From Special Operations to Medical Operations

Last Updated on January 29, 2025 by Laura Turner

SOFtoSOM, Special Operations Forces to School of Medicine, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit focused on supporting U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) Veterans and active duty service members on their journey to becoming medical doctors. Their team recently spoke to the Student Doctor Network about their organization and parallels between military and medical training.

Tell us about yourself. What drew you to the military, and more specifically, the special operations community?

Answered by: Zachary LeBlanc, Chief Operating Officer

I’ve had a profound respect for those in the military for as long as I can remember, and that respect eventually sparked a desire to serve myself. My path led me to a coin flip to decide which branch I’d join—but that’s a story for another time.

What ultimately drew me to become a Green Beret was an old, grainy photo I discovered in a museum at Ft. Bragg. The image showed soldiers dressed like the locals in an unfamiliar land, living among the village or tribe. It was clear these soldiers weren’t just present; they were experiencing the trials and challenges of the people they were there to support. They were making a difference on a personal level, in a way that felt real and immediate.

That image awakened something in me. I wanted that same opportunity to make a difference—not necessarily to change the world, but to impact individuals’ lives in meaningful ways. The rest, as they say, is history.

What kind of medical training and experience did you gain while you were in uniform? Did this help influence your decision to pursue medicine after your time in the service?

Answered by: Steele McCulley, Mentorship Program Director

I always had an interest, curiosity, and passion for medicine and healthcare, but before joining the military, I never would have dreamed of going to medical school. During my time serving as a Navy SEAL, I was fortunate enough to secure a spot at the Special Operations Combat Medic (SOCM) course. While going through the training to become a special operations medic, I fell in love with learning medicine and treating patients, and I was blessed, lucky to have mentors that encouraged me to pursue this newfound passion further.

As my career as a SEAL medic progressed, I was able to participate in more advanced medical training courses and serve as the lead medic for my unit overseas. These opportunities revealed how my passion for medicine enables me to serve and give back to those around me. My military medical training and experiences sparked my passion for medicine and solidified my decision to pursue a career as a physician after my military service.

How did you choose the medical school you are attending? What are some things that all veterans should look for in a program they’re interested in?

Answered by: Justin Anderson, Vice President of the Board

First, I had geographical limitations with where I could go to medical school, so I did not apply broadly as it is usually recommended. When considering different schools, I was interested in which programs had shorter preclinical phases of training, allowing for more time for other opportunities, including research or increased clinical exposure. Duke University School of Medicine has only one year of preclinical time in the classroom, which allows for a dedicated research year in the third year. I am considering some competitive surgical subspecialties, and this provides me with the best opportunity to be successful in my pursuits. In addition to all of this, my wife and I were expecting our first child immediately after matriculation. Duke was very understanding in allowing me to continue my education while still being present for my wife and newborn child.

Considerations in selecting schools for veterans consist of many of the same considerations for any applicant: ensuring the schools have residency programs in the specialties in which one is interested, geographical preferences for living, and a curriculum that best aligns with one’s goals. Veteran-specific considerations include whether a school has a Yellow Ribbon program if utilizing the GI Bill (do not forget to ask for how many slots!) or if there are any veterans’ groups on campus.  If you’re a veteran with children, it’s important to communicate this early and explore the resources each school offers to support student parents. This can help you identify the school that best meets your family’s needs.

What inspired the creation of SOFtoSOM, and what is its mission? How did you become involved in the organization?

Answered by: Ricky Ditzel, Chairman of the Board

The inspiration for SOFtoSOM began organically when a group of Special Operations Forces (SOF) personnel gathered in a chat to discuss how they would study for the MCAT and prepare their medical school applications. Realizing the lack of academic advising tailored to the SOF community, the group started helping others translate their military experience into competitive application materials. As they expanded to more members and video sessions, they recognized they were filling a significant gap in support for SOF members pursuing medical careers. Most importantly, this group had turned into a community which is a crucial aspect of transitioning from the military.

What differentiates SOFtoSOM from other veteran support organizations and medical school scholarship programs?

Answered by: Steven Chrysosferidis, Director of Finance

SOFtoSOM stands apart by focusing exclusively on Special Operations Forces (SOF) veterans, a highly skilled yet often overlooked group within the broader veteran community. We use a rigorous, proprietary selection process to identify the most qualified candidates with the potential to become impactful leaders in medicine. Our support is uniquely tailored to each individual; for example, offering personalized one-on-one mentorship with experienced physicians in their chosen specialties as well as financial scholarships to subsidize each scholar’s premedical journey. Additionally, SOFtoSOM is creating a strong community of SOF veterans across medical schools, fostering lasting connections and mutual support that extend well beyond graduation.

How do the values of SOFtoSOM resonate and align with those of the medical community?

Answered by: Matthew Bergens, Chief Executive Officer

The values embodied in the SOF community—selfless service, resilience, and mission-driven teamwork—are strikingly aligned with the core competencies essential to medicine.¹ We recognize that SOF veterans’ training and experience, including dedication to service, adaptability under pressure, and commitment to excellence make them uniquely qualified to excel in medicine. Transitioning from uniform to white coat, they bring an invaluable perspective to medical teams, uplifting peers, and fostering compassionate, skilled patient care. By guiding SOF veterans into healthcare, we contribute a group of mission-focused leaders whose values and skills enhance the diversity and strength of the entire medical community.

¹ https://students-residents.aamc.org/real-stories-demonstrating-premed-competencies/premed-competencies-entering-medical-students

Being a non-traditional candidate for medical school comes with a set of challenges that traditional students don’t necessarily have, especially if someone is on active duty. What makes SOF veterans uniquely suited for careers in medicine? How does their experience help a prospective candidate be a valuable classmate as well?

Answered by: Justin Anderson, Vice President of the Board

SOF veterans have been assessed, selected, and trained in their previous careers as Army Rangers, Green Berets, Navy SEALs, and more. Success in these careers requires determination, discipline, physical and mental fortitude, teamwork, problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a strong capacity to learn—qualities that also shape impactful and effective leaders in the medical field. SOF veterans not only possess these essential qualities but have also refined these skills throughout their careers, spanning 5 to 20+ years. In combat, decisions often demand the ability to quickly assess situations, process vast amounts of information, and make sound judgments based on the surrounding circumstances. The ability to not only do this, but to do it calmly and effectively takes years of practice and is a major component of one’s responsibilities as a SOF service member.

These experiences bring immense value to the medical school classroom. While it’s no secret that medical school is challenging, many are surprised by the nature of those challenges. The academic demands—mastering a vast amount of material in a short time—are formidable, but the more unexpected difficulties are often emotional. From missing life events to prioritize studying, to witnessing patients endure some of their darkest moments – these experiences take a toll.

SOF veterans have faced similar challenges in their previous careers and understand how to navigate them. They recognize that, like many selection processes, medical school may feel like an individual journey, but success relies on teamwork. Their unique backgrounds enable them to support their classmates with compassion, perseverance, and grit. They bring a different perspective shaped by resilience and a deep appreciation for collaboration, enriching the diversity of the medical school environment. Ultimately, this diversity helps everyone succeed in their journey to becoming physicians.

What can SOF veterans considering a medical career learn from current SOFtoSOM Scholars about balancing military experience and medical school demands? How can the SOFtoSOM program help a candidate who is ready to transition from the SOF community to medical school?

Answered by: Zachary LeBlanc, Chief Operating Officer

As someone who recently transitioned from a military career to medicine, I’ve noticed striking parallels between the structured, demanding schedules of the military and the expectations of medical school. SOF veterans often stand out among their peers—not only because of their advanced age but also due to their unique experiences navigating cultural diversity, high-pressure environments, and unforeseen challenges that many classmates may not share. However, one of the most significant initial hurdles they face is overcoming imposter syndrome—a persistent feeling of self-doubt or inadequacy, particularly when adjusting to the academic demands of exams, study habits, and mastering new material.

SOF veterans should lean into their training, recalling those times of intense selection and BUD/S. Don’t self-select out. Just keep showing up, one step at a time, and soon enough, you’ll look up and realize you’ve made it through that first year.

SOFtoSOM offers our scholars practical guidance and resources, such as mentorship, tutoring services, and application review. But the greatest resource SOFtoSOM provides is a supportive community for veterans making this transition. Our network of individuals with similar backgrounds but varied experiences offer a safe space for scholars to unwind, share, and empower each other through the challenges and milestones of medical school.

Applying to medical school is an expensive process, and medical school is exponentially more expensive. What resources are available to help SOF candidates that they may not know about?

Answered by: Joseph Rangel, Scholars Program Director

At SOFtoSOM, the Veteran Scholarship Program (VSP) helps cover critical pre-application and application expenses, which can easily exceed $5,000. Over the last two cohorts, scholars have received an average of $2,000–$3,000 in direct monetary support, along with an estimated $4,000–$6,000 worth of additional resources. These resources include academic coaching, MCAT tutoring, mentorship, and application writing assistance—amounting to approximately $9,000 in total support per scholar.

These high expenses can be challenging for our scholars and their families, which is why we have made it our mission to reduce—and eventually eliminate—the financial burden. Our vision for the future includes providing comprehensive support from pre-med through residency. SOFtoSOM scholars have proven their leadership and problem-solving abilities in diverse environments, and we are dedicated to helping them transition successfully into medicine. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, partners, and volunteers, we are able to keep these essential resources accessible, empowering scholars to bring their unique strengths to enrich and positively impact both the medical profession and our communities. If you’re inspired to support more SOFtoSOM scholars on their path to medicine, your contribution can make a meaningful difference in their journey.

How can SOFtoSOM’s mentorship programs help SOF veterans succeed in medical school, and how are mentors selected?

Answered by: Steele McCulley, Mentorship Program Director

SOFtoSOM focuses on providing SOF veteran applicants with a community that understands and can relate to their non-traditional path to medical school. This community understands their background and experiences as each mentor has followed a similar path to their mentee. Mentors can assist scholars in refining and enhancing their applications, helping them highlight their experiences in a way that demonstrates to Admission Directors the value they can bring to medical school.

As SOFtoSOM continues to grow, we are able to pair each scholar with a mentor that has followed a similar SOF career, is a current student at the scholar’s target school, and/or has already overcome the same struggles that the veteran-turned-medical student is currently experiencing. In addition to the personalized one-on-one mentoring relationship, each SOFtoSOM scholar is connected to an expanding network of medical students, residents, and physicians who will offer ongoing mentorship in areas such as succeeding in medical school, matching into residency, and navigating the path to their chosen specialty.

How does SOFtoSOM partner with medical schools/the medical community to create opportunities for SOF veterans? How have those partnerships helped your team further the SOFtoSOM mission?

Answered by: Brentyn Jones, Director of Partnerships

Our partnerships with medical schools have primarily developed through meaningful relationships that our staff and scholars have cultivated during their professional experiences with physicians and academic institutions. Many universities recognize and deeply value the unique field-tested attributes that Special Operations Veterans bring, such as resilience, leadership, and adaptability. These institutions frequently express a desire to welcome more SOF veterans into their programs, appreciating the distinct perspectives and skills they will contribute as future physicians. Through specially designed linkage programs, our scholars are afforded opportunities to stand out, showcasing the remarkable experiences and core values they embody. As a result, they are highly sought-after candidates who enrich the academic and clinical environments they join.

What impact have SOFtoSOM scholars made in the medical field, and what are some success stories we can share?

Answered by: Ricky Ditzel, Chairman of the Board

Our scholars have made impacts in the medical field across several domains. For example, our Co-Founders, Ricky Ditzel and Justin Anderson were the co-first authors of a manuscript in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery that changed the way the trauma medical community thought about the use of calcium in hemorrhagic shock patients. Another example – SOFtoSOM scholar, Adam Crabtree, along with his co-authors, created the first ever commutative blast exposure model which has led to changes in military training and concussion evaluation.

Most importantly, all our scholars are leaders. They positively affect every team they join and consistently strive to improve their environment for the betterment of others.

In what ways does SOFtoSOM contribute to the overall mission of improving healthcare in underserved communities?

Answered by: Matthew Bergens, Chief Executive Officer

SOFtoSOM’s mission is built on the principle of serving all communities and filling critical gaps in healthcare, a mindset deeply ingrained in SOF veterans. Trained to identify needs and lead initiatives, SOF veterans are uniquely equipped to impact healthcare in underserved areas—whether in rural communities, veteran hospitals, or global health settings. In the long term, we envision our scholars becoming changemakers, transforming the care provided to fellow veterans and underserved populations. With every hour our scholars dedicate, our mission multiplies into a lasting ripple effect across the medical landscape that will ultimately improve care for those who need it most.

What has your experience as a SOFtoSOM scholar been like?

Answered by: Zachary LeBlanc, Chief Operating Officer

Being a SOFtoSOM Scholar has been an incredible experience—it’s like finding a home base during one of the biggest transitions of my life. Medical school can be intense and isolating at times, but the SOFtoSOM community creates a strong sense of belonging. We are surrounded by people who understand both the demands and rigor of Special Operations.

This program isn’t just about academic support—it’s about having a network of peers and mentors who’ve been through similar challenges, who are there to encourage and push you to keep moving forward. From tutoring for the MCAT to guidance with applications, and most importantly, the camaraderie within the SOFtoSOM family, I’ve felt supported every step of the way. SOFtoSOM has made a significant impact on my journey, reminding me that I’m not alone in this, and reinforcing that with determination and support, the transition to medicine is not only possible but incredibly rewarding.

What has been the most enjoyable part of your experience with SOFtoSOM so far?

Answered by: Isabella McKinney, Director of Research

In creating the Research Program at SOFtoSOM, it has been powerful to watch how our scholars adapt and embrace new skills with mentorship from the world-renowned researchers and internal staff expertise. Usually, the research, peer-review, and publication process’ are unfamiliar to servicemembers, and it has been a highlight of the program to see their growth from idea conception to background research, to multiple rounds of drafts and edits before submission. On top of supporting our scholars, working with the rest of the SOFtoSOM staff has been my most rewarding and impactful experience to date. Every member of the organization brings their own unique perspective and experience. Not only have I learned so much from them, but I’ve also built lasting friendships and found incredible mentors through working closely with the team, even from across the country. I’m proud to support SOF servicemembers and looking forward to what SOFtoSOM accomplishes in the next year!

Cover photo – Special Operations Combat Medic Students Field Training Exercise (courtesy DVIDS): A student in the Special Operations Combat Medic Course at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School checks an intravenous bag during field training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina March 24, 2020. Enlisted service members who completed the course specialize in trauma management, infectious diseases, cardiac life support and surgical procedures and qualify as highly trained combat medics with the skills necessary to provide initial medical and trauma care and to sustain a casualty for up to 72 hours. (U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens)