NATCHEZ — Kaleigh Davidson, a former sophomore at Trinity Episcopal Day School, recently spent three days in Boston learning her future trade at the National Academy for Future Physicians and Medical Leaders Congress.

Davidson said the human heart has always fascinated her and said her passion is to save lives as a cardiothoracic (heart and lung) surgeon.

“On both sides of my family, there have been a lot of problems with the heart,” Davidson said.

Many of the male members in her family dealt with heart problems, she said, which prompted her to learn more about the heart.

Davidson’s grandfather died of a heart attack and her brother, father and uncles all have long-QT syndrome — meaning they each have an irregular heart rate that does not increase with physical activity, she said.

“Hearts have always fascinated me and that’s what made me want to go into that field,” she said.

Davidson was anonymously nominated last January to attend the summer program in Boston from June 25 through 27. There, she met doctors, professors, patients and other students who share a common interest in the medical field.

“I met a bunch of great friends and a lot of interesting people in the medical world,” she said.

Davidson said the first day of the program, she was introduced to a woman named Carmen who had been brutally beaten and burned by her husband and had to receive a full facial transplant.

Later, Davidson met Shree Bose — a global ambassador for inspiring young women to pursue their passion for science. Bose started her own research for genetics in high school and later graduated in molecular and cellular biology from Harvard University.

Davidson said she also met with college deans and coaches who offered tips and advice about scholarships and grants for medical school.

Davidson said her family always pushed her to pursue her passion. She is the daughter of Sandy and Stan Davidson and a former member of Key Club, photography club, National Honor Society and dance team at Trinity.

She plans to continue dancing her junior year on Adams County Christian School Rebelettes Dance Team. She is also a recent member of the National Society of High School Scholars.

Davidson said she is invited to return to the National Academy for Future Physicians and Medical Leaders Congress next year as an alumnus and received the Porch and Laurel Scholarship for $10,000 to the school of her choice.

“My family told me you can do anything that you put your mind to,” Davidson said. “If you’re ever given an opportunity to do something that you’re interested in, go for it. It’s worth it.”