Katie Byrd, a rising senior at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, recently enrolled in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine (NYLF/MED), taking place in Washington, D.C. from July 3 to July 12.

Byrd will join 350 other high school students from around the country who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential and an interest in a career in medicine.

Throughout the 10-day forum, NYLF/MED will introduce Byrd to a variety of concepts in public health, medical ethics, research and general practice, and will include site visits to medical facilities and clinics. In addition to visits to cutting-edge medical schools and clinical facilities, Byrd will have the opportunity to hear from and interact with leaders within the medical field.

Students have up-close and personal contact with physicians, surgeons, researchers, scientists and medical educators as they go behind the scenes to view these professionals at work.

NYLF is a non-profit educational organization that brings various professions to life, empowering outstanding young people with the confidence to make well-informed career choices.

&uot;Katie may very well be the face of the future of medicine,&uot; said NYLF executive director, Donna Snyder.