SAMOPS Specialty Spotlights

Hello and welcome to the SAMOPS Specialty Spotlight podcast. This podcast was created to help inform military medical students about experiences and opportunities in military medicine. We aim to interview physicians either currently in or retired from the military, from all branches of service, in various specialties.

Today I have Air Force Anesthesiologist, Maj Kayla Knuf, with me to discuss her path to Anesthesia and what it looks like to be a military physician. Currently Dr. Knuf serves as Associate Program Director of the SAUSHEC Anesthesiology Residency. We hope you enjoy this honest conversation regarding Anesthesiology in the military. 

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

Hello and welcome to the SAMOPS Specialty Spotlight podcast. This podcast was created to help inform military medical students about experiences and opportunities in military medicine. We aim to interview physicians either currently in or retired from the military, from all branches of service, in various specialties.

Today I have my fellow classmate Rider Calhoun OMSIII here with me to help facilitate a conversation with retired Brigadier General and Emergency Medicine physician, Dr. Robert Suter. Currently, Dr. Suter serves as our Dean of Clinical Integration at Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. We hope you enjoy this honest conversation regarding Emergency Medicine. 

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

Hello and welcome to the SAMOPS Specialty Spotlight podcast. This podcast was created to help inform military medical students about experiences and opportunities in military medicine. Today we are sharing the Air Force breakout session from the Audition Application Panel that took place on November 11th 2025. This session includes advice from 4th year HPSP students who have completed the application process. We hope you enjoy. 

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

Hello and welcome to the SAMOPS Specialty Spotlight podcast. This podcast was created to help inform military medical students about experiences and opportunities in military medicine. Today we are sharing the Navy breakout session from the Audition Application Panel that took place on November 11th 2025. This session includes advice from 4th year HPSP students who have completed the application process. We hope you enjoy. 

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

Hello and welcome to the SAMOPS Specialty Spotlight podcast. This podcast was created to help inform military medical students about experiences and opportunities in military medicine. Today we are sharing the Army breakout session from the Audition Application Panel that took place on November 11th 2025. This session includes advice from 4th year HPSP students who have completed the application process. We hope you enjoy.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

Hello and welcome to the SAMOPS Specialty Spotlight podcast. This podcast was created to help inform military medical students about experiences and opportunities in military medicine. Today we are sharing an Air Force webinar led by HPSP Program Manager, Ms. Kelly Adams as well as the Chief of Physician Education, Colonel Benjamin Marrow. This webinar took place in July 2025 to cover information regarding audition rotations and MODS applications. While some details discussed are unique to the Air Force, this presentation offers general GME information that is applicable to all services. We hope you enjoy. 

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

Hello and welcome to the SAMOPS Specialty Spotlight podcast. This podcast was created to help inform military medical students about experiences and opportunities in military medicine. Today Navy Representative Milena Douglas interviews CDR Timothy Brooks about the topic of Navy Surface Medicine. This discussion explores what care looks like aboard ships and waterfront commands, how teams prepare for casualty response, preventive medicine and med logistics at sea, and what trainees should know about billets and career paths. This episode includes practical leadership lessons, sea-story insights, and clear advice for HPSP students and residents.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

Hello and welcome to the SAMOPS Specialty Spotlight podcast. This podcast was created to help inform military medical students about experiences and opportunities in military medicine. Today, Navy Representative Milena Douglas interviews Dr. Susan Roberts, DO (PGY-3 General Surgery), and Dr. Michael Kina Wei, DO (PGY-1 Internal Medicine), as they discuss their experiences with the civilian deferred match process. From choosing to pursue civilian training to navigating communication with Navy GME, this candid conversation offers practical insights and advice for students exploring the civilian deferred pathway.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

Hello and welcome to the SAMOPS Specialty Spotlight podcast. This podcast was created to help inform military medical students about experiences and opportunities in military medicine. Today, we are sharing the recording from the virtual Audition Rotation Q&A that took place on June 5th 2025. We hope you enjoy.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

Hello and welcome to the SAMOPS Specialty Spotlight podcast. This podcast was created to help inform military medical students about experiences and opportunities in military medicine. Today, Jordan Lange, SAMOPS Education Chair will be interviewing Colonel (R) Bill Sprayberry on the topic of leadership.

Book Website: https://www.beabetterleaderbook.com/

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

Hello and welcome to the SAMOPS Specialty Spotlight podcast. This podcast was created to help inform military medical students about experiences and opportunities in military medicine. Today Alek Rickman, the National SAMOPs Navy Representative, will be hosting an interview with Dr. Atto diving into Fleet Marine Force Medicine, Flight Surgery, & General Surgery Residency.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

This is the second episode in a new series interviewing military couples about their experience in the Military Match. This interview consists of two active duty physicians who applied and couple’s matched into active duty spots in two different application cycles. 

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

This is the first episode in a new series interviewing military couples about their experience in the Military Match. This interview consists of an active duty & civilian physician couple who applied and matched the same application year!

As mentioned at the end of the podcast, here are their emails if there are any follow up questions:

Colin.hanock@wright.edu

Bgoldenstein28@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

This special episode is the recording of the 2024 SAMOPS Occupational and Environmental Medicine Speciality Spotlight panel with Dr. Gulotta, an Army Captain and a chief resident at Walter Reed . In this episode, you will hear an overview of the specialty, experiences, FAQs, and advice on applying to this residency.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

This is the third and final episode in a new three part series highlighting the different military medical training per branch. This interview consists of National SAMOPS Board members and their experiences attending the Air Force's Officer Training School!

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

This is the second episode in a new three part series highlighting the different military medical training per branch. This interview consists of National SAMOPS Board members and their experiences attending the Navy's ODS training!

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

This is the first episode in a new three part series highlighting the different military medical training per branch. This interview consists of National SAMOPS Board members and their experiences attending the Army’s DCC/BOLC training. We hope you enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

This episode is the fifth recording in the SAMOPS 2023-24 Live Lecture Series. In this episode, we hear from a panelist of Navy residents discussing their experiences, recommendations and answer questions regarding Navy residency and audition season.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

This episode is the fourth recording in the SAMOPS 2023-24 Live Lecture Series. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Lora Bennet and Dr. Marlin Trainer whom both have served in the Air National Guard after completing Active Duty Service. Drs. Bennet and Trainer have a wealth of experience and offer insight into another way to continue serving post-active duty life.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

This special episode is the recording of the Army Residency and MODS application panelist discussion. In this episode you will hear experiences, FAQs and advice from a few current 4th year Army students who have recently completed the 2023 audition and application cycle across different specialties! 

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

This special episode is the recording of the Air Force Residency and MODS application panelist discussion. In this episode you will hear experiences, FAQs and advice from a few current 4th year Air Force students who have recently completed the 2023 audition and application cycle across different specialties! 

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

This special episode is the recording of the Navy Residency and MODS application panelist discussion. In this episode you will hear experiences, FAQs and advice from a few current 4th year Navy students who have recently completed the 2023 audition and application cycle across different specialties! 

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

This episode is a recording of an in-person interview between 2LT Leilani Lopes and Dr. Kevin O'Connor. Dr. Kevin O'Connor is currently working as the White House physician and is a retired Army Colonel. Dr. O'Connor has a vast amount of military and medical experiences that we look forward to hear about.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

This episode is the third recording in the SAMOPS 2023-24 Live Lecture Series. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Brit Geisler, who is currently working on her third board certification for occupational medicine to go along with her previous residencies in OB/GYN and Aerospace medicine. Dr. Geisler has a vast amount of experience through army education and training and sits down to share it all with us.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

This episode is the second recording in the SAMOPS 2023-24 Live Lecture Series. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Jaysun Frisch, a Program Director of the Air Force Operational Medicine Residency discussing his experiences within the Air Force as well as the residency itself.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

This episode is the first recording in the SAMOPS 2023-24 Live Lecture Series. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Joseph Lee, a PGY-2 Navy General Surgery Resident discussing his experiences from medical school through now.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense.

In this episode, we hear from Dr. Roxanne Wallace, an Army Orthopedic surgeon who has had numerous experiences as an orthopedic surgeon both in and out of the military. 

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch in the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense. 

In this episode, we hear from Dr. Amy Hernandez who completed her Navy General Surgery Residency after spending time on the "green side" with the Marine Corps. 

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. Military or the Department of Defense. 

In this episode, we talk to Susan Roberts, who is currently a surgical intern at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. She provides a lot of great advice about navigating the HPSP world and how to be a competitive applicant for the match, both within the surgical specialty, and in general. She also discusses intern year as a surgical resident, and provides advice for students beginning their surgical sub-internships. This is a special episode, as Susan actually started THIS podcast in 2019 while she was Education Chair of the National SAMOPS Board. Susan continued her involvement within AMOPS, and is currently the Secretary of the National RAMOPS Board, which is the resident branch of the organization.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Allen a retired Air Force emergency medicine physician who is currently an assistant professor at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine. We talk leadership, special operations, being a flight surgeon, choosing emergency medicine, and words of wisdom for future military physicians. 

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Fry, who is currently a PGY-2 EM resident at Naval Medical Center San Diego. He discusses his journey to becoming an EM resident, including completing a civilian TY internship prior to becoming a flight surgeon at MCAS Miramar in San Diego. He compares and contrasts his civilian and military training, discusses the unique opportunities he had as a flight surgeon, and provides advice for students interested in pursuing an emergency medicine residency.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Fomin. He is the chief of Dermatology at Irwin Army Community Hospital. He talks to us about what dermatology really is, what being a solid applicant looks like, the training pipeline in the Army, and being a military physician. Dr. Fomin has graciously offered to speak to anyone interested in talking Army Dermatology via email. He can be reached at darenfomin@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Brandenburg. Dr. Brandenburg is originally from Austin, Texas. She graduated from Turo University in Vallejo, California, in 2019 and completed a transitional year at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. She then moved to Pensacola, Florida, where she completed Naval flight surgeon training. She is currently stationed in Pensacola, Florida as the flight surgeon for Training Air Wing Six.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.

In this episode we talk to Dr. Switaj, a Army Family Physician currently holding the title of Market Assistant Director for Clinical Operations and Chief Medical Officer for the San Antonio Market under the Defense Health Agency. He talks to us about being a successful medical student, resident, and attending as well as the many different military experiences he has had over his years of service.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.

In this episode we talk to Dr Lederer. She is a 3rd year general surgery resident at Kiesler Air Force Base and a graduate of LECOM. Our conversation centers on ways a medical student can make themselves the best applicant they can for general surgery, what life as a resident in her program is like, and being in the military.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.

In this episode we speak to Dr. Eonta about her journey in Navy medicine as a GMO and her training as a current pediatric resident at San Diego Naval Hospital. In addition, as the Research Chair for RAMOPS Dr. Eonta talks to us a little about research and deadlines for submitting research for the AMOPS Annual conference in San Antonio, Texas.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.

This episode is with Dr. Loftsgaarden, an Army PM&R physician, who has been heavily involved in SAMOPS, RAMOPS, and now AMOPS throughout here career. She did her residency at Walter Reed and currently practices at Brooke Army Medical Center - Center for the Intrepid. We discuss what PM&R really is and she provides valuable insights, from the perspective of a previous chief resident, for matching into Army PM&R. She is also on the AMOPS conference board and makes a plug at the end regarding the upcoming AMOPS conference in San Antonio and how to be involved!

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.

Dr. Davis is an Air Force staff radiologist assigned to the 88 Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. He graduated medical school at Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine as a top graduate, completed his intern year at Southhampton Hospital in New York, and his radiology residency at Travis Air Force Base in California. Dr. Davis was also deployed to Afghanistan as the sole radiologist at Bagram Airfield's hospital. Learn about him, Air Force Radiology, and more on this episode!

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense. 

Dr. Monteil attende the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and completed her residency at NMCSD in pediatrics. She then went on to do a genetics fellowship and now works with various patient populations. In this interview, she discusses the ins and outs of her successes and how "why" questions have shaped her career. 

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.

Dr. Napier is a 3rd generation military officer, working as an OBGYN in the Airforce. She attended the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and completed her residency in Bethesda, MA. She is passionate about women's health and appreciates the level of art that is practiced in OBGYN. She enjoys being a military physician because it offers the freedom to practice good, targeted medicine for our service members and their families.

Dr. Napier discusses many high-yield topics in this episode. She touches on being in a dual physician/mil-to-mil family, her affinity for OBGYN, and differences she has noted between civilian and military medicine. She also brings up the topic of med career pyramids and how it is important to have a vision of where you want your service in the military to go along your career path. She emphasizes the importance of having a mindset of being a lifelong learner. This episode is filled with things we should be thinking about as military medical students (which is a lot). 

Dr. Napier has kindly offered to share her email for anyone who would like to reach out to get more information or seek mentorship. You can contact her by email: mysacredsong@gmail.com. 

Dr. Cuevas is currently an Army Reserve Anesthesiologist and Staff Anesthesiologist at Marion General Hospital in Ohio. He was also a prior Air Force Health Services Administrative officer before attending medical school at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. In this interview he discusses his path to anesthesia, imparts wisdom on thriving in military medicine, and discusses the pros and cons of the specialty. 

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.

CDR Marra discusses her personal journey of coming out, meeting her wife, and forming her own rainbow family with the help of a military fertility treatment center. She describes being double board certified in family medicine, with a CAQ/fellowship training in Sports Medicine (FAAFP/CAQSM), and her time working in Okinawa Japan. CDR Marra focuses on her experience with policy changes within the military, including the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy (1993 - 2011), and the importance of “firsts” and representation within the military. Finally, CDR Marra speaks about being involved in the initiation of the transgender care team, and eventually taking over as chair. She believes many of the discriminatory policies against transgender athletes are “based on fear, rather than facts.”

CDR Marra recently published her editorial in AFP this month on transgender athletes. You can read it here: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/0501/afp20210501p518.pdf

Visit https://www.transathlete.com/ for more information about transgender athletes and state policies at various levels.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.

Dr. Moore is board certified in Family Medicine and a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. He has over 27 years of military service, first as a Marine Officer, then as a Naval Doctor. He earned his BS degree from the United States Naval Academy, DO degree from Nova Southeastern University, holds a master's degree in public health from the University of West Florida, and has completed residencies in Family and Aerospace medicine. During his active duty service with the US Navy and Marine Corp, Dr. Moore had the privilege of caring for active duty members of all service branches in peacetime and in combat, as well as, providing care for their families. He is currently part of the faculty of Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, serving as the Chair of the Department of Family Medicine and Osteopathic Principles and Practice.

Dr. Moore discusses some of the travel and education experience he has been granted by being a Naval doctor, how he chose Family Medicine as a specialty, and why students should not be discouraged from choosing a primary care specialty. Dr. Moore also talks about the importance of being professional and honest, as a physician and as a military officer, and how the two positions are very similar. He shares some of the challenges being a member of the military presents, especially in regards to family life.

In this podcast, we have the privilege of interviewing Dr. Cote, a retired US Army Colonel with over 30 years of service. Dr. Cote is a graduate of Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences' College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his Internship, Internal Medicine residency, and a Nuclear Medicine Fellowship at the former Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center. He is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, the American Board of Internal Medicine, and the American Board of Nuclear Medicine. Dr. Cote discusses how he chose his specialty, his experience doing research with the Army (both as a physician and before he became a physician), and how to develop officership as a medical student, resident, and physician. He also discusses the importance of developing a network, maintenance of physical & mental health, and his experience of being a military physician with a family. 

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.

In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week 2021, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Plowden to the podcast! Dr. Plowden is the OB/GYN Department Chief at Womack Army Medical Center - she completed her OB/GYN residency at Tripler Army Medical Center and her REI fellowship at NIH. Tune in to listen to Dr. Plowden discuss everything OB/GYN, Infertility, and, what we, as future healthcare providers, can do to work towards a more equitable and just healthcare system.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.

Dr. Rogers attended the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences School of Medicine and spent 24 years in the U.S. Air Force before retiring as a family physician in Colorado Springs, CO. He also holds additional board certifications in Aerospace Medicine and Occupational Medicine and continues to perform flight physicals through the FAA. He talks about the importance of taking the time to listen to attendings and discuss the good and bad of their specialties while on clerkships. He also provides wisdom on balancing the various aspects of being a military physician and highlights the importance of gaining the trust of your patients. 

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.

Dr. Rogers attended the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences School of Medicine and spent 24 years in the U.S. Air Force before retiring as a family physician in Colorado Springs, CO. He also holds additional board certifications in Aerospace Medicine and Occupational Medicine and continues to perform flight physicals through the FAA. He talks about the importance of taking the time to listen to the attendings discuss the good and the bad of their specialties while on clerkship, to truly know what you’re getting into. He also provides wisdom on balancing the various aspects of being a military physician and highlights the importance of gaining the trust of your patients. Stay tuned for a part two with Dr. Rogers for more advice and insight into life as a military physician!

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.

Dr. Nicholas was a cook in the Army for 3 years and a medic for 3 more. She left the Army for undergrad (National Guard and ROTC) before attending medical school on the HPSP. She completed her OBGYN residency at Trippler Army Medical Center. Interestingly, she never saw herself going into her specialty, but ended up falling in love with it during rotations. Dr. Nicholas discusses the pros and cons of her specialty, and the importance of time management, communication, observation, and never saying “never” When choosing a specialty, she suggests going in with open eyes, figuring out what you’re willing to give up, and what you’re passionate about.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.

Captain Jordan Damschen graduated from Timberline High school in Boise, Idaho in 2011. He then obtained an Associates of Biology degree at Arizona Western University in 2013 followed by a bachelor’s degree in Biology at Idaho State University in 2015. He was accepted into the HPSP scholarship program that same year and completed his medical training as a Doctor of Osteopathic medicine in 2019 from Kansas City University. He is currently stationed at Joint Base Lewis McChord where he is a PGY-2 orthopedic surgical resident at Madigan Army Medical Center. In this podcast, he delves into what motivated him to pursue orthopedic surgery. He also touches upon the characteristics he believes an officer within the military should have, and the advice he was given during his 4th year of medical school to be prepared for residency.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.

Dr. Thomas completed his PM&R residency at Walter Reed. He discusses what PM&R physicians do in their daily practice, and touches on the fact that it’s a smaller field within the military, but an integral part of our workforce. He provides some advice and insight into matching into PM&R, given how few spots there are each year, and how competitive the specialty can be. Dr. Thomas also passes on some wisdom regarding being a good officer, and how the overly-competitive nature of many medical students to outperform their peers does not help them become strong military leaders. Instead, they should focus on bringing each other up, and working to build a stronger team unit.

DISCLAIMER: All the opinions presented in this podcast are our own and do not reflect the opinions of any branch of the U.S. military, or the Department of Defense.