Student Hudson Rogers commissioned in U.S. Army Reserve

Congratulations to second-year medical student Hudson Rogers, who was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve in a ceremony on Monday, Dec. 16, in the Purple Star Military Lounge.

Surrounded by University leadership and his family, Rogers was administered the oath remotely by his uncle, Jason Rogers, a colonel in the U.S. Air Force.

“Hudson demonstrates the core value of selfless service,” noted Colonel Rogers. “I couldn’t be more proud.”

In welcoming guests to the ceremony, NEOMED President John Langell said, “Hudson has worked so diligently to get through medical school while raising a family. He will serve our country as a physician who will serve our military members. I am proud to have him as part of the NEOMED and military communities.”

Rogers shared his thoughts on the commissioning with The Pulse.

What led you to down the path to the military?

I do not have a military background, nor does anyone in my immediate family (mom, dad, siblings). However, I have been surrounded by grandparents, cousins and uncles from both my mom and dads side who are serving or have served, some even in military medicine. In addition, we have great faculty here at NEOMED that are serving or have served in the military such as President Langell, Provost Faison, Dr. Stofcho, all of whom have been excellent role models. I didn’t recognize until recently the impact that all these influences in military have had on me.

Last year, one of my peers Andrew Caraballo [M2], in a semi joking way, brought up to a group of us non-military students, that if any of us wanted to join the Army guard or reserve then he would get a trophy. Being the loyal friend that I am, I am joining so he can get his trophy….        

In all seriousness, this initial intro set off a chain reaction that I never saw coming. This conversation with Andrew piqued my interest in the involvement that the military could have with my career. At first, it was just a thought, and then it turned into something that wouldn’t quit nagging at me. Even before I reached out to a recruiter, I did my own research as to what it meant to be an Army reserve physician, specifically as an emergency medicine physician, as that is my ultimate goal.

As I continued my research I came across a YouTube video of an emergency medicine doctor that did the program that I will be a part of. He talked about his path through medical school, residency, to now being an EM physician in the Army Reserve. I soon realized that this doctor was a physician with University Hospitals here in Ohio. I eventually got in contact with him, we spoke, and he shared how much he has appreciated his involvement with the military. Everything he said resonated with me about what I wanted for my career in medicine.

Then to cover all my bases, I spoke with my uncle. He is a PA with the Air Force. He has worked his way from recruit to colonel. Growing up I remember listening to his stories about all the cool training he got to do with the military for his job. It sounded like he was having fun, not working! As we spoke, he did let me know that there are some great things that the military will provide for me and my family, but there are some sides of the military and somethings that are seen, that he would never want any of his family members to experience. He also let me know that he would never change his decision to join the military.

All these things collectively gave me a lot to think about. One thing that consistently came to my mind while contemplating this decision was, we could decide not to join the Army and be fine in my career. I would find other ways to get out of my career what I want, but at the same time, I would never know what being a physician in the military would bring to me and my families lives.

I see the military influences around me, I see the success that they have had, not only in their careers but also in their personal lives. They are great leaders with great and positive influences in the community and with their families. I look at these examples and know these are the people that I want to be surrounded by. It’s nice to know that I will receive help during the rest of medical school and residency monetarily, but that is such a minor influence in my decision overall. The lessons to be learned, the people to meet, the unique opportunities to be had as a physician in the military are what drives my motivation to join without regret.

What does it mean to you to have your uncle administer the oath?

I greatly appreciate the work he has put in with the military to get to where he is today. It’s great being able to have a close family member be able to help me start my new journey and share in this milestone with me and my family.

Any other thoughts you’d like to share?

This was just as big of a choice for me as it is for my wife, Camille. She is an incredible woman; she works full time as a supply chain manager while simultaneously being the best mother for our two kids working from home. I never would’ve made this decision without her support. She deserves just as much recognition for this as without her support it would not be possible to be where I am today.