How to Start a Health & Medical Careers Club in High School: A Step-by-Step Guide

Do you dream of becoming a physician, nurse, pharmacist, or researcher? Why wait until college to start exploring? Launching a health and medical careers club at your high school can help you gain hands-on experience, develop leadership abilities, and inspire others who share your passion for healthcare. With a bit of planning, you can create a vibrant student community that’s both fun and future-focused.

Below, you’ll find a practical step-by-step guide to starting your club — from recruiting members to hosting activities — along with advice on connecting your group to national organizations like the High School Alliance of Future Physicians (HSAFP).

Why Start a Health & Medical Careers Club?

Think of your club as a hub for students who want to learn more about healthcare careers and make a positive difference. Here’s what it can offer:

• Discover new fields – Explore areas like emergency medicine, biomedical engineering, mental health, and surgery. Invite guest speakers, watch live or virtual demonstrations, and dive into case studies to see what different jobs are really like.
• Lead and organize – Coordinating meetings, events, and service projects shows initiative and builds skills like teamwork, communication, and project management — all valued in any career.
• Connect with mentors and peers – Share your interest in medicine with classmates and professionals. Exchange ideas, study together, and encourage one another’s goals.
• Serve your community – Plan events that promote wellness, such as health screenings, mental health awareness campaigns, or blood drives.
• Stand out on applications – Admissions officers notice students who start and sustain meaningful extracurriculars. Leading a health club — especially one linked to a recognized national network — can make your application shine.

According to BS/MD program advisor Dr. Kachiu Lee, the most impactful activities show “passion and a continual commitment” over time. Starting now gives you years to deepen your involvement and reflect on your growth.

Step 1: Secure School Approval and an Advisor

Your first move is to understand your school’s process for creating a club. This often means filling out an application and getting administrative approval. You’ll also need a faculty advisor — ideally a science or health teacher, guidance counselor, or coach who’s enthusiastic about your mission.

When you approach a potential advisor, share your vision, the benefits to students, and examples of activities you’d like to run. If you plan to affiliate with HSAFP, bring along their informational packet so the advisor can see the resources available.

Step 2: Recruit Interested Students

Once you’ve got approval, build your core membership. Start by personally inviting classmates who are into science, biology, or helping others. You might say, “I’m starting a healthcare careers club — want to be part of it?”
To reach more students:

• Classroom announcements – Ask science and health teachers to let you make a quick pitch at the end of class.
• School communications – Post flyers on bulletin boards, share a blurb in the morning announcements, or add an item to the school newsletter.
• Club fairs or info tables – Host a table with a sign-up sheet and a simple poster explaining the club.
• Open to all – Emphasize that no one needs perfect grades or prior experience — just curiosity and interest.
• Form a leadership team – Identify a few motivated members to serve as officers or co-founders to help run the club.

Step 3: Plan Activities That Keep Members Engaged

The first meeting sets the tone. Reserve a space, welcome members, introduce the purpose of the club, and gather input on what they want to learn or do.
Here are ideas for meetings and projects:

• Guest speakers – Invite healthcare professionals or medical students to share their journeys.
• Hands-on training – Host a CPR course, Stop the Bleed workshop, or basic first-aid session.
• Interactive learning – Watch a surgery or medical procedure video, then discuss as a group.
• School health campaigns – Organize events like a “Healthy Habits Week” or a wellness booth during lunch.
• Field trips – Visit a hospital, research lab, or local health department (in-person or virtual).
• College and career prep – Hold sessions on pre-med programs, internships, and scholarships.

If you join HSAFP, you’ll get access to a ready-made monthly curriculum aligned with AAMC’s premed competencies, which can make planning easier.

Step 4: Promote Your Club and Grow Membership

To keep momentum:

• Post creative flyers with catchy slogans like “Future healthcare leaders meet here!”
• Leverage social media to share event recaps, health tips, and meeting reminders.
• Use announcements to remind students about upcoming activities.
• Collaborate with other clubs such as Science Club, Red Cross Club, or student council to broaden your reach.

Even if your first event has a small turnout, treat it as a win — each participant is a potential ambassador for your club.

Step 5: Consider Becoming an Official HSAFP Chapter

Joining HSAFP connects your club to a national network of high school students interested in medicine. Benefits include:

• A monthly physician-created curriculum.
• Access to national events and competitions.
• A platform to collaborate with students across the country.

Starting a chapter involves filling out an application on HSAFP.org, naming a faculty advisor, and forming a student leadership team. Once approved, you’ll get access to their Pioneer Portal for organizing your chapter and HSAFP Connect for networking.

Want to get involved right now? Click here to join HSAFP and unlock physician-led workshops, hands-on medical experience, and a nationwide network of students and mentors. Whether you start a chapter, join as a National Member, or connect with a local chapter, HSAFP will guide you step-by-step and give you the competitive edge you need for college and beyond.

Leading With Confidence

Running a club is a big responsibility, but you’ll grow with each step:

• Share the workload – Delegate tasks among officers and members.
• Focus on small wins – Build confidence through early successes before planning major events.
• Learn alongside members – It’s okay not to have all the answers; research together.
• Stay organized – Keep a calendar, contact list, and notes on activities.
• Celebrate progress – Recognize achievements and reflect on lessons learned.

Most importantly, remember why you started. Whether it’s a love of science, a desire to help others, or a career goal, that passion will inspire your members — and keep your club thriving.

What are you waiting for? Starting a health and medical careers club is one of the best ways to explore your interests, make friends, and prepare for your future in healthcare. The sooner you begin, the more opportunities you’ll have to lead, learn, and make an impact.