Honoring Physician Veterans: A Tribute for Veterans Day

This Veterans Day, we honor physician veterans whose dual calling to serve in medicine and the military has shaped healthcare and saved countless lives. These doctors bring exceptional skill and resilience, often applying the lessons of battlefield medicine to civilian care, ensuring that their impact continues long after they hang up their uniforms.

Military service has long driven medical advancements. From Walter Reed’s research on yellow fever to the use of antibiotics during World War II, military doctors have transformed how we approach public health and emergency care. These experiences foster a unique perspective—physician veterans often excel in high-pressure environments, prioritizing quick thinking and patient care even under extreme conditions. Their contributions have led to the development of trauma systems, vaccines, and infection control protocols that save lives today.

In her Veterans Day reflection, Pamela Camosy, MD, emphasized the bond between military service and healthcare. She noted that for physician veterans, every patient encounter reflects a commitment to values forged in service—discipline, compassion, and an unwavering will to heal. Veterans embody a sense of duty beyond professional obligations, continuing to serve their communities through medicine long after their military careers end.

The Veterans History Project highlights the experiences of military doctors and their vital role in wartime and peacetime. From frontline care to facilitating long-term recovery, these physicians bridge the gap between military and civilian healthcare, leaving a legacy of service and innovation.

Dr. Justin Moore, a veteran physician and founder of FreeUpMD, is at the heart of this legacy. His dual experience exemplifies the enduring value of military service in medicine. His physician-owned, physician-led firm is revolutionizing locum tenens staffing. His leadership also reflects principles upheld by notable figures like Dr. James Tilton, whose innovations in hospital design during the War of 1812 reduced infections and redefined healthcare delivery.

This Veterans Day, we honor the physicians who served in the U.S. military. Their dedication not only safeguarded the health of soldiers but also set a foundation for medical practices that elevate care for all. From lifesaving efforts on the front lines to pioneering public health initiatives and supporting communities back home, these physician veterans embody the true spirit of service. Their work reminds us that the call to serve extends beyond the battlefield—into hospitals, clinics, and communities across the nation.

Are you a physician interested in working locum tenens assignments? Call (321) 586-2139 or send us an email: recruitment@freeupmd.com