James Patti, M25

Several people in my family have served our country in different capacities. Thankfully, none of my close family members were killed or injured in action, but I know that is not the case for many other service members, veterans, and their families.

To me, Veterans Day has always meant an acknowledgement of the depth of dedication behind the years of service that veterans put in and a solemn remembrance of the personal cost of their commitment.

I’m currently in medical school as part of the Health Professions Scholarship Program, a path through which the Navy pays for my medical education. Once I graduate medical school and complete my residency, I will serve the military as a practicing physician to repay my debt.

I decided to pursue this path in part because I was familiar with the idea; my father and uncle both went to med school through this same program, so I grew up around it, and it seemed like a natural option for me. As I got older, I also began to understand the financial upside of making that choice, and I had a better appreciation for why it had worked so well for my father and uncle. Ultimately, though, what really inspired me to join the program was hearing and seeing the way my own family members had been able to serve their country through medicine.

As I have learned more over time about the scholarship program, I know, too, that it opens up interesting opportunities to practice medicine outside of the United States. I hope to take advantage of such opportunities one day. I’m not sure exactly where the journey will go, but I know that I will always find meaning in using my craft to give back and honor the commitment of our service members.