USU Medical Student Produces Winning Design for 2024 Medical Services Corp Challenge Coin

A medical student at the Uniformed Services University won the 2024 Annual Army Medical Service Corps Coin design competition. 

Army 2nd Lt. Om Chitnis, a 2025 medical student at the Uniformed Services University (USU) 

won the 2024 Medical Service Corps (MSC) Coin design competition. (Chitnis photo by Tom 

Balfour, USU photo by Rod Evans)

July 1, 2024 by Hadiyah Brendel

Army 2nd Lt. Om Chitnis, a 2025 medical student at the Uniformed Services University (USU) has won the 2024 Medical Service Corps (MSC) Coin design competition. Medical Service Corps officers are professional health care administrators and executives who play a critical role in leading and managing the Military Health System. The annual challenge coin competition invites all members of the Corps to submit their designs. 

After voting to select the winner, the Office of the MSC Chief produces the unique challenge coin which is then available to purchase throughout the year. The coin is typically selected and distributed to buyers before the MSC birthday on June 30th. 

Excitedly, Chitnis notes that the first production of his design sold out in less than 24 hours. Chitnis’s excitement continues as he reflects on winning the competition. “There were so many talented entries, and to have mine chosen is an honor,” he says. 

Chitnis's winning challenge coin design. (Courtesy of the Medical Service Corps)

While seeing his design transform from an idea to a final product was rewarding, Chitnis acknowledges that “what is truly rewarding is knowing that my coin will be held and seen by countless people, and maybe even presented to service members to show appreciation for their efforts.”

Delving into the meaning behind his design, Chitnis says “This coin is meant to express pride in the Medical Service Corps as well as the Army. On the front is a patient carried by two soldiers. I wanted it to be a reminder that the patient is always at the center of everything we do. On the back, I placed the Army values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage encircling an eagle and the AMEDD [Army Medical Department] crest to indicate the personal traits we proudly display as members of the Army.”

"2LT Chitnis is a perfect example of our exceptionally talented USU family who bring with them diverse interests and hobbies that compliment their gifted academic performance," says Col. Jay Dintaman, School of Medicine commandant of students.

Each unique MSC challenge coin recognizes a service member’s special achievement and embodies a sense of community, tradition, history, and legacy. The honor of designing a challenge coin resounds with Chitnis, who adds that he “grew up as an Army kid and always saw the presentation of a coin as the sign of a job well done. I hope that whoever receives this coin feels that their service is appreciated.”