My name is Lillian Lee, and I’m a medical student at the CUNY School of Medicine in New York City. When I’m not in the classroom studying medicine, I serve my community as a 911 Fire Department of New York (FDNY) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), responding to emergency calls across the city.
My experiences on the frontlines of medicine have deepened my understanding of the systemic challenges patients face, especially in underserved neighborhoods, and have fueled my passion for creating more accessible and compassionate care.
At CUNY, I lead as the President of both Doctors Without Borders and Socially Responsible Surgery, where I help coordinate initiatives that emphasize ethical care, global health equity, and outreach to vulnerable populations.
Beyond my clinical and academic roles, I’m also a proud member of the Osmosis Health Leadership Initiative (OHLI). Through this program, I’ve had the chance to work alongside students from around the world, collaborating on innovative solutions that not only serve local communities but also address healthcare disparities on a global scale. It’s been a powerful way to extend my impact beyond the hospital’s walls and connect with a network of future leaders who share the same mission.
As a medical student and EMT, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges and rewards of healthcare education and frontline care. Whether you’re pursuing medicine, nursing, or another health care path, programs like the Osmosis Health Leadership Initiative can help you amplify your impact on patient care, community health, and healthcare innovation.
Discovering the OHLI Program Through Osmosis
I discovered the OHLI program through my regular use of the Osmosis platform, which has been a vital part of my academic journey. As someone with dyslexia, I’ve always sought learning tools that are accessible, inclusive, and visually engaging. Osmosis stood out to me with clear visuals, organized notes, and practice questions that made complex medical topics easier to understand. When I learned they also offered a leadership program focused on equity and innovation in healthcare, I knew I wanted to be part of it.
On Becoming an OHLI
The OHLI application was simple and straightforward. It focuses on what type of student you are, the mission and values you hold, and how you hope to contribute to the future of healthcare. I took the time to thoughtfully share my experiences as a medical student and EMT and explain why accessibility in education and healthcare is so important to me.
” I saw the OHLI program not just as a leadership opportunity, but as a platform that genuinely values students with diverse learning needs and lived experiences.”
I found out I was accepted into the OHLI program right after coming home from a long shift at work. I was sleep-deprived and exhausted, and at first, I honestly thought I was seeing things. When I looked again and read that I got into the program, I was instantly filled with joy. It felt surreal. After everything Osmosis had done to help me through school, finally being able to give back and contribute meaningfully was incredibly special. Being selected made me feel seen, not just as a student, but as someone whose experiences, voice, and values have a place in shaping the future of healthcare.
Building a Global Community of Healthcare Students
What has made being an OHLI truly special was the chance to connect with healthcare students from around the world. Although time zones were sometimes a challenge, collaborating with not only medical students, but also nursing, PA, and public health students was incredibly eye-opening. Everyone brought a different lens to healthcare, and that diversity of thought helped me grow personally and professionally. The OHLI program gave me more than a leadership title. It gave me a sense of global community and reminded me that we’re all working toward the same mission — to make healthcare more compassionate, inclusive, and informed.
One of my most important milestones in the program was winning the 2025 Hackathon with my project, Emergency Helping Hands, a multilingual, step-by-step emergency response tool designed to empower bystanders during critical situations. I had the privilege of serving as the team leader, and at first, I was intimidated. My teammates came from different parts of the world with different perspectives, and I wasn’t sure how we’d all collaborate. The OHLI program fostered a supportive environment with mentorship and clear guidance that made everything feel possible. Leading this project taught me what it means to be an effective and empathetic leader. The win wasn’t just exciting; it gave me the confidence to continue my mission as a medical student and first responder, constantly seeking new ways to protect the community and save more lives.
In addition to the Hackathon, there have been several opportunities for OHLIs to explore and contribute to the program, like writing blogs or making short videos for social media, hosting webinars, scheduling outreach events to introduce fellow students to Osmosis, as well as topic-specific, focused study sessions with my peers.
Should you apply? Absolutely.
Don’t second-guess yourself. Apply. You don’t need a perfect resume to become an OHLI. What truly matters is your passion to make a difference in healthcare and your commitment to growth. I remember initially feeling unsure, wondering if I belonged among many accomplished peers. But OHLI isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s a space for students from all walks of life to learn, collaborate, and build something meaningful.
My best advice is to be open, stay curious, and never be afraid to ask questions. The mentors in OHLI are incredibly supportive, and the program is designed to uplift you. Whether leading a project, joining a team, or simply finding your voice, every part of the OHLI experience helps you grow in ways you don’t expect. The connections you make, both personal and professional, can last a lifetime. And the confidence you gain will empower you to lead within your own community long after graduation.
If you’re looking for a chance to collaborate with others, learn from new mentors, and contribute to meaningful projects that improve healthcare, this is the program for you. Whether you’re training to be a nurse, physician, PA, NP, or dentist, this program offers leadership opportunities that complement your clinical education and prepare you for future challenges.
What can the OHLI program do for you?
- Give you the chance to collaborate with healthcare students worldwide
- Help you develop your leadership and project management skills
- Provide you with the framework to develop innovative healthcare solutions
- Get solid mentorship from experienced professionals
- Help you build a supportive, interdisciplinary professional network
Ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Learn more and apply to the OHLI program today!
About the Author
Lillian Lee is a medical student at CUNY School of Medicine with over four years of experience as a 911 Emergency Medical Technician as well as an Osmosis Health Leader with Osmosis. Her clinical background spans multiple specialties, including Pediatric Surgery, Trauma Care, OB/GYN, and Cardiology, providing a broad perspective on patient care. She is focused on improving healthcare access for underserved children worldwide through international collaboration in pediatric surgery and is dedicated to addressing health inequities using innovative research to foster better outcomes for children.
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