WRNMMC, Bethesda, Md.  –   Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, colleagues, family, and friends witnessed the graduation of three service members from the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) Class 21-1, on June 9.

The graduates included Army Capt. Joshua Jaramillo, Indiana Army National Guard 1st Lt. Ryan Ball, and newly commissioned Army Lt. Alexander Blake.

The IPAP, a rigorous 29-month program accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), is ranked among the top physician assistant programs in the nation and is affiliated with the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The program has two phases: Phase 1 focuses on the didactic curriculum, while Phase 2 offers students a variety of clinical experiences.

During Phase 2, IPAP students complete clinical rotations in numerous specialties, including surgery, orthopedics, dermatology, obstetrics/gynecology, psychiatry, internal medicine, ENT/Allergy, pediatrics, ophthalmology, emergency medicine, family medicine, and clinical electives.

These rotations provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare field, preparing them to provide care to our nation's heroes.

"Our program equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel as physician assistants," shared Air Force Lt. Col. Jennifer Middlebrooks, IPAP Phase 2 Site Program Director. "They learn about various medical specialties and gain hands-on clinical experience during their rotations."

The program is designed to train military personnel to become dedicated physician assistants and for Jaramillo, the graduation feels dreamlike.
"It wasn't until the third application that I was selected into the program," shared Jaramillo, a former Army logistics officer. "This accomplishment is five years in the making, and it feels surreal to graduate finally."

Graduating from the rigorous program marks a significant milestone in the careers of future health care providers, "I’m incredibly proud of these graduates' groundbreaking work. They've shown tremendous amounts of perseverance and strength," Middlebrooks shared.

With nearly 17 years spent as an Army enlisted critical care flight paramedic, Blake says, "[This] was the hardest thing I've done, but most certainly worthwhile," sharing the same sentiment as Ball.

Both Ball and Blake look forward to sharing their knowledge and serving others.

“I do not doubt that they will significantly impact the lives of those they serve," Middlebrooks said.

She went on to share that the graduate's success is directly related to an educational process that continuously incorporates advances in medical information, instructional methods, and technology, also adding that she's "excited to see what amazing things they do in their military and civilian careers and follow them throughout their future successes."
Upon completing the IPAP, graduates receive a commission or a promotion as officers in their respective services. Jaramillo and Ball were promoted to the next rank, and Blake earned his commission as an officer.

For Middlebrooks, these graduations are possible because of the backing and dedication of the IPAP leadership team, including Walter Reed's clinical preceptors.

Middlebrooks went on to thank U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. (Dr.) Christopher Renninger, WRNMMC Phase 2 Site medical director, and Army Maj. Robyn Chalupa, WRNMMC Assistant Phase 2 Site clinical coordinator, and the entire Walter Reed faculty and staff for their dedication and "continuing to enhance our educational mission in producing the finest military physician assistants and officers."

For more information about the Interservice Physician Assistant Program, please visit https://medcoe.army.mil/ipap/.