From Special Forces Medic to Neurosurgery Resident: The Inspiring Journey of CPT Alex Villahermosa, MD.

Episode Summary

   Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Alexander Villahermosa, a neurosurgery resident at UT Health San Antonio and former 18 Delta Special Forces Medical Sergeant. Motivated by the events of 9/11, he enlisted with an 18 X-ray contract, embarking on a remarkable journey that took him from the battlefield to the operating room. Dr. Villahermosa shares stories from his deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and other austere environments, highlighting how mentorship from military physicians in Balad inspired him to pursue a medical degree.

   Dr. Villahermosa provides a candid look at the Enlisted to Medical Degree Program (EMDP2), detailing his experience as part of its second class. He discusses the academic challenges of transitioning from an operational tempo to learning calculus and hard sciences, and how the program’s cohort-based support system prepares active-duty soldiers for the rigors of medical school at the Uniformed Services University.

  The discussion moves to the intense reality of surgical residency, where days often start at 4:00 AM and involve complex perioperative care. Dr. Villahermosa highlights the unique perspective military training brings to civilian medicine, specifically the ability to operate without advanced navigation technology—a skill emphasized by military mentors who understand downrange limitations. He also shares insights on "expectation management" regarding physical fitness while maintaining a grueling training schedule.

  Finally, Dr. Villahermosa reflects on leadership lessons learned while rising from the rank of Master Sergeant to Captain, emphasizing that mentorship and staying humble are keys to success. He concludes with a crucial medical takeaway for combat medics: the best brain care starts with the basics of airway, respiration, and circulation as outlined in TCCC guidelines.

 

 

Chapters

(00:00-06:00) From Enlistment to Special Forces Medic

(06:00-19:30) The Path to Medical School and EMDP2

(19:30-28:30) Choosing Neurosurgery and Residency Reality

(28:30-33:00) Military vs. Civilian Surgical Training

(33:00-39:40) Leadership, Advice, and TBI Care

 

Chapter Summaries

(00:00-06:00) From Enlistment to Special Forces Medic

Dr. Villahermosa describes enlisting after 9/11 with the initial intent of joining the infantry, only to switch to an 18X contract to avoid a long wait for basic training. He recounts his deployments to Iraq and how mentorship from a group surgeon and an anesthesiologist in Balad first sparked his interest in becoming a physician.

(06:00-19:30) The Path to Medical School and EMDP2

This section covers the process of completing undergraduate prerequisites through the Enlisted to Medical Degree Program (EMDP2), including the challenges of mastering mathematics and hard sciences. Dr. Villahermosa explains how the program's cohort system and partnership with the Uniformed Services University provided the structure and support necessary for success.

(19:30-28:30) Choosing Neurosurgery and Residency Reality

Initially uninterested in surgery, Dr. Villahermosa describes falling in love with the specialty during a third-year clerkship after being fascinated by spine and trauma cases. He details the daily grind of residency, which involves early mornings, long hours, and the need to seize small windows of time for physical fitness and self-care.

(28:30-33:00) Military vs. Civilian Surgical Training

The discussion focuses on the specific mindset instilled by military neurosurgeons, such as the ability to perform spine surgery using anatomic landmarks rather than relying solely on advanced navigation systems. This training ensures readiness for deployed environments where high-tech equipment may not be available or functional.

(33:00-39:40) Leadership, Advice, and TBI Care

Dr. Villahermosa reflects on the importance of humility and teamwork, noting that, regardless of rank or experience, there is always something to learn from others. He concludes by emphasizing that the best initial care for traumatic brain injury is adherence to TCCC protocols, specifically preventing hypotension and hypoxia.

 

Take Home Messages

The Power of Mentorship: Career paths are often significantly altered by leaders who take the time to invest in their subordinates and encourage them to pursue higher goals. Dr. Villahermosa's journey to medical school began specifically because a group surgeon and an anesthesiologist took him under their wing during a combat deployment. Leaders should actively identify and encourage potential in those they lead, as this support can fundamentally change the trajectory of a service member's life.

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