By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
A newly formed club at North Attleborough High School has quickly united dozens of students around one shared goal — building a future in health care while helping others.
The Pulse Medical and Health Careers Club, a student-led organization, was founded last spring by junior Lilya Fouda. The club gives students opportunities to learn about medical careers, volunteer locally and connect with professionals in the field.
Fouda said she created the group after realizing that fellow classmates shared her passion for health care but lacked a way to explore it.
“I’ve always been interested in the medical field and wanted to expand that interest in a way that also helped our community,” said Fouda. “Once I saw other students were interested too, I took the initiative to start the club.”
More than 50 students are now registered members. Roughly 20 to 25 attend the club’s one or two monthly meetings regularly, depending on their schedules. To keep students engaged, the club is divided into subcommittees focused on areas such as community service, health communications, public relations and university outreach.
“I try to make sure everyone’s interests are reflected,” said Fouda. “Each committee has goals, and they check in with me and the vice president to make sure everyone stays involved.”
The club is advised by NAHS health and wellness teacher Monique Nasiff, whom Fouda described as an amazing supporter of students interested in health care and an integral part of the group from the beginning.
However, Nasiff said it’s Fouda’s leadership that is responsible for the club’s success.
“Lilya is truly the leader of this group. In my 28 years of teaching, she is among the top students I have had the pleasure of teaching or even working with,” said Nasiff. “She welcomes all students to join Pulse Medical Club and will help them in any way she can.”
In October, the club launched its first major community outreach initiative, assembling 200 hygiene kits filled with toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, soap and combs. The project was completed in partnership with the North Attleborough Health Department, which distributed the kits to local residents, including those experiencing homelessness or financial hardships.
Fouda said Human Service Coordinator Stephen Berdos was a big supporter of the effort, and a donation from Crystal Family Dental in Bridgewater made purchasing the supplies possible.
“The Health Department was incredibly helpful and grateful for the donations,” said Fouda. “The whole process went very smoothly, and we definitely want to do it again.”
Next, the club plans to assemble mini first-aid kits.
“These small things can be vital,” said Fouda. “I really want to continue giving back.”
Beyond volunteer work, members hope to visit universities, experience real-world health care environments and network with professionals. Fouda, whose main interest right now is orthodontics, said the club has only strengthened her desire to pursue a medical career.
“I’ve always enjoyed learning about the body — specifically, physiology, and every class I’ve taken just confirmed that I want to be in the medical field,” she said.
Pulse Medical Club is working to secure funding and partnerships for future service projects. While Fouda remains focused on supporting classmates and the wider community, Nasiff said she feels privileged to help mentor the group she calls “our future leaders.”
“These student-led projects are crucial to our future,” said Nasiff. “Students need critical thinking, social and decision-making skills, and programs like this help them develop those essential skills.”