Experiences and Challenges of Students with a Military Background at an Academic Medical Center

Limited information exists regarding Students with Military Backgrounds (SMB) enrolled in academic medical settings, although there is extensive research focused on SMB attending community colleges and undergraduate universities. This study documents SMB experiences at an academic medical center related to (a) relations with peers and faculty, (b) learning experiences, and (c) navigating campus services. These SMB reported interpersonal experiences differing from those common to community colleges and undergraduate universities. Our cohort of SMB tended to be older than those enrolled at post-secondary institutions, with life experiences supporting the experiential learning and team health care practices increasingly emphasized in academic medical settings. SMBs reported the academic medical setting shares cultural elements with some military settings, suggesting accommodation strategies that leverage these features may enhance personal satisfaction, academic success, and career preparation for these students.