USU Community Reflected Across 2026 Military Family Medicine Gathering

The 2026 Uniformed Services Academy of Family Physicians meeting showcased the profound impact of Uniformed Services University graduates and faculty on the future of military medicine.

April 14, 2026 by Sharon Holland

At the 2026 meeting of the Uniformed Services Academy of Family Physicians (USAFP), a clear pattern emerged: the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) community was everywhere.

From keynote speakers and session leaders to conference organizers and attendees, USU alumni and faculty were present across nearly every aspect of the meeting. In many ways, the gathering reflected the breadth of the University's longstanding contributions to military family medicine.

That connection spans decades and remains a defining feature of the relationship between USU and USAFP. As USU President Dr. Jonathan Woodson noted during the event, USAFP consistently draws one of the largest concentrations of USU alumni of any professional medical gathering-making it a natural venue to reconnect, exchange ideas, and strengthen professional ties.

The leadership of USAFP itself reflects this enduring connection. The organization's new president, president-elect, and vice president-Dr. Jules Seales, Dr. Mary Alice Noel, and Dr. Jedda Rupert-as well as the immediate past-president Dr. Jeanmarie Rey, are all USU graduates, underscoring the University's role in developing leaders across the Military Health System. In addition, the 2026 meeting was co-chaired by USU alumni Dr. Afsoon Anvari and Dr. Chloe Shea, further highlighting the continued engagement of graduates in shaping the direction of military family medicine.

USU's presence extended well beyond leadership roles. Faculty and alumni contributed to the academic program through presentations and discussions that reinforced the University's commitment to advancing medical education and operational readiness. Among those participating were Dr. Sean Simmons and Dr. Lisa Harris, whose contributions reflected the integration of clinical expertise and educational innovation that defines USU's mission.

The conference also featured several keynote speakers with strong leadership ties to USU, including Dr. Chris Jonas, Dr. Pamela Williams, and Dr. Brian Reamy-all of whom have previously served as USAFP presidents. Their continued involvement reflects a sustained commitment to mentoring the next generation and contributing to the evolution of the field.

The Department of Family Medicine further highlighted excellence within its community by recognizing outstanding contributions to education and mentorship. Awards presented during the meeting included:

• Faculty of the Year: Capt. David Rygmyr, Martin Army Community Hospital, Fort Benning, Georgia
• Clerkship Site of the Year: Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, North Carolina
• Site Director of the Year: Maj. Elizabeth (Betsy) Williams, A.T. Augusta Military Medical Center, Fort Belvoir, Virginia
• Resident of the Year: Capt. Andrew Collyer, Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, Texas
• Embodiment of a Family Physician: Dr. Glynnis Knobloch, David Grant Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base, California

These recognitions underscored the critical role that faculty, residents, and clinical training sites play in preparing future military physicians.

The conference also highlighted the breadth of USU's impact beyond traditional clinical roles. Among the keynote speakers were Lt. Col. Frank Rubio, a USU graduate and NASA astronaut, and retired Brig. Gen. John Andrus, former Joint Staff Surgeon and USU alumnus, whose careers reflect the diverse paths available to military physicians.

For many attendees, the value of the meeting extended beyond formal sessions. It provided an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, mentors, and former classmates, reinforcing the shared mission that defines military medicine. This sense of community remains a hallmark of the USU experience and a driving force behind its continued impact.

That impact is also reflected in the next generation. This year, nine percent of USU's graduating medical students selected family medicine as their specialty, a testament to the strength of mentorship and the enduring importance of the field. Back at USAFP, that influence was easy to see-not as a statistic, but as a living network of people who continue to show up, lead, teach, and support one another.

And that may be the strongest sign of all: not just a longstanding partnership, but a community that keeps growing-together.