Today marks the start of the 2025 HOSA International Leadership Conference (ILC) in Nashville, Tennessee, where more than 13,700 participants will gather for the largest conference in the history of the national organization that introduces youth to health care careers.  Among the standout delegations is Kansas HOSA, arriving with 230 driven future health professionals — a significant increase from last year’s 196.  

Kansas HOSA has seen a dramatic 47% increase in membership over the past year, placing it fifth in growth among 63 chartered associations around the world.  This surge reflects a growing interest in health careers among Kansas youth, as well as the dynamic leadership of Kansas charter administrator KU Area Health Education Center guiding the program.  Behind that momentum is an unwavering commitment to equipping students with real-world skills, leadership training, and career-shaping experiences — all crucial investments in the future of health care. 

Celebrating Leadership, Commitment, and Excellence 

Several Kansans will receive recognition at the conference for their outstanding service and contributions to HOSA’s mission:

• Jaron Caffrey, chairman of the Kansas HOSA Board of Directors and director of workforce and health care policy at the Kansas Hospital Association, will receive the “Leadership in Collaboration” award. His work promoting HOSA as a vital player in health industry workforce development sets a high standard for professional partnerships that benefit students and systems alike. 

• Tina Garetson, Kansas HOSA state advisor and health career promotions program manager for KU Area Health Education Center, will receive the “Above and Beyond” award. Her dedication has elevated Kansas HOSA at every level — chapter, state and international. She is also a candidate for the HOSA Inc. Board of Directors as Central Region State Advisor. 

• Teagan Warner, Kansas HOSA state officer for 2024–25 from Southeast High School in Cherokee, will receive the “Outstanding HOSA Leader” award, which recognizes a current or former state officer for exemplary service and impact. 

• Shivani Hebsur, Kansas HOSA vice president (2024–25) and incoming President (2025–26) from Wichita Collegiate Upper School, will represent Kansas in the Parade of Flags during the opening ceremony — a symbolic moment that honors global unity in the health professions. 

• Joe Wood, advisor from Winfield High School, will receive the “Outstanding Advisor” award and is a candidate for the HOSA Inc. Board of Directors as Central Region Local Advisor. His mentorship has helped shape countless student leaders in Kansas.

Kansas is also earning recognition for participating in the pilot of the Surgical Technology competitive event, an initiative launched by Wisconsin HOSA and tested across several chartered associations. Thanks to this pilot program, Surgical Technology will debut as a national competitive event in fall 2025. 

The 2025 International Leadership Conference will be the largest gathering in HOSA’s history: 

• 13,208 registered delegates, a 13.3% increase over 2024 

• 1,976 chapters participating, up 5.4% 

• 12,997 competitors in events, a 13% jump 

HOSA’s growth shows a deepening commitment from students, educators, institutions and communities working to prepare the next generation of health care professionals. 

For Kansas, the growth of HOSA means more than just awards and statistics. This growing momentum is a clear sign that Kansas is not only preparing students for future careers in health care, but also actively shaping what that future will look like — driven by passion, purpose, and a shared vision for healthier communities. 

This progress is no accident. It’s the result of a yearslong commitment to cultivating the next generation of health care professionals through collaboration, innovation, and leadership. The KU Area Health Education Center plays a pivotal role in bringing these opportunities to Kansas students.  

Learn more about the center’s efforts to build a pipeline of well-prepared, passionate future health professionals to serve communities throughout Kansas.