Boots2Meds Podcast

In this episode of Boots2Meds, host Bart Gillum sits down with Brandon Beattie, MMSc, PA-C, a decorated former U.S. Army combat medic who now serves as an assistant professor and Director of Didactic Education at the George Washington University PA Program.

Brandon shares his powerful journey from the frontlines of military medicine to the front of the classroom, reflecting on the leadership lessons he carried forward, the clinical experiences that shaped him, and why he thinks veterans make great PAs.

We also discuss his work as co-founder of Veteran Educators and Allies in PA Education (VEAP), a national community of veteran PA educators advocating for inclusion, mentorship, and support within academic medicine.

If you're a veteran considering a path into healthcare, or an educator wondering how to better support those who serve, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Bart sits down with Mr. Kevin Nies, Assistant Dean of Admissions, and Dr. Ioannis Koutroulis, Associate Dean of Admissions at the George Washington University School of Medicine. They break down the MD admissions process at GW, share advice on how veteran applicants can best showcase their military experience, and highlight the unique resources and support systems available to veterans who matriculate. If you're a service member or veteran considering med school, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In this episode of Boots2Meds, we sit down with Aimee Larson, Program Director of the Canisius University PA Program and proud U.S. Air Force veteran. Aimee shares her inspiring path from serving as an Air Force medic to becoming a PA student- while raising three children and navigating life as a non-traditional applicant. Now a leader in PA education, she offers invaluable insights into holistic admissions and what truly makes a candidate stand out. Wherever you are in your journey to PA school, Aimee's story and advice are sure to motivate and guide you.

In this powerful episode of Boots2Meds, Dr. Dominique Newallo shares her extraordinary journey from working as an X-ray technician in the Army to becoming a board-certified radiologist and nuclear medicine physician. Her road to medicine was long and often uncertain, filled with personal and professional hurdles that would have stopped many in their tracks. Through sheer determination, grit, and an unwavering commitment to her dream, Dr. Newallo not only broke barriers but also redefined what's possible for veterans in medicine. Whether you're just starting out or deep in the trenches of your own transition, this episode will leave you inspired.

JT Graham spent a decade circling the globe as a Navy systems officer after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy. Now, he's navigating a new kind of mission—his first year as a PA student at George Washington University. In this episode, JT shares what led him to pivot from aviation to medicine, how he prepared for PA school, and the lessons he's carried over from military service to the classroom. Whether you're on active duty or already in transition, JT's story offers practical advice and inspiration for anyone considering a career as a physician assistant.

In this episode of boots2meds, I interview with Brentyn Jones, a former Navy SEAL turned medical student and the Director of Partnerships for SOF to SOM. Brentyn shares his journey from the demanding world of special operations to his first year at West Virginia School of Medicine. We discuss the unique challenges and strengths that SOF veterans bring to medicine, the mission of SOF to SOM in guiding prior special forces members through the transition to medical school, and what it takes to succeed in this path. Whether you're a veteran considering a career in medicine or simply inspired by stories of resilience, this episode is packed with insight and motivation.

In this episode of Boots2Meds, I sit down with Terry Scott, Program Director of the MEDEX Physician Assistant Program at the University of Washington, to discuss MEDEX Northwest's long-standing commitment to training veterans for careers as PAs. With nearly three decades of leadership at MEDEX, Terry shares insights on why veterans excel in PA education, how the program supports their transition to civilian healthcare roles, and the broader impact of military-trained PAs on underserved communities. Join us as we explore MEDEX's mission, its legacy of recruiting and educating veterans, and Terry's perspective on what service members bring to the table in healthcare.

In this episode of boots2meds, Bart Gillum sits down with Dr. Courtney Harcourt, a Captain in the U.S. Army and a 3rd-year anesthesiology resident at San Antonio Military Medical Center. Dr. Harcourt shares her remarkable journey, starting as a PA in the Army Reserves and later earning her DO degree through LECOM's accelerated physician assistant pathway. Tune in to hear how she navigated this unique career path, the challenges she faced, and the lessons she learned along the way. This inspiring story highlights the resilience and dedication required to succeed in military medicine.

In this episode of boots2meds, Bart Gillum sits down with Ensign Celso Chipana, a first-year osteopathic medical student at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine. Celso's story is one of extraordinary resilience and determination. After immigrating to the United States from Peru at the age of 18 with no English proficiency, he completed high school, enlisted in the Navy, and spent a decade serving as a corpsman. His journey continued through GW's Postbac Premed program, where he earned acceptance to medical school. Join us as Celso shares his powerful immigrant story, the lessons he learned during his time in service, and how he overcame countless challenges to pursue his dream of becoming a physician.

In this episode of boots2meds, Dr. Vincent Mase, a reserve thoracic surgeon and Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, shares his inspiring journey from military service to medical school and beyond. A fellowship-trained surgeon from Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dr. Mase discusses the challenges and triumphs of his career, including using cutting-edge techniques to treat thoracic conditions and his unique perspective as a military surgeon. Tune in to hear about his dedication to patient care, his reflections on nearly 20 years of military service, and how resilience and persistence paved his path to success.