Journeys Through Service

Finding Her People and Purpose in Uniform

From Reserve Officers’ Training Corps to military medical school, Brittany trains for full-spectrum care to help those who serve.

Meet Brittany

Medical Student

The Mission-Ready Med Student

At Uniformed Services University (USU), Second Lieutenant Brittany Hume-Dawson is both a commissioned Air Force officer and a physician in the making. Her curriculum blends advanced clinical instruction with military medical readiness to sharpen the skills she’ll rely on for practicing primary care domestically, supporting humanitarian missions abroad or stepping into a specialized field like pediatrics.

SIMILAR JOBS OUTSIDE THE MILITARY

Resident Physician, Clinical Researcher, Public Health Specialist

BRANCH

Air Force

RANK

Second Lieutenant

Brittany’s Journey at a Glance

Joined Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) in high school

Became an officer via Air Force ROTC and later enrolled at USU in Bethesda, Md.

Earning an M.D. at USU, the Military’s medical school, while preparing for clinical service

What Led Brittany to the Military

 

 

 

 

 

“It just felt logical. I said, ‘I’m already here [in ROTC]; I love the environment, the people and the military culture, so I’m just going to continue on that path [and join USU].’”

The Spark

The Spark

She found belonging and inspiration early in high school with JROTC.

The Drive

The Drive

Encouraged by her mother, who is also in military health care, and drawn to helping others, she leaned into medicine.

The Decision

The Decision

USU offered her a clear, debt-free path to a medical career rooted in service to others.

Benefits Brittany Sees in Service

Brittany’s medical training comes with a paycheck, not a loan. With tuition, books and living costs covered by the Military, she’s gearing up for her medical officer role without a worry.

Paid to Learn

Fully paid-for tuition and supplies, plus a salary, let her focus on medicine, not money.

Paying For College

Built-In Community

Clinical rotations and study groups foster lasting friendships and support.

Meaningful Connections

Purpose in Practice

Training prepares her to care for service members wherever they're stationed.

Health Science Careers

 

 

 

“The Military always offers chances to learn and grow. Everyone has something to improve upon, and we help each other do it.”

“I Get Paid to Go to School.”

That’s not an exaggeration. Through the Air Force and USU, Brittany receives a full scholarship covering tuition, books and supplies, plus her military salary and benefits. As the country’s only federal health sciences university, USU educates, trains and prepares students to support military and civilian health systems and overall force readiness.

What Brittany Does on the Job

Brittany studies at her desk

Studies Medicine Full Time

Attends lectures, labs and clinical rotations at USU’s Bethesda campus.

Brittany attends a lecture with fellow service members

Leads and Mentors

Guides students and serves as the Student National Medical Association treasurer.

Brittany adminsters an exam while wearing a medical mask

Lives Military Medicine

Learns pre-op care and readiness for deployments and humanitarian missions.

Beyond Her Books

Between classes, Brittany hikes local trails, explores the D.C. restaurant scene and spends time with her close circle of USU friends — the self-named “Three Musketeers.” Their bond reminds her why connection matters just as much as commitment.

 

 

 

“In the Military, friendships are about knowing that we’ve got each other’s back. I appreciate every opportunity to be with my friends. It’s nice to work with them and have those relationships transcend the office or classroom.”

Fitness and Focus

Daily workouts help balance study stress with well-being.

Culinary Explorer

Discovering new flavors and local eats around Bethesda with her friends.

Family First

Regular video calls with mom keep her grounded in the support that started it all.

Ready for the Road Ahead

Future-Proofing

  • Aiming to match in pediatrics
  • Eyeing roles in research and teaching
  • Building a future in the medical field

Life-Shaping

  • Receives advanced training in medical ethics
  • Participates in global, cross-service collaboration
  • Mentors others to become doctors

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