GoArmy.com > Army Health Care > AMEDD Officer Profiles

THE FOLLOWING INTERVIEWS, HELD WITH A VARIETY OF ARMY MEDICAL OFFICERS, WILL GIVE YOU A BETTER IDEA OF WHAT ARMY MEDICINE IS ALL ABOUT.

The life of a medical professional on the U.S. Army Medical Team is probably different than you think. Spend a few minutes now, and get to know what Army service is like from those who are currently serving in one of the world's largest, most advanced health care systems. See if these aren't the kind of talented, dedicated professionals with whom you'd like to practice.

Capt. Jasmin DeGuzman
General Dentist - Fort Mead, Md.
Health Professions Scholarship Program participant

"Hello. My name is Jasmin DeGuzman. And I'm proud to be a general dentist and Officer in the United States Army. Where do I start? I love the Army. It's just been a wonderful thing for me and my family. I'm able to have a strong relationship with my husband and the kids, help provide for them and be happy doing it.

And Army dentistry offers so many opportunities. You can do administration, run a dental clinic, teach, be in academia and get board certified. You can make a difference doing much more than working on a patient's teeth. For instance, next week I'll be going to Augusta, Georgia to attend an endodontic short program. Then I'll go to Bethesda, Maryland for a forensic dental identification work shop. I'll be taking the Captain's career course. I'm broadening my skills before I narrow it down. And the senior Officers are so helpful, as mentors and sharing their experience. There is really no limit to what you can do with a career in AMEDD.

I earn a month's paid leave every year, so there's time to enjoy the recreational facilities on base and travel. We enjoy the gym, the golf course and theatre – and the base has really neat activities. They put together carnivals and festivals for the Soldiers and. . . did I say I love the Army?"

To see videos of Dental Corps Officers, click here

Capt. Ernesto Cardenas
OB/GYN - Fort Sam Houston, Texas

"Hi, my name is Ernesto Cardenas. I'm an OB/GYN and captain in the U.S. Army. Right now, I'm stationed at Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio, Texas, working out of the Brooke Army Medical Center.

I was born in Colombia and came here at age five. Growing up, I wanted to serve the country that had given me and my family so much. Medical school was a logical choice. The amazing thing is that I was actually paid to go to school and learn to do more.

The rewards of service – like being deployed to my native Columbia to help those in need, and when Katrina and Rita hit, delivering babies of displaced people – getting them car seats and housing – it's just indescribable.

For recreation, well, my dad and I were car mechanics and I still like to rebuild engines and race motorcycles."

To see videos of Medical Corps Officers, click here

Maj. Armando Aguilera
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon - Fort Sam Houston, Texas

"My name is Armando Aguilera. I'm an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and a major in the United States Army. Early on, I never thought of becoming a surgeon. I enlisted in the Army at age 17 and became a combat medic. I had a lot of ambition, and was able to find the right mentors, who played a huge part in shaping me, giving me direction. I left the Army to attend the University of Miami, where I accepted a Green to Gold scholarship from the ROTC. After graduation, I attended dental school with assistance from the Army Health Professions Scholarship Program.

The most rewarding part is seeing a young Soldier, with a lot to look forward to, recover. They depend on you and you can help. It's very satisfying. And with difficult cases I can just walk over to consult with doctors who are experts – some, authors of famous books. You learn, one-on-one, with the best.

I like to spend time with my family, did some surfboarding when I was stationed in Hawaii, play a little softball, do some snowboarding. . . and go home to see my parents. The Army offers lots of career opportunities, and you can't beat the benefits."

To see videos of Dental Corps Officers, click here

Capt. Rahul Lall
Critical Care Nurse - Fort Sam Houston, Texas

"My name is Rahul Lall and I'm a captain in the United States Army. I was commissioned into the Nurse Corps in 2004. Prior to that, I was an Army medic for 10 years. I had infantry combat arms training at Fort Bragg and went on to Ranger school. For me, obviously, the opportunities for education and advancement have been outstanding.

I'm trained as a flight nurse, have taken the ICU course, specialized in critical care, and open heart and cardio thoracic care, and I'm CCRN certified – the best certification you can have. The Army paid for my studies and exam, plus I received a $20,000 bonus every year for four years.

I enjoy mentoring and lecturing, but you can't beat the feeling you get helping a Soldier recover and regain the best quality of life.

The Army has given me more than just an education; I've got tons of friends all over the world. We golf, play volleyball, go to sports events, enjoy live music. . . I'm giving back to my country and getting a great life at the same time."

To see videos of Nurse Corps Officers, click here

Capt. James Pratt
Veterinarian - Fort Sam Houston, Texas

"My name is James Pratt and I am a field services veterinarian. I am also a captain in the U.S. Army, currently stationed at Fort Sam Houston.

I began my career in the Army Reserve. At that time, I ran a small animal and equine practice. After seven years in the Army Reserve, I decided to become a part of the active Army, which is where I continue to serve. I feel a strong sense of duty, and I take pride in serving my country.

In addition to caring for animals, I've had opportunities to work in public health. When I was overseas, I worked with local veterinarians to help improve their irrigation systems and ensure that the water was safe to drink.

In addition to being an instructor at the AMEDD Center and School, I am also the coordinator for veterinary Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) recipients. Being able to work with the HPSP students is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job, especially when they come back for the Officer Advanced Course.

When I'm not working, I like to go fishing, especially in the backwaters. Occasionally, I'll go with my fellow vets. I also take advantage of the on-base gym."

To see videos of Veterinary Corps Officers, click here

2nd Lt. Janice Preston
Physical Therapy doctoral student - Baylor University, Waco, Texas

"I'm Janice Preston, a physical therapy student and second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. I'm en route to Fort Campbell, Kentucky from here at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. As you might guess, I've had limited experience, but it's great to see our Soldiers' motivation. They work so hard in rehab. It motivates me – keeps me going. Before I got here, I pictured the Army as this huge entity where I would have no individual identity. The exact opposite is true. The Colonels and Majors who are our professors get to know us and our families. They take interest in me; I'm not just a number.

I think it's incredible to work for my doctorate and get paid as an Officer. Our Baylor University physical therapy program is ranked number five in the country by U.S. News and World Report. There are only 22 students in the program here, which makes us a close-knit group.

But it's not all work – we do all kinds of things together. We love to eat BBQ. We go cycling 30 to 35 miles in the hill country – it's just beautiful and part of my triathlon training. I also train in the Olympic-size outdoor pool and the indoor pools in winter. We play volleyball and go to the clubs for some nightlife. . .I keep thinking if I hadn't joined I would have missed so much."

To see videos of Medical Specialist Corps Officers, click here

Capt. Adreain Henry
Optometrist - Fort Sam Houston, Texas

"My name is Adreain Henry. I am an optometrist and a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps.

I'd have to say the best part of my job is caring for Soldiers and retirees. On my staff, I have technicians and an optical tech, who fabricates the lenses. We have daily brainstorming sessions to come up with ways to better serve our patients. I want to exceed a patient's expectations the moment he or she walks into my clinic.

One of my more unusual assignments was a humanitarian mission to Alaska. I was the sole optometrist on a team that also included a dentist and a pediatrician. I examined and provided treatment to the native Eskimos, many of whom had never been examined or fitted with corrective lenses. It was very rewarding. They appreciated us so much.

I've been fortunate because I've been able to travel to many different places. In my spare time, I use the Army's golf courses. Depending on where I'm stationed, I'll go hiking with friends or take a weekend trip to a nearby ski slope. In the Army, you make friends fast…and they last."

To see videos of Medical Service Corps Officers, click here