Class of 2026 graduates reflect on military service
by Jared Slanina
During NEOMED’s Commencement for the Class of 2026, seven graduates received a special honor – a pinning ceremony to recognize their service to the U.S. Military. Several of these extraordinary individuals, who recently celebrated graduation and news of their residency match, shared the next steps on their journeys, and what inspired them to serve in the military.
U.S. Navy
Abbey Henderson, M.D.
What’s Next: I will be going on active duty following the completion of residency in 2031 to serve as a Navy general surgeon.
Why She Serves: My husband is a first-generation military member. After watching him grow in his military role the last 10 years and pursue unique opportunities, I knew I wanted to be a member of the military community and serve alongside like-minded individuals.
Gilbert Hernandez, M.D.
What’s Next: My residency is at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. I am starting my PGY1 within the internal medicine department. My position in the Navy is medical corps officer.
Why He Serves: Coming from a military family was a major influence on my decision to join the U.S. Navy. My father served in the Army in communications. Yet, having the opportunity to provide care for our service members and their families is a position specifically found in military medicine. No other residency provides training on-field combat or tropical disease management, humanitarian efforts, and exclusive research opportunities at the NIH.
Alexa Mier, M.D.
What’s Next: I want to go operational before starting residency. After six months of flight school, I will serve three years as a flight surgeon, managing the primary care needs of a flight crew wherever they are. It could be at any naval air base all over the world or even on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean.
Why She Serves: My parents met when they were both stationed on a naval base in Iceland. They never would have been brought together without the military, so I tell everyone I owe my life to the Navy. In high school, my family doctor had previously served in the Navy. He first planted the idea of blending my love for medicine with my desire to serve.
Christopher Roscoe, M.D.
What’s Next: A Family Medicine residency in beautiful Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina!
Why He Serves: I am familiar with it. I was an enlisted corpsman for 14 years. I know military medicine and I know it is a wonderful place to learn and grow. Their focus on education and constant growth is a fundamental cultural standard that I love.
U.S. Air Force
Jacob Romero, M.D.
What’s Next: My role will primarily be that of a doctor in the Air Force, just like you would see at any hospital. Beyond this is still to be determined, but I know there are many additional responsibilities that will become available as I advance through the years.
Why He Serves: I was inspired to join the military because I had a close childhood friend who was an officer in the military, and I saw how much he matured throughout his training. I also believe it is relevant to say that getting my school paid for was also a big factor in the decision.
U.S. Army
Ellen Davis, M.D.
What’s Next: As I begin my psychiatry residency, I am working toward becoming an Army psychiatrist. In that role, I hope to help service members and their families maintain their mental health and well-being!
Why She Serves: I was inspired to join the military by my grandpa, who was a Navy physician. I was also drawn to the opportunity to care for a unique patient population and to support those who dedicate their lives to serving our country.
Erika Ratcliff, M.D.
What’s Next: I will begin my Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Why She Serves: My initial inspiration to join the Army was my parents' service, which led me to try out ROTC in college. There, I became hooked for myself with the level of camaraderie between other soldiers that is hard to replicate elsewhere and the opportunity the military has to offer. I also enjoy being not just my job title but expected to excel in multiple other skills like fitness and marksmanship.