WINDSOR – Paging Dr. Ryan – maybe a few years early.

Andrew Ryan, Jr., a senior at Bertie High STEM School, has been nominated to attend the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Washington, DC from Feb. 14-16, 2014.

Monday, Nov. 18 at their regularly scheduled ‘mobile’ night meeting held at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church on Cow Track Rd. in Windsor, the Bertie County Board of Commissioners presented Ryan with a Letter of Congratulations, signed by the board.

The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. The purpose of the February weekend is to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country who aspire to be physicians or medical scientists to stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal.

Blanket nominations are sent out to participating schools – of which Bertie High is one – and students are nominated by Dr. Connie Mariano, the Medical Director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists.

Dr. Mariano is also a retired Navy Rear Admiral and former director of the White House Medical Unit under former President George H.W. Bush.  She also served as White House Physician under President Bill Clinton and was nominated to be U.S. Surgeon General under President Barack Obama.

During the three-day Congress, Ryan will be joining students from across the country and hear speeches and talks on medical research.  He will also be given from Ivy League and top medical school deans on what to expect in medical school, hear from patients, and be inspired by fellow teen medical science prodigies discussing the future of medicine and medical technology.

Some of the programs the Academy offers – some free and others paid – include online social networks through which future doctors and medical scientists can communicate. There are also opportunities for guidance and mentoring, not just for students but for parents as well.

Commissioner Perry read from the congratulatory proclamation, which commended Ryan for his hard work and dedication.

“This is a great achievement and one that could not be attained without the highest level of determination, intelligence, and perseverance,” read Perry. “You have made your school, your family and your community proud, and we know your success will inspire others. On behalf of the citizens of Bertie County we would like to extend to you our deepest congratulations for a job well done.”

After the presentation, Ryan modestly thanked the commissioners and received a bit of extra advice, and incentive, from Commissioner Ron Wesson, who also cited a family connection.

“My wife is a physician,” said Wesson. “She says if she can offer to you any assistance to your studies, or looking into medical schools, please don’t hesitate to call on her through me.

“She finished first in her class,” he added. “And she says if she can do it, you can do it.”