Today@Sam Article
Student Doctors Set to Begin Military Residency Training
March 7, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd
By Brittany Foreman
While most fourth-year medical students eagerly anticipate Match Day in March, several student doctors from the Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) have already secured their residency placements through the military’s Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP). These students, who have committed to serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, will begin their next phase of medical training at military medical centers across the country after graduation.
Nikea Vernardo, residency placement coordinator for SHSU-COM, expressed her pride in the students’ accomplishments.
“Matching into a military residency is a unique process. These students have demonstrated exceptional dedication—not only to their medical training but also to serving their country,” she said.
Dr. Robert Suter, senior associate dean of Clinical Integration and a retired brigadier general for the U.S. Army, commended the students for their commitment to military medicine.
“These future physicians have chosen a path of service that will shape their careers and impact countless lives,” he said. ”Military medical training is rigorous and rewarding, and I have no doubt they will thrive in their respective programs.”
SHSU-COM Military Match Results:
Jiahong Yang – Preliminary Year in Family Medicine at Camp Pendleton, U.S. Navy.
Yang’s placement allows him to gain foundational clinical training before advancing into a specialized residency within the Navy medical system.
What inspired you to join the military?
I always wanted to serve; however, it always conflicted with my personal goals of obtaining a higher education. The Marines tried recruiting me out of high school, but I already knew I was going to Emory University for undergrad. I thought about joining the National Guard after undergrad, but the commitment was four years, and I knew I wanted to go to medical school.
When I learned about the HPSP program, I actually applied before I even got my medical school acceptance to SHSU-COM. The inspiration was a mix of both country and financial independence - I am able to serve and heal our country's heroes while supporting our Navy's mission and receive a fair monetary compensation for doing so.
How has your time at SHSU-COM prepared you for this next step?
SHSU-COM taught me a lot about overcoming adversity and trusting the process. All things in life come with challenges and medical school is no exception. While the classes, clinicals and exams are rigorous, there are numerous factors outside of your control that can place significant stress on your mental well-being and career progression. How you respond to these unknown and immediate stressors will determine the type of person and doctor you will become. Trusting in the process and the curriculum that SHSU-COM designed was critical for my success.
How do you envision your future career in military medicine?
I was very blessed to have matched a preliminary year at Camp Pendleton because I plan on working and deploying with the Fleet Marine Force. Camp Pendleton is the largest Marine base on the West Coast, and I am ecstatic to work with our Marines in the near future.
Kelsey Hu – Internal Medicine at San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (SAUSHEC), U.S. Army.
Hu will undergo intensive training in internal medicine while serving as a military physician for the Army.
What was your initial reaction to your residency placement?
Finding out I matched to my top choice in San Antonio brought me a lot of excitement and gratitude. I'm looking forward to learning from wonderful peers and faculty in the state that I call home while serving those who have given so much to our country.
Paxton Martin – Transitional Year at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, U.S. Navy.
Martin strategically positioned himself for future specialization by securing a Transitional Year, which provides broad clinical exposure before entering a specialty residency.
What inspired you to pursue military medicine and apply for the HPSP program?
There is a strong tradition of military service in my family, with multiple relatives having served in the Navy, and I am honored to continue that legacy. Serving has always been a calling for me, and the HPSP program provided the perfect opportunity to fulfill that commitment while also pursuing my dream of becoming a physician.
What excites you most about your upcoming training at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth?
I am eager to take the next step in my journey, continuing to grow and learn as a physician while further developing my leadership skills as a naval officer. It is an honor to serve in this role, and I look forward to providing exceptional care to our nation’s sailors, Marines and their families.
Roxanna Mota – Anesthesiology at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP), U.S. Navy.
Mota earned a highly competitive placement at NMCP, which accepts only six anesthesiology residents per year.
Has your military training enhanced your medical education? If so, how?
I believe military training has reinforced discipline, teamwork and resilience, all of which are critical in medicine. No matter the task, I have learned how to stay composed under pressure, make decisions efficiently and work effectively in a team due to my military training. I have learned these skills that translate directly to patient care, especially in high-stress environments.
How do you envision your future career in military medicine?
I hope to be both a strong physician and leader, dedicated to delivering care even in the most demanding environments. Additionally, I aim to mentor future military physicians and contribute to medical advancements within the armed forces. In the long term, I hope to take on leadership roles that help shape the U.S. Navy Medical Corps.
Each of these students represents the dedication and service-driven mission of SHSU-COM. Their success in the Military Match is a testament to their hard work and passion for medicine, and will undoubtedly inspire future medical students considering military service.
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