Quinnipiac University Honors New Class of Military Doctors

Quinnipiac University recently honored a group of medical students as they graduated from the Health Professions Scholarship Program to serve in their selected military fields. Pictured, from left, are Breanna Robinson, Shelby Cuddeback, Kayla Vasilakis and Christopher Boyle. Matthew Bolton administered the oath.

HAMDEN – Quinnipiac University recently honored a group of medical students as they graduated from the Health Professions Scholarship Program to serve in their selected military fields.

The Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) covers the cost of medical school for students who commit to serving their country as military doctors upon graduation. At Quinnipiac, veterans and civilians take advantage of the opportunity, said Director of Veteran and Military Affairs Jason Burke.

The following students were honored: Christopher Boyle of Clearwater, Florida (psychiatry, U.S. Navy); Kayla Vasilakis of New Haven (surgery, U.S. Navy); Shelby Cuddeback of Attleboro, Massachusetts (ObGyn, U.S. Navy); Breanna Robinson of Henderson, Nevada (general medical officer, U.S. Navy); Alexander Achenbach of Williamsville, New York (emergency medicine, U.S. Air Force); Mary Traglia of Gales Ferry (general medical officer, U.S. Navy); and Sal Falisi of East Northport, New York (anesthesiology, U.S. Army).

HPSP students also receive a stipend to cover living expenses. In addition, according to Burke, veterans can couple awarded GI Bill benefits with HPSP for a larger housing allowance.

Burke strives to relieve HPSP students of administrative burden so they may focus on their studies. For example, they partner with Veteran Affairs to ensure continuity of financial assistance, as clinical rotations do not necessarily follow the academic calendar, he said.

“Parents of civilian students can be wary of military service. But I can honestly take a holistic look and highlight that there are way more pros than cons,” said Burke, who is a Navy veteran. “These students get to serve their country and work with wonderful people. In addition to diverse locations, military doctors are treating unique injuries not found in typical ER or general practice settings. You get to really hone your skills as a surgeon or practitioner.”

HPSP students from a civilian background are invited to veteran events hosted on campus so they may glean a better understanding of their future careers from their vet peers, said Burke.

Five HPSP students recently entering the Navy participated in a small ceremony before commencement. Navy medical recruiter and Adjunct Professor Matthew Bolton, a former Navy lieutenant, led the graduates in the Oath of Office as they officially became medical officers.

“We work to schedule exams around the students’ outside responsibilities. The students are highly dedicated to their studies and have an extra level of commitment to what they’re taking on through this program,” said Interim Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Renu Boatright.

All medical students are encouraged to participate in the HPSP program, as partial scholarships are available for those who join later in their grad school journey, said Burke.