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Montini senior receives award from National Academy of Future Physicians

Montini Catholic High School in Lombard is congratulating senior Joel Camba for being the recipient of the National Academy of Future Physicians Award of Excellence.

The organization's primary founding principal is to recognize and reward high-achieving students dedicated to medicine or the STEM subjects.

The award comes on the heels of Joel's representation of Montini Catholic and the state of Illinois at the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Boston Massachusetts (as a junior in 2019).

To be considered for Congress Delegate, Joel was required to meet specific criteria - having an aspiration to become a physician, scientist or technologist, possessing strong leadership potential and achieving a GPA of 3.5 or above (current or cumulative).

The theme of each Congress is "Greatness Awaits," offering exceptional students, like Joel, an extraordinary opportunity to be mentored by some of the most important leaders of our time, true giants of their professionals who are fundamentally changing our future for the better at an awe-inspiring pace. He was surrounded by fellow high school students (and future colleagues) from across the nation who share his passion, ability and potential.

Although he has not yet confirmed his college choice, Joel currently has plans to major in chemistry and to pursue a career in neuro optometry (focusing on the rehabilitation of visual/ perceptual/motor disorders. Schools included on Joel's shortlist are Butler University, Marquette and St. Louis University. Joel explains that his interest in the field was sparked while undergoing therapy for his own eyes. "My therapist really got me interested in this particular field."

Joel credits his younger sister for his initial interest in medicine. "She was born with Down syndrome and I have been given a lot of motivation to do well in school from her." He has also been greatly inspired by his father, Dr. Noel Camba, M.D., a cardiologist.

"He has shown me the wonders of medicine. He helps save lives every day, and he has shown me that even a smile can make a patients' day!" Joel has felt great inspiration as well from his Montini teachers noting that each one of them have encouraged him to always do his best as a student.

As a Bronco, Joel enjoys being a member of the soccer and baseball teams. He is also a member of Montini's Robotics, Book and Spanish Clubs and competes with local schools as a member of the Math Team. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta (Math) Honor Society.

Joel Camba is from Burr Ridge and attended Pleasantdale Middle School. He and his family are members of St. John of the Cross Parish in Western Springs.

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