Bainbridge High School sophomore Morgan Rogers attended the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine June 21-30 in Boston, Mass.

She was one of 500 other students selected from all across the United States.

Selection was based on scholastic merit, strong leadership potential and interest in the field of medicine. The strict qualifications for nomination and enrollment for students who met those standards were selected by educators, participating institutions, and/or alumni of the National Youth Leadership Forum.

The National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine provides scholars with the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the challenges and rewards of a medical career. As one of this select group of high school scholars, Rogers was welcomed at some of the nation’s most prominent and technologically advanced medical institutions and schools including the University of New England-College of Osteopathic Medicine in Portland, Maine, and the Rhode Island Hospital Medical Simulation Center in Providence, R.I.

During this hands-on experience, Rogers was given the opportunity to participate in a disaster triage simulation and take on the role as a physician confronting a large-scale disaster involving childbirth, a heart attack victim, and treatment for a small child having a seizure.

Throughout the forum, discussion groups covering a variety of current medical education issues were led by the physician in chief of Tufts Medical Center, Harvard Medical School residents, and Public Health and HIV/AIDS education/community activists.

Although common medical techniques were practiced such as learning how to take blood pressure and how to suture a simulated wound, scholars also viewed a total knee replacement surgery from beginning to end, narrated by Dr. Jared Toman at Boston University Hospital.

While each day was filled with many new learning experiences, scholars were given time to socialize during evening activities, which also included a variety show and a Boston Harbor dinner dance/boat cruise.

Rogers is the daughter of Ed Rogers of Donalsonville, Ga., and Tim and Carla Smith of Bainbridge, Ga., and the granddaughter of Nell Rogers of Donalsonville, and Carlton and Peggy Chambers of Colquitt, Ga.

As a student at Bainbridge High School, Morgan has participated on the BHS Bearcat Marching Band danceline, the gymnastics team, Diamond Dolls, 4-H shotgun team and FFA.

This year, she is a member of the Bainbridge High School Competition Cheerleading Squad.