Navy Ensign Jeremy J. Mandia has entered into the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, Md., as a first-year medical student of a four-year program. The student will be trained and prepared to serve as a physician in the Army, Navy, Air Force or the Public Health Service. Outstanding scientists and health care practitioners are prepared for careers in service to the nation.
The tuition-free university, established by Congress under the Defense Department, is recognized as a worldwide reputable center of excellence for military medical education and research. In addition to the four years of free tuition, students receive free books, and equipment and instruments. The curriculum includes a concentration of preventive medicine, primary care, and emergency medicine, which are directly related to health protection, military medicine, tropical diseases, disaster medicine, military readiness, and adaptation to extreme environments.
Students are considered active duty military members while attending the university and receive pay benefits of a junior ranking officer with a pay grade of Officer-1. Upon graduation, students are promoted to a higher ranking officer with a pay grade of Officer-3 and are obligated to "pay back" the cost of their education through active duty service in their chosen branch of service. They are expected to serve at least seven years active duty and six years on inactive ready reserve status.
He is the son of Robert Mandia of Highland, N.Y., and Diane Zimmerman of Clintondale, N.Y.
Mandia graduated in 2001 from Highland High School, and received a bachelor’s degree in 2009 from the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md.
