Conversations with Medha Kuntamukkla

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Medha Kuntamukkla.

Hi Medha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Since an early age, I have been passionate about science and driven to make a difference in people’s lives. As I progressed through high school, I became increasingly involved in science clubs and organizations, and my passion for healthcare grew.

Through exploring various classes, such as biotechnology and AP Chemistry, I discovered that there are many different avenues within the healthcare field that allow for impactful work. While AP Chemistry taught me important concepts necessary for the medical field, biotechnology allowed me to conduct a research project analyzing the effect of Rhodiola rosea on Alzheimer’s disease in C. elegans.

My desire to explore further led me to HOSA-FHP, an organization that empowers future healthcare professionals to become leaders in the global health community. Since joining HOSA in my freshman year of high school, I have been able to explore a variety of healthcare pathways and develop my leadership skills.

During my sophomore year, my sister encouraged me to apply for a state officer position at Colorado HOSA. I didn’t think I had what it takes to represent an organization with 3000+ members within Colorado and 260,000+ worldwide. While this step seemed daunting, my sister reminded me of my passion for healthcare and how this opportunity would allow me to help others, so I decided to apply.

As the 2023-2024 Vice President of Service, I have found the perfect intersection between service and healthcare, and I was able to share that with all of Colorado’s members. Serving on the state officer team was an experience like no other. It has taught me so much and given me so many opportunities that when the time came to apply again, I did it without a second thought.

Today, as the 2024-2025 Colorado HOSA State President, I stand at the height of my journey thus far, immensely grateful for the chance to lead and serve a community that has given me so much.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a state officer, I understood that my job came with a lot of responsibility and wouldn’t be easy. Managing five AP classes while also serving as the VP of Service proved to be challenging at times. However, as a state officer team, we supported each other.

When the State Leadership Conference arrived, where all the members of Colorado HOSA came together to compete, collaborate, and explore their interests, I realized just how different it was being on the other side. Being a state officer had many more responsibilities than being a member, and I couldn’t do everything perfectly the first time. I learned valuable lessons that I knew I could implement if I were to be elected again.

Last February, I decided to apply to be the State President. The application pool had doubled, and the process had become increasingly difficult. However, my passion for this organization drove me to continue my pursuit, and I achieved this position.

Being a state officer has taught me that doing something you are passionate about is never difficult. For me, working for HOSA has never felt like an obligation but rather something I truly enjoy doing to take a break from school.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As the Colorado HOSA State President, it is my responsibility to properly represent the members of Colorado and guide my team to success. HOSA’s mission is to decrease the gap between schooling and the workforce. In a world with a prominent healthcare shortage, HOSA provides a direct pipeline to the workforce, expanding the healthcare community and the leaders within it.

I was drawn to HOSA because of the incredible impact it has on members across the world. It is inspiring to see how HOSA can change lives by providing the proper opportunities necessary to reach one’s personal success.

The biggest responsibility of the state officer team is organizing the State Leadership Conference in February. During this conference, members across Colorado get the opportunity to partake in 88 different competitions and attend a variety of symposiums that expose them to the vastness of healthcare. We spend all year prepping for the conference to ensure it is a beneficial experience for all those in attendance. This past year, we have set a new record for the number of members in attendance, and as a state officer team, we hope to continue raising those numbers.

As a state officer, I also got the opportunity to attend the International Leadership Conference in Dallas, TX, and the Washington Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C. Attending both of these conferences made clear what my favorite part of HOSA was: the people. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals provides a sense of purpose and pride, creating a support system where each individual feels valued. In addition to this, I got the opportunity to speak with Colorado legislatures at the Capitol during WLA to encourage the continued funding of the Perkins Act, a federal act designed to improve career-technical education programs. It focuses on integrating academic and career-technical instruction, serving special populations, and meeting gender equity needs.

I am most proud of how far I have come in my journey. If you asked me if I saw myself speaking to an audience of 1600+ in my freshman year of high school, I would have said no without hesitation. I believe that I have grown a lot, embracing what it truly means to be a leader. My journey, starting as a member, serving as the VP of Service, and now being president, has been enriching and fulfilling. This is not an opportunity that is easily given, and I am beyond grateful for obtaining this opportunity to serve as State President for a truly impactful organization.

What’s next?
As I approach the end of my junior year in high school, it’s time to start thinking about colleges. My goal is to complete my undergraduate degree and attend medical school to acquire my MD.

I aspire to become a cardiologist in the future. The heart has always fascinated me because promoting a healthy heart leads to an overall improvement in an individual’s well-being. Cardiology provides a wide range of opportunities, covering various career paths and sub-specialties. Some involve invasive procedures and heart surgery, while others focus on diagnosing conditions and providing patient care. Regardless of the path I choose, I feel confident in my ability to have a direct impact on people’s lives.

Globally, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. Through my work as a cardiologist, I aim to enhance the quality of life for countless individuals. My dedication to this field stems from the profound impact I can make on people’s lives each day.

Contact Info:

• Website: coloradohosa.org
• Instagram: @medha.k20