Med tech follows dream of becoming doctor

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Benjamin Silva
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  Reserve 2nd Lt. Cynthia Reed, formerly an active-duty senior airman, is pursuing her goal of becoming a primary-care doctor through the Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program.

Reed is attending the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, a satellite school of Midwestern University in Chicago. She was previously assigned to the same-day surgery unit at Wilford Hall Medical Center here.

The scholarship will pay for her tuition, books and fees. After graduating from medical school, Reed will return to active duty as a captain, where she will owe the Air Force a year for every year she attended medical school.

Before joining the Air Force, Reed graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in cell biology. While at ASU, she was involved in genetic researching and was listed as a top graduate on the dean’s list.

Reed joined the Air Force in hopes of eventually going to medical school. She served more than three years on active duty as a medical technician.

“I joined the military as a means to an end. I knew what options were going to be available for me as a medical personnel member,” Reed said.

This was Reed’s second time applying to medical school.

“I knew that I always wanted to help people,” Reed said. “Knowing that I can make an impact in someone’s life is such a wonderful feeling. I knew I had to stay persistent in my goals to become a doctor.

“The Air Force has provided me a stepping stool in research. My experience in the Air Force has given me the experience and certifications that I needed in order to be a competitive applicant.”

As a medical technician, Reed was responsible for pre- and post-operative surgical patients. Some of her duties included getting a patient’s vital signs and drawing blood. Reed’s name was mentioned several times in patient critiques as being an excellent provider.

“Senior Airman Reed is an excellent technician who shows pride in all unit operations and in the care of our patients,” said Maj. Sharon Walker, unit commander.

"Airman Reed's achievement is a success story for herself and the Air Force,” said Lt. Gen. (Dr.) George Peach Taylor Jr., the Air Force surgeon general. “This milestone has come as a result of a lot of hard work on her part, and it reinforces that the Air Force has vast opportunities for those who work hard toward a goal. I am an HPSP-trained doc. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. I look forward to meeting Dr. Reed in a few years."