A Vision for Service

By Amy Charles, MBA ’23

Captain Hunter Smith, O.D., KYCO ’24 developed a passion for healthcare and community service during his time as a volunteer emergency medical technician in his hometown of Belvidere, N.J. Early exposure to medicine would lay the foundation for a unique and fulfilling career in military optometry. Since graduating from the Kentucky College of Optometry, Smith is not just an optometrist but an optometrist serving in the United States Army, thanks in part to the prestigious F. Edward Hébert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP).

This scholarship was a golden opportunity for Captain Smith that aligned perfectly with his aspirations. His time as a student at KYCO was enhanced by the training and leadership development he received through the Army. After completing officer training, he is now equipped with both the clinical skills and the military acumen to serve in the Army as an optometrist.

The HPSP was a pivotal opportunity that I seized early in my optometry school career. It not only alleviated the financial burdens of my medical education but also gained invaluable experiences that have profoundly shaped my professional journey,” said Smith. “The structured training, leadership skills and diverse medical environments I encountered while serving in the Army have been instrumental, enabling me to serve with competence and confidence in the uniquely awesome field of the military optometry healthcare setting.

Smith’s journey is a testament to the life-changing opportunities offered through the HPSP scholarship. The Army awards this scholarship to students pursuing advanced degrees in medical professions, including optometry, dentistry and psychiatry, among others. But his story is just one example of the possibilities available to students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare through the military. In addition to the Army, the Air Force and the Navy offer similar scholarships to help students achieve their dreams while serving their country. These scholarships provide full-tuition coverage, a monthly stipend and more. In return, recipients commit to serving in the military after graduation.

For students at the University of Pikeville, military service does not just offer financial assistance—it opens the door to specialized training, leadership development and a chance to serve in a meaningful way. The Student Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (SAMOPS) provides additional support to students interested in practicing medicine in the military. Led by student president Ashley Dull and faculty advisor Mike Younger, SAMOPS has hosted events such as a suturing workshop with Army medics and a PTSD seminar with mental health specialists from the Veterans Administration made possible through a grant from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). UPIKE Facilities Director Charles Atkinson, MBA ’23 serves as commander of the local VFW and as student military liaison, frequently partnering with SAMOPS to offer medical students valuable experiences and working to create beneficial connections for military students across campus.

“Military scholarships and community partnerships like the VFW are instrumental in helping students bridge the gap between academic pursuits and military service,” said Atkinson.

“By providing students with enriching opportunities and support, we help them integrate their education with their commitment to serving our country.”

For aspiring healthcare professionals like Smith, military scholarships offer a way to turn dreams into reality while making a worthwhile difference. Whether serving as an Army optometrist, a Navy physician or an Air Force dentist, military healthcare professionals are leading the charge in both their professions and their service to the nation.