Military graduates who will serve in the armed forces took the oath of office during a commissioning ceremony on Thursday, May 15.
Eight students took part in the ceremony for their promotions in the Air Force, Army and Navy.
“I can think of no greater community service than defending our nation and providing care to those who confront danger on the country’s behalf,” says Dr. Alfred Abuhamad, President, Provost and Dean of the School of Medicine. “You have our respect for your choices, our admiration for your commitment and our deep gratitude for your willingness to serve our country.”
Among those commissioned today were two Physician Assistant students and six School of Medicine students.
“PAs in the military are often found in primary-care clinics providing care to active-duty members, their dependents, and retirees. But they can also be found in hospitals, specialty clinics, and providing care in deployed environments,” says Kim Dempsey, Ph.D., M.P.A., PA-C (M.P.A. ’03), Director of the Physician Assistant program. “The collaborative practice and role flexibility of PAs make them a valuable medical resource for commanders who must assemble teams of providers who can care for military personnel in a variety of settings and environments.”
See the full album of photos on Flickr.
UNITED STATES ARMY
Carlo DelDonno, CPT
MD Class of 2025
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda, MD
Anesthesiology
UNITED STATES NAVY
Michael Brokate, LTJG
M.P.A. Class of 2025
Camp Lejeune Jacksonville, NC
Expeditionary Medical Force
Samantha Marie Strohm Carey, LT
MD Class of 2025
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Portsmouth, VA
General Surgery
Erika Dopson, LT
MD Class of 2025
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Portsmouth, VA
Orthopedic Surgery
Joshua Tyler Kolba, LTJG
M.P.A. Class of 2025
David R. Ray Branch Health Clinic (The Basic School) Quantico, VA
Primary Care
Elizabeth Evans McGrady, LT
MD Class of 2025
Naval Medical Center San Diego San Diego, CA
Pediatrics
Savannah Marie Newton, LT
MD Class of 2025
Civilian Deferment
Emergency Medicine
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Elliot Smits, Capt
MD Class 0f 2025
Civilian Deferment
Radiation Oncology