Newest EMDP2 Cohort Brings Exceptional Talent and Tenacity to USU

The Uniformed Services University’s 14th Enlisted to Medical School Preparatory Program class begins two-year academic journey towards medical school.  

An image of a man in a suit and tie speaking to a group of individuals in a classroom or lecture hall setting. The man is standing at the front of the room, gesturing with his right hand as he speaks. The audience consists of young adults, many of whom are wearing military uniforms, suggesting a professional development or educational program for service members. Some individuals in the foreground have their backs to the camera, while others are partially visible. There are desks and chairs in the room, and a white board and computer monitors can be seen in the background.
EMDP2 was launched by USU in 2014 in response to a growing need for a dedicated pathway for
enlisted service members to pursue careers as military physicians. (Photo credit: Tom Balfour, USU)

July 10, 2025 by Sharon Holland

This week, 26 extraordinary service members arrived at the Uniformed Services University (USU) to begin orientation as the 14th cohort of the Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program (EMDP2)—a highly competitive initiative designed to help enlisted personnel from across the military services become future military doctors.

The new class, selected from a pool of more than 200 applicants, is now immersed in orientation at USU before beginning their rigorous academic year at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, where they will complete foundational science coursework in preparation for medical school.

During a welcome session earlier this week, USU President Dr. Jonathan Woodson offered high praise—and a bit of humor—as he addressed the incoming cohort. “You're not just the newest cohort,” he told them. “You're the latest chapter in an inspiring story of service members who choose to serve in a new way: trading in combat boots and camouflage for white coats and stethoscopes.”

Woodson described the class as a “cast of an action movie that decided to go to medical school”—and with good reason. Among them are intelligence analysts, Special Forces medics, medical technicians, linguists, cyber warfare specialists, rescue swimmers and more. Their operational experience includes everything from air traffic control to cryptologic analysis, trauma care to humanitarian assistance—many of them with multiple deployments under their belts.

Academically, the group is just as impressive. The average GPA among them is 3.55. Their average SAT and ACT scores are well above national averages. Seven members of the class hold master’s degrees, and one holds two. Their degrees span a wide array of fields, including psychology, health sciences, biology, criminal justice, computer science, and public health, from universities such as the University of Virginia, George Washington University, Appalachian State University, and even the Culinary Institute of America.

An image of a large group of service members in various military uniforms. They are standing on steps outdoors. The group is diverse in terms of gender and race, and they appear to be posing for a formal group photograph. Many are smiling. The uniforms include those from the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, indicating a joint service event or program. The background shows a building with large windows and some greenery.
Among the EMDP2 class are intelligence analysts, Special Forces medics, medical technicians, linguists,
cyber warfare specialists, rescue swimmers and more. (Photo credit: Tom Balfour, USU)

EMDP2 was launched by USU in 2014 in response to a growing need for a dedicated pathway for enlisted service members to pursue careers as military physicians. As a full-time, two-year academic and preparatory program, it equips active-duty enlisted members—who remain on duty with pay and full benefits—with the coursework, MCAT preparation, clinical exposure, and professional advising needed to apply to medical school. Students complete rigorous undergraduate-level science courses at the George Mason University College of Science while also participating in mentorship and hands-on clinical experiences coordinated by USU.

Graduates earn certificates in pre-medical studies and cell/molecular biology and are well positioned to apply to USU’s F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, or to civilian institutions through military scholarship programs. Since its inception, EMDP2 has guided roughly 200 students through the pipeline, with most matriculating into medical school and many already serving as military physicians.

“You’re helping to grow the military physician workforce at a time when it’s sorely needed,” Woodson said. “You are investing in the readiness of our force—ensuring that our service members have the medical care they need, wherever they serve, and whatever challenges they face. That is a mission worth every ounce of effort you will give.”

Throughout the orientation week, Cohort 14 members are learning about academic expectations, support resources, mentorship opportunities, and the culture of USU. They’re also connecting with peers, faculty, and previous EMDP2 graduates—many of whom are now medical students or physicians serving around the globe.

Woodson closed his remarks with a note of encouragement: “EMDP2 isn’t easy. It’s meant to push you, to test you, to prepare you for the immense responsibility of being a military physician. But looking at this group, I have every confidence you’re going to succeed. You bring the perfect combination of discipline, intelligence, compassion, and grit.”

For more information on the EMDP2 program, visit: https://medschool.usuhs.edu/academics/emdp2.