any important details for following week. Sometimes we will be providing snacks and treats for all members, which you don’t want to miss!

Q: Any upcoming club plans for the fall semester?

This semester we are aiming to complete more service opportunities and provide clear foundational information to the incoming students so that there is as little uncertainty as possible as they begin their new journey. Upperclassmen students who have completed and are in the midst of the application process will be speaking about “What I wish I knew,” to share their experiences and reflect on challenges during their collegiate career.

Q: Anything we have not asked about that you’d like to mention? 

The Health Professions Organization is not limited to pre-health majors. Anyone who is
interested or simply pondering the idea of a career in healthcare is welcome! If you are
interested in joining or want more information about career paths, healthcare opportunities, or you just want to ask general questions, please email me at will.vinsko@scranton.edu.