Diana Richardson is going to attend the National Medical Leadership Forum in Boston this month.

Diana, a student at the Bermuda High School for Girls, is among a select group of outstanding high school students from around the world.

Her interest in medicine has helped her to secure her spot with the group on the 11-day trip to Boston.

Diana told The Royal Gazette she was grateful to her school counsellor Tina Fountain who nominated her and she was also thankful for her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Richardson.

During the trip, the students will be visiting some of the world's most famous medical institutions, such as Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Lahey Hitchcock Medical Centre.

Visiting these institutions will allow Diana and her fellow forum students to see state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and future medical specialities.

Not only do the students visit prominent medical centres, they will also have the opportunity to learn from famous medical leaders, including Dr. Kenneth C.

Edelin, and Dr. Susan M. Briggs.

The students will also learn more about AIDS, sports medicine, neo-natal and paediatric research, bioethics, public health, and computers in the world of medicine.

"During eleven days of first-hand experiences in a motivating and challenging environment, participants see the world of medicine from a perspective unlike any other,'' retired president of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Dr. William Levin said.

"They leave having gained a valuable head start toward the careers and successes they dream of achieving.'' Diana said she was excited and nervous at the same time upon learning of the trip.

"I don't know if I have what it takes to be a doctor, but this will show me if I do,'' she said.

Medical examiner: BHS student Diana Richardson will visit Harvard Medical School and a number of other prestigious institutions during a trip to Boston.