Five Soldiers selected for Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program

By Sgt. 1st Class Glenn GrabsSeptember 18, 2014

In July 2014 the Army introduced the Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program (EMDP2). Within moments of the program's inception, Soldiers eagerly submitted applications for the opportunity to attend this educational program that assists Soldiers to complete the prerequisites to apply to medical school. Applications were collected from every region and career field. Following a very competitive board, the Army selected the best five candidates and began the inaugural class at The Uniform Service University in August 2014.

This innovative program allows the best and brightest enlisted Soldiers selected to transfer on permanent change of station orders to Bethesda, Md., where they will be attached to the student brigade at the Uniformed Service University of Health Sciences to attend George Mason University. This program includes full-time coursework in a traditional classroom setting, structured pre-health advising, formal Medical Admission Test (MCAT) preparation, and dedicated faculty with peer mentoring at USU and integrated clinical exposure. Once these Soldiers successfully complete this 24-month program, they will be eligible to apply to the USUHS medical school or any civilian medical school of their choice.

For most Soldiers, the ability to complete the requirement to apply to medical school and successfully pass the Medical Admissions Test while on active duty is nearly an impossible task. Sgt. 1st Class Josh Richter, 33, was at a crossroads in his career and seeking a change: "I was at the stage where I needed to separate from the military in order to do it, because pursuing medicine while you're on active duty is challenging," he said. The EMDP2 is one of the newest opportunities that allow outstanding enlisted Soldiers to clear the obstacles from being an Army physician. Sgt. Steve Capen, 28, a medic who studied biochemistry before joining the Army four years ago, said he views the program as a way to push himself to the next level. "I felt like I was capable of doing more," he said. "I just want to challenge myself, increase my skill set and do as much as I can to help people."

Sgt. 1st Class Jesus Villarreal, 31, an Army scout and drill sergeant, applied to the Interservice Physician Assistant Program, only to find out that he had served for too long. On July 14, he heard about the new USU program, just two days before applications were due. "I started reading the email and thought 'hey, this is a really good program, and I'm the only one who's eligible,'" he said. He submitted his application packet, was accepted into the program, and moved back home with his family. "Both my wife and I felt it was such a blessing, we were so happy that I actually got accepted," said Villarreal, who is interested in becoming a cardiologist or neurologist.

Related Links:

Uniformed Services University (USU) of the Health Sciences