
Empowering Our Veterans: The Military Medic to Medical School Program
As we reflect on our veterans' service, we are reminded of their sacrifice, resilience, and dedication to all aspects of life—including healthcare. According to the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans comprise about 6% of Minnesota’s population. At the same time, highly skilled and experienced combat medics are completing their military service and thinking about a potential future as physicians. The University of Minnesota Medical School established the Military Medic to Medical School (MM2MS) program to encourage and support these unique students. This innovative and groundbreaking pathway creates tailored opportunities for veterans to transition into medical careers.
The initiative, first announced on Veterans Day 2023, provides combat medics with a tailored path to medical school by valuing their frontline experience in service to patient care. Historically, medical school admissions committees have struggled to translate a medic’s field experience into meaningful academic criteria, creating an unfair barrier for medic applicants. Students in this first-in-the-nation program undergo any necessary prerequisite coursework and receive support as they prepare for the MCAT. The program also provides coaching for military medics and assures admission into Medical School.
The program's funding also has a direct military connection. It came from the family of William Lewis Anderson, a World War II veteran killed in action who wanted to go to medical school. His younger brother, a 1952 U of M Medical School graduate, wanted to support future educational opportunities for veteran medics.
The MM2MS program, led and designed by Associate Dean and Colonel Greg Beilman, MD, represents a pioneering approach to medical education. The U of M Medical School made history this fall, welcoming its inaugural class of three students.
"This program represents a significant shift in recognizing the value of military experience in higher education," said Dr. Beilman. "It offers a pathway for qualified service members to transition into medicine, honoring their service while addressing the critical need for skilled healthcare providers."
Two of the first Military Medic to Medical School students, Sarah Loudon and Taylor Ritchot, were interviewed by WCCO-TV to share their experiences.
"We are paving the way for other people. That's the exciting thing," Loudon said.
"It was really exciting. I personally never thought I would have a chance to go to medical school," said Ritchot.
"I am proud to work alongside our leadership team and students to shape a better future for healthcare in Minnesota, with a particular focus on meeting the needs of veterans," said Jill Foster, MD, Assistant Dean of Pipelines and Pathways Programs of the Medical School Education Administration Office.
To learn more about the Military Medic to Medical School Program, contact the University of Minnesota at [email protected] or Chris vanBrenk, the MM2MS Director of Education and Training ([email protected]).