When people ask me how I went from the Navy to owning my own medical practice, I usually tell them it’s a long story—but the truth is, it’s also a pretty natural one. The same values that were drilled into me during my time in uniform—discipline, service, attention to detail, and perseverance—are the same values that guide me as a nurse practitioner and business owner today. My military experience didn’t just prepare me for a career; it prepared me for a calling.
Starting with Structure
Joining the Navy right out of high school was a turning point in my life. Coming from a single-parent household, I knew I needed direction, purpose, and a path forward. The Navy gave me all three. It didn’t just teach me how to follow orders or wear a uniform—it taught me how to show up on time, stay focused, and push through challenges, even when I was tired, frustrated, or afraid.
Those early lessons in structure and responsibility laid the foundation for everything I’ve done since. When you’re in the military, you learn quickly that every role matters and that your actions can have serious consequences. That mindset never left me. In healthcare, especially in nursing, the stakes are high. People’s lives are literally in your hands. Being able to stay calm under pressure, stick to protocols, and double-check your work is critical. That kind of precision and accountability? I learned it in the Navy.
Serving Something Bigger
One of the most powerful parts of military life is the sense of serving something bigger than yourself. You’re part of a mission. You’re not just doing a job—you’re protecting others. That mindset followed me into medicine. When I became a nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner, I wasn’t just looking for a paycheck. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to help people heal, grow, and live better lives.
The Navy showed me the value of service, and nursing gave me the tools to live it out. Whether I’m treating someone for chronic illness or helping them manage stress and mental health, I never lose sight of that bigger purpose. Every patient matters. Every conversation counts. And every decision I make is guided by a commitment to do what’s right—even when it’s not easy.
Mental Toughness and Resilience
Military life teaches you to be tough, but not in the way most people think. It’s not just about physical strength or pushing through pain. It’s about mental resilience. It’s about adapting when things don’t go as planned, staying grounded in chaos, and keeping your emotions in check so you can make the right call.
That kind of toughness has served me well in healthcare. Working in medicine means dealing with constant change—new guidelines, shifting patient needs, unexpected emergencies. Running my own practice adds another layer of complexity. There are business decisions to make, staff to lead, and plenty of challenges that come out of nowhere. But thanks to my military background, I don’t get rattled easily. I assess the situation, make a plan, and move forward.
Resilience also helps when things don’t go as planned—which, let’s be honest, happens often in both military and medical life. I’ve had days where nothing goes right, where a patient is struggling, where paperwork piles up, and where I question if I’m doing enough. But that inner voice I developed during my service—the one that says, “Keep going, stay sharp, you’ve got this”—is always there. And it’s usually right.
Leadership Through Action
Being in the military also gave me a strong sense of what real leadership looks like. It’s not about barking orders or demanding respect. It’s about setting the example. It’s about taking care of your team and never asking someone to do something you wouldn’t do yourself. That’s the kind of leadership I try to bring into my practice every day.
As the medical director of my own clinic, I make it a point to lead by example. I don’t sit in an office all day while others carry the load. I see patients, check in with staff, and make sure everyone knows they’re supported. Just like in the service, we succeed as a team—and we grow by lifting each other up.
I also believe in mentoring. Just like the seasoned sailors who took me under their wing when I was young, I try to pass on what I’ve learned to new nurses, nurse practitioners, and even administrative staff. When someone sees that you’ve walked a hard road and are willing to help them walk theirs, it builds trust. And that trust is the foundation of a strong team.
A Career with Purpose
Looking back, I see now that the military didn’t just change my direction—it shaped my entire identity. It taught me discipline when I needed it most. It gave me the confidence to believe in myself. And it showed me that real fulfillment comes from serving others with integrity and heart.
Today, I wear scrubs instead of a uniform, and I trade boots for clogs, but the mission hasn’t changed. I still show up every day to serve. I still believe in hard work, accountability, and doing right by the people who count on me. And I still feel proud—deep down proud—of the journey that’s brought me here.
Whether I’m helping someone manage their health or making business decisions for my practice, I carry those lessons with me. Because at the end of the day, the path from combat boots to clinical clogs wasn’t a detour. It was the road I was always meant to walk.