“I know their experience, the type of individual they are, and what they bring to the table,” he said. “And I know they’ve had their feet held to the fire.”

According to Col. Wedmore, there is no greater opportunity for adventure than being an emergency physician in the U.S. Army – particularly because the opportunity to serve as a physician for U.S. Army Special Forces doesn’t exist on the civilian side.

“Emergency physicians may also provide trauma care in an unparalleled setting while serving overseas,” he said. “Over and over again those returning relate how that time was one of the best experiences of their lives.”

Emergency medicine students and emergency physicians enter the U.S. Army for a variety of reasons, from financial to a deeply felt desire to serve one’s country. As a recipient of the Army’s Health Professions Scholarship, Col. Wedmore’s medical school was completely funded and his book expenses covered. He also received a monthly living stipend.

“As a graduate of this program, I came out of medical school with no debt – as opposed to the several hundred thousand dollars many of my classmates owed,” said Col. Wedmore. The Army also offers an Active Duty Health Professions Loan Repayment Program for those who have already graduated medical school but still owe on their loan when they enter the Army.

The quality of the education the U.S. Army offers is another draw. “The Army’s residency programs are almost always in the top 10 nationally for in-service scores, and our board certification pass rates meet or exceed most programs,” said Col. Wedmore.

ACEP President-Elect Dr. Andrew Sama experienced the Army’s educational offerings firsthand when he and Dean Wilkerson, ACEP’s executive director, recently visited San Antonio Military Medical Center (previously Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio), the University of Texas Health Science Center, and a Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences teaching hospital, which also contains the Army Burn Center.

At the U.S. Army’s invitation, Dr. Sama and Mr. Wilkerson spent several days touring the facilities. Both came away with a newfound respect for Army medicine.

“The training programs, research, and patient care are just superior,” said Dr. Sama. “In my mind it’s probably underappreciated just how valuable that relationship with the U.S. Army can be for a medical student or postgraduate trainee in terms of receiving the training and support they need for their education. It’s a terrific opportunity with great educational programs in a very supportive environment that has great long-term value.”