Episode 1: "Great humans Make Great Doctors"- Chris Weston, M.D.
Release Date: 03/27/2024
Episode 3: Serving Those Who Served: MEDEX Northwest’s Commitment to Veterans
Boots2Meds Podcast
In this episode of Boots2Meds, I sit down with Terry Scott, Program Director of the MEDEX Physician Assistant Program at the University of Washington, to discuss MEDEX Northwest’s long-standing commitment to training veterans for careers as PAs. With nearly three decades of leadership at MEDEX, Terry shares insights on why veterans excel in PA education, how the program supports their transition to civilian healthcare roles, and the broader impact of military-trained PAs on underserved communities. Join us as we explore MEDEX’s mission, its legacy of recruiting and educating veterans,...
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Episode 2: From Army Reserve PA to Anesthesiology Resident: Dr. Courtney Harcourt's Journey
Boots2Meds Podcast
In this episode of boots2meds, Bart Gillum sits down with Dr. Courtney Harcourt, a Captain in the U.S. Army and a 3rd-year anesthesiology resident at San Antonio Military Medical Center. Dr. Harcourt shares her remarkable journey, starting as a PA in the Army Reserves and later earning her DO degree through LECOM's accelerated physician assistant pathway. Tune in to hear how she navigated this unique career path, the challenges she faced, and the lessons she learned along the way. This inspiring story highlights the resilience and dedication required to succeed in military medicine.
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Episode 1: The Heart of a Corpsman: Ensign Celso Chipana's Path to Medicine
Boots2Meds Podcast
In this episode of boots2meds, Bart Gillum sits down with Ensign Celso Chipana, a first-year osteopathic medical student at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine. Celso's story is one of extraordinary resilience and determination. After immigrating to the United States from Peru at the age of 18 with no English proficiency, he completed high school, enlisted in the Navy, and spent a decade serving as a corpsman. His journey continued through GW's Postbac Premed program, where he earned acceptance to medical school. Join us as Celso shares his powerful immigrant story, the lessons he learned...
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Episode 16: From Battlefield to OR-Dr. Vincent Mase on Resilience, Surgery, and Service
Boots2Meds Podcast
In this episode of boots2meds, Dr. Vincent Mase, a reserve thoracic surgeon and Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, shares his inspiring journey from military service to medical school and beyond. A fellowship-trained surgeon from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dr. Mase discusses the challenges and triumphs of his career, including using cutting-edge techniques to treat thoracic conditions and his unique perspective as a military surgeon. Tune in to hear about his dedication to patient care, his reflections on nearly 20 years of military service, and how resilience and persistence...
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Episode 15: From Defusing Bombs to Healing Hands-Robert Andrew's Journey to Med School
Boots2Meds Podcast
In this episode of boots2meds, Bart Gillum sits down with Robert Andrews, a first-year medical student at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine. With a 10-year career as an EOD tech in the Navy, Robert’s journey to medicine is anything but conventional. He candidly shares his early struggles in college, how he turned things around by finishing his degree online while serving in the military, and his transformative experience in GW's postbac program. Tune in to hear Robert’s insights on perseverance, navigating the med school application process, and how he’s leveraging his military...
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Episode 14: University of Minnesota's Medic to MD Program
Boots2Meds Podcast
In honor of Veterans Day, we are bringing you a special episode featuring Dr. Jill Foster, Assistant Dean of Pipelines and Pathways, and Mr. Chris vanBrenk, Director of Education and Training at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Together, they share the story behind their pioneering initiative that provides former military medics a unique pathway to medical school. Tune in to learn about the origins of the program, the application requirements, and the valuable veteran resources offered by the university. This episode celebrates the courage and adaptability of veterans, honoring...
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Episode 13- From Medic to Banker to PA Student: Sam Harcourt's Unique Journey to PA School.
Boots2Meds Podcast
In this week's episode of boots2meds, we sit down with Sam Harcourt, a second-year PA student at George Washington University. Sam's journey to PA school has been anything but straightforward. Starting as an Army medic, then transitioning to a career as a paramedic, followed by an unexpected shift into banking, Sam ultimately found his way back to the medical field as a PA student. Tune in to hear about the challenges he faced, the lessons he's learned, and his advice for others considering a non-traditional path to healthcare.
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Episode 12: From Air Force Nurse to PA Student, An Interview with GW PA student Jenny Chen"
Boots2Meds Podcast
In this episode of the boots2meds podcast, we're diving into the unique journey of Jenny Chen, a current PA student at George Washington University. Jenny’s path to PA school is anything but conventional—she made a seamless transition from GW's post-baccalaureate premed program straight into their PA program through a special linkage option. But Jenny's story begins long before her academic achievements. She first served in the Air Force as a medic and later as an LPN, gaining a wealth of clinical experience that set her up for success in PA school. In this episode, Jenny shares how her...
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Episode 11: "Flight Medic to Medical Student with Lucas Traunero"
Boots2Meds Podcast
In this episode of the boots2meds podcast, host Bart Gillum sits down with Lucus Traunero, a former Flight Paramedic with the Army National Guard and volunteer firefighter, who is now on his way to becoming a physician. Lucus shares his unique journey, detailing how his extensive experience in emergency services led him to pursue a career in medicine. Having recently completed George Washington University's Postbac Premed Program, Lucus discusses the challenges he faced transitioning from fire fighter and Army National Guard Flight medic to pre-med student and how his background in...
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Episode 10: Navigating the Interservice Physician Assistant Program with Army National Guard Captain Nicole Albertson
Boots2Meds Podcast
In this episode of boots2meds, host Bart Gillum sits down with Nicole Albertson, a PA in the Army National Guard, to discuss her journey through the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) at Fort Sam Houston as a reservist. Nicole shares invaluable insights into the IPAP program and provides practical tips for securing one of these highly sought-after Reservist spots. Whether you're a current service member or considering a career shift into the PA field, this episode is packed with essential advice and firsthand experiences. Tune in for an inspiring and informative conversation!
info_outlineIn this episode we hear from Dr. Weston who went from Civil Affairs Specialist to Family Medicine Physician. He shares his circuitous path which eventually led him back to the Army via the Health Professions Scholarship Program.