HOSA Canada will be hosting two types of seminars throughout the year: Health Professions Workshops and Competitive Events Workshops. After each seminar, students are welcome to ask questions and interact with the lecturers. These seminars are held online via Microsoft Teams and are open to students who have paid their registration fee. Additionally, hands-on and lecture style workshops will be offered in-person at the Spring Leadership Conference (SLC).
- Health Professions Workshops introduce students to various disciplines within the healthcare field, e.g. Dentistry, Veterinary, Nursing, etc.
- Competitive Events Workshops will focus on how each event differs from one another and aim to help students choose the event that is right for them. HOSA Canada staff and former ILC winners will discuss the event, answer questions, and share insights as well as advice on how to prepare for it. These workshops are recommended for students that are having trouble deciding on which event is right for them, but are also for students who have decided on an event and would like to learn about how to succeed in that event.
Health Professions Workshop Program
Formerly the Leadership Certificate Program, the Health Professions Workshop Program (HPWP) recognizes HOSA Canada members for their commitment to professional growth in the health sciences. Students earn recognition by attending a mix of online seminars and in-person workshops, designed to broaden their skills, knowledge, and career awareness.
Participants can achieve one of three tiers—Maroon, Navy, or Bronze—based on the number of sessions completed. Whether you’re engaging virtually or gaining hands-on experience in person, the HPWP is your pathway to exploring the diverse opportunities within the health sciences.
Students do not need to officially “enroll” in HOSA Canada’s Health Professions Workshop Program (HPWP) to be eligible. However, for their participation to be counted, students must complete the HPWP form within 24 hours of attending a seminar. Participation will only be counted if the student attended the seminar live and submitted the form within the deadline. Students can track their progress toward earning their HPWP Certificate using this form.
Competitive Events Workshops
Competitive Events Week is a series of online sessions dedicated to exploring all of the competitive events offered by HOSA Canada. In each session, HOSA Canada staff will highlight the differences between events within the same category—such as Teamwork, Health Science, and more—helping students understand their options and choose the event that best fits their interests and strengths.
These seminars will take place prior to the Fall Leadership Conference (FLC). Exact dates will be announced closer to the event. All sessions are hosted live via Microsoft Teams and are open to both registered members and non-members.
Events Preparation Week is a series of online seminars designed to help participants excel at HOSA Canada’s Spring Leadership Conference (SLC) and at the International Leadership Conference (ILC). Each session will cover strategies for success – using real examples – along with guidance on what to bring, how to prepare, and what to expect during the event.
Former ILC winners will also share their experiences, discuss how they achieved success in their events, and answer participant questions.
These seminars will take place prior to the Spring Leadership Conference (SLC). Exact dates will be announced closer to the event. All sessions are hosted live via Microsoft Teams and attendance is exclusive to registered HOSA Canada members.
2025-2026 Seminars
Med School 101: A Brief Look into Canadian Medical Schools (September 24, 2025)
Date: September 24, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Current medical students will cover the application process, prerequisites from MCAT to interviews, and give you a clearer idea of what a typical day looks like in medical school. We’ll be joined by students from a number of schools across Canada, who will share their experiences, insights, and advice. This is a great opportunity to learn from and connect with future mentors, so come prepared with your best questions!
This event also counts towards the Health Professions Workshops Program! Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with current medical students!
Undergraduate Pathways to Medicine (October 15, 2025)
Date: October 15, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM ET
This seminar brings together current medical students to share their unique journeys into medicine from a variety of undergraduate programs. Each panelist will describe how their undergraduate experience shaped their path toward medicine, from course selection and extracurricular involvement to clinical exposure and research opportunities.
The goal of this session is to demonstrate that there is no single “correct” route to medical school. Students will leave with a better understanding of how different academic and personal experiences can all build toward a successful application. The panel will also address common concerns such as whether certain programs are favoured by admissions committees, how to balance school with volunteering or leadership commitments, and how to highlight unique experiences on applications.
This seminar will run in a panel format. Each speaker will share their background and reflections before the session opens to an interactive Q and A. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions and take advantage of the opportunity to hear directly from medical students who have been through the process.
This event also counts towards the Health Professions Workshops Program! Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with current medical students!
Healthcare Professionals Symposium - Medical Professionals (November 5, 2025)
Date: November 5, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Curious about what it’s really like to work in healthcare?
This seminar offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at six exciting career pathways: dentistry, nursing, optometry, paramedicine, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. Through engaging presentations and personal stories, professionals from each discipline will share what a typical day in their life looks like! Students will gain insight into the educational journey, key skills, and personal qualities needed to thrive in each field, while also exploring how these roles collaborate to support patients and communities. Whether you’re considering a career in healthcare or simply want to learn more about these vital professions, this seminar will give you practical knowledge, inspiration, and a clearer picture of what the future could hold.
This event also counts towards the Health Professions Workshops Program! Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from those working as healthcare professionals!
Healthcare Professionals Symposium - Allied Health Professionals (November 26, 2025)
Date: November 26, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Interested in exploring diverse career paths in healthcare?
You’ll hear directly from professionals – including a dietitian, epidemiologist, physiotherapist, public health worker, and social worker – as they share their education, career journeys, and what a “day in the life” looks like in their field.
This event also counts towards the Health Professions Workshops Program! Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with experts!
Headstart into Research (December 17, 2025)
Date: December 17, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM ET
Curious about how to break into the world of research? Want to learn about different fields and ways to get involved? HOSA Canada is hosting a research-focused seminar to explore the endless possibilities of academic discovery. In this seminar, learn practical strategies for landing research positions.
Scientists across various research fields will share how their work addresses real-world challenges, and what they look for in student researchers. As well, a panel of current research students will discuss why and how they got involved, lessons learned, and the skills that continue to influence their academic and professional careers.
This event also counts towards the Health Professions Workshops Program! Join us to connect with experienced scientists and students, and kickstart your research career. Participants will get access to an exclusive resource list with research opportunities, email templates and scholarships after the seminar!
Specialties after Medical School - Medicine (January 7, 2026)
Date: January 7, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Ever wondered what career paths await after medical school? Join HOSA Canada for an engaging seminar where physicians share their journeys into diverse specialties including anesthesiology, internal medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, family medicine, and psychiatry. Our panelists will discuss why they chose their specialty, what drew them to that field, and how their day-to-day work reflects their passions and skills.
This session is designed to help high school and university students better understand the specialty options in medicine and gain firsthand insight into the decision-making process that shapes a physician’s career. Whether you’re curious about fast-paced emergency care, the long-term relationships in family practice, or the complexity of psychiatry, this seminar will provide valuable perspectives.
This event also counts towards the Health Professions Workshops Program! Don’t miss the chance to ask questions, hear practical advice, and start envisioning your own future in medicine!
Specialties after Medical School - Surgery (January 28, 2026)
Date: January 28, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM ET
If you’ve wondered whether surgery might be the specialty for you, a diverse team of surgeons will be discussing their career paths and how they arrived at their unique positions. If you’re not sure what area of surgery might be for you, this seminar will cover almost all surgical specialties, including general, plastics, orthopedics, cardiothoracic, and neurology. Our panelists will provide valuable insight for all those considering a career in medicine, so even if you’re just beginning your journey into medicine, the HOSA Canada team encourages you to join in and learn something new!
This event also counts towards the Health Professions Workshops Program! Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with experts!
Specialties after Medical School - Extended (February 18, 2026)
Date: February 18, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Each physician will share their personal career journey, explain why they chose their specialty, and highlight the rewards and challenges of their field. The seminar will focus on helping students understand the day-to-day experiences of different fields and the training required to succeed across the fields of dermatology, otorhinolaryngology, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, physiatry, radiology, and urology. With at least one professional representing each discipline, students will leave with a clear sense of the many career paths available in medicine and insightful tips for shaping their own futures.
This event also counts towards the Health Professions Workshops Program! Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with experts!
