Forged in Service: A USU Student’s Path from Allied Health to Medicine

USU College of Allied Health Sciences graduate takes the next step in service at the School of Medicine.

2nd Lt. John Howard’s path to the Uniformed Services University School of Medicine was paved by his prior

service in the Marine Corps and Air Force Reserve, as well as an allied health degree from the university's

College of Allied Health Sciences. (Photo courtesy of 2nd Lt. John Howard)

February 11, 2026 by Sharon Holland

When 2nd Lt. John Howard arrived at the Uniformed Services University (USU) School of Medicine in August 2025, he brought with him more than academic preparation—he carried years of enlisted military experience, hands-on clinical training, and a degree from USU’s own College of Allied Health Sciences. Today, Howard represents a powerful example of how military education can open doors, transforming an enlisted service member into a future physician committed to caring for those in uniform.

John Howard pauses for a photo during

a medical training exercise inside a 

military aircraft. Howard served as an 

enlisted respiratory therapist in the Air 

Force Reserve, gaining critical care 

experience that he now brings to his 

studies at the Uniformed Services 

University School of Medicine.

(Photo courtesy of 2nd Lt. John Howard)

Originally from the Republic of Panama, Howard grew up inspired by family members who served, including a brother who deployed to Iraq and a grandfather who was a World War II combat engineer. Those influences helped shape what he describes as his “life trajectory” toward military service.

He first joined the Marine Corps Reserve, where he worked as a food services specialist. While the role may seem far removed from medicine, Howard credits it with teaching humility, teamwork, and respect for every contribution within a mission.

“It taught me to be mindful of others and not treat them based on their role or title…We all have our role to serve,” he said.

Determined to become an officer, his mind set on becoming a pilot, Howard completed his bachelor’s degree while serving. But after several years in the Marines, he realized he wanted a different path—one that would allow him to combine military service with direct patient care. Exploring options across the services led him to the Air Force Reserve and a career field that immediately captured his interest: respiratory care.  

After transitioning services and reporting to his unit at Patrick Space Force Base, Howard attended the respiratory therapy program at the Medical Education and Training Campus on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston in Texas. Through that training, he earned an associate degree from USU’s College of Allied Health Sciences—an experience that would ultimately reshape his ambitions.  

Going through the demanding coursework and clinical training helped him recognize his own potential.

“I realized, wow, I’m actually really good at this field in healthcare that’s notoriously difficult to master,” Howard said. “What if I can push this even further and learn even more and do even more for the mission?”

That realization prompted conversations with his family—and a decision to apply to medical school.

Howard did not take a traditional premedical route. Without the built-in resources of a structured premed program, he completed prerequisites independently, paid for his own MCAT preparation materials, and sought out shadowing opportunities, including time with a battalion surgeon while still serving in the Marine Corps.

“It took me being very creative with how I was going to get all this done—and a lot of time and patience and support from the people around me,” he said.

2nd Lt. John Howard participates

in a ruck march during training. 

Howard began his military career 

in the Marine Corps Reserve before 

transitioning to the Air Force Reserve 

and eventually pursuing his medical 

degree. (Photo courtesy of 2nd Lt.

John Howard)

For Howard, USU quickly became the clear choice for medical school. While stationed in San Antonio, he began researching medical schools online and came across the university—the impression was immediate.

“I was just looking it up one day, and when I found the school, I immediately became enamored with it. It was almost like love at first sight,” he said with a laugh.

His long-term vision has always centered on service. “I intend to stay with the military, and I don’t see military service and medicine as two different things. I see them as the same goal,” he explained..

His prior clinical experience—often involving critically ill patients—has already influenced how he approaches his medical education. Accustomed to fast-paced, high-acuity environments as a respiratory therapist, he appreciates the opportunity to broaden his skills, particularly in areas such as primary care communication and patient engagement.

At the same time, the leadership foundation he developed in the Marine Corps continues to guide him.

“If you’re not willing to do something yourself, you cannot be telling others to do it,” Howard said, emphasizing the importance of leading from the front.

Looking ahead, Howard hopes to merge medicine, aviation, and military service through the Air Force’s pilot-physician program, which trains flight surgeons to become qualified pilots while studying the physiological effects of flight to improve safety for aircrews.

“I have a lot of drive and passion, and every day I wake up, I think about one day being there,” he said. 

Now halfway through his first year, Howard says one of the most meaningful aspects of the journey has been the support of his wife, Jacqueline, whom he married shortly before starting medical school. Her encouragement, he notes, has helped make the transition both manageable and rewarding.

For other allied health graduates or enlisted service members considering medical school, Howard offers straightforward guidance: Reflect on your goals and determine whether you envision practicing medicine in uniform.

“If you cannot imagine yourself as a doctor outside of the uniform, I would wholeheartedly recommend you come to USU—you will feel like you belong,” he said. “I 100% feel like I belong here and I could not imagine having done HPSP knowing what I know now about USU.” 

“2nd Lt. Howard’s journey—from enlisted Marine to Air Force respiratory therapist, College of Allied Health Sciences graduate, and now medical student—illustrates the strength of USU’s educational continuum. By creating pathways that recognize prior learning and expand opportunity, the university enables service members to grow professionally while continuing to serve the nation,” said Dr. James Nash, dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences.