Before Josh Stanfield became Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences’ Student Government Association Executive Vice President, or even an osteopathic medical student, he found his calling as a Combat Medic (68W) in the U.S. Army.
“My desire to serve was always paired with my desire to make the greatest impact possible,” Stanfield explained, donning a white medical coat emblazoned with his medical school’s logo. As he transitioned away from his service to our nation, Stanfield did so with that same impactful vision.
When he heard about the mission of PNWU — to educate and train doctors for service in the Pacific Northwest’s most rural and underserved communities — he knew he had discovered his next path toward mission fulfillment.
Having grown up in what he describes as “a wide spot in the road” in New Mexico, Stanfield had first-hand experience with the challenges facing rural Americans. With rural areas like his hometown estimated to face an impending shortage of 45,000 doctors by 2020, Stanfield signed on as an osteopathic medical student with a goal of one day bringing quality healthcare to the parts of America that need it most.
“I spent years taking care of patients and soldiers, often putting my needs and desires aside so others were taken care of,” he explained. “Now, when I’m approaching patients, their health and welfare is my mission, and the members of my care team are my soldiers… although I swear at them less.”
The fact that the University’s administration was dotted by likeminded veterans — including the Dean of PNWU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, who formerly served as a clinical specialist and combat medic in the U.S. Army — certainly didn’t derail his desire to become a PNWU student. Nor did the fact that the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) could cover 98.83% of PNWU’s medical school tuition.
“Medical school is a challenge unlike any that I’ve faced before,” said Stanfield, “but with a supportive network of my friends/battle buddies, my military work ethic has served me well as a medical student. Being another drop in the bucket wouldn’t have fulfilled me. Thanks to PNWU, my classmates and I have an opportunity to be an oasis in the desert. We can truly make a difference.”
Visit PNWU to learn more about programs for military-connected students.
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