USU Medical Students Gain Front-Row Insight into Navy Operational Medicine in San Diego

Hands-on exposure to naval operations helps USU students connect medical training to mission execution.

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(Center Left to right) Air Force 2nd Lt. Taryin Cates-Beier, Army 2nd Lt. Michael Kim, and Navy Ensign Robert Lee pause inside the control room during a visit to the Navy's Undersea Rescue Command in San Diego. The visit, part of a renewed operational medicine program, allowed Uniformed Services University medical students to observe deep submergence systems and discuss medical risks like decompression sickness. (Courtesy photo)

January 28, 2026 by Zachary Willis

Through a renewed collaboration with Navy operational medicine leaders in San Diego, the Uniformed Services University (USU) is once again giving students a firsthand look at how medicine is practiced in real-world operational environments.

After being paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, operational medicine (OpMed) exposure opportunities have recently restarted, offering half-day to full-day experiences designed to immerse USU students in the San Diego operational community. These visits allow students to step beyond the classroom and clinical setting to better understand where-and why-military medicine is practiced.

A wide range of operational medical officers have volunteered to host students, providing direct insight into mission sets, operational constraints, and the unique medical challenges faced by the force. While the program is still being fine-tuned, the long-term goal is to offer one operational exposure opportunity per month.

To ensure these experiences complement, rather than disrupt, students' primary medical education, USU works closely with local clerkship and advanced Clerkship Site Directors. The USU School of Medicine Office of Student Affairs also coordinates participation to confirm that students are in good academic and professional standing.

Undersea Rescue: Medicine Below the Surface

One of the early highlights of the revived program has been an immersive experience with the Navy's Undersea Rescue Command, hosted by Navy Capt. (Dr.) Derek N. Lodico, undersea medical officer for the Undersea Rescue Command. Students observed how deep submergence systems are used to rescue personnel at sea, support submarine missions, and manage complex medical risks such as decompression sickness.

For Air Force 2nd Lt. Taryin Cates-Beier, the experience was both eye-opening and inspiring.

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USU medical students had the opportunity to observe the deployment of a Pressurized Rescue Module during a certification exercise at the Navy's Undersea Rescue Command in San Diego. The immersive experience provided students with a firsthand look at the complex systems used to rescue personnel at sea and support submarine missions. (Courtesy photo)

"Having the opportunity to observe a monumental unmanned test of the Pressurized Rescue Model and to learn about the mission of the Undersea Rescue Command was an amazing experience," Cates-Beier said. "I appreciated learning about the operational aspects of medical care and all of the work involved in considering the health and safety of submarine crew members."

She also noted the value of seeing operational anesthesia considerations and the interconnected systems that support rescue missions. "Overall, this was an amazing opportunity, and I hope future students are able to learn about the PRM and even see it in action," she added.

Navy Ensign Robert Lee echoed that sentiment, describing the opportunity as a rare chance to see "Big Navy" operations up close.

"Getting underway itself was memorable," Lee said. "Conversations with junior enlisted Sailors gave me a deeper appreciation for the diversity within the Navy and the pride they take in their work."

Lee emphasized the significance of observing a certification exercise nearly seven years in the making, calling it "a major step toward regaining a critical rescue capability." Time spent with command leadership further reinforced the human side of large-scale operations.

"Interacting with the CO [commanding officer], XO [executive officer], and senior enlisted leader was a reminder that 'Big Navy' is made up of dedicated men and women who show up every day to accomplish the mission while taking care of one another," he said.

Learning about undersea rescue also broadened Lee's understanding of the Navy's operational depth and its ability to support not only U.S. forces, but international partners as well.

"The experience made the Navy feel both much larger and more connected," he said, "and reinforced the importance of understanding the operational side of the force for those of us training to serve as naval medical officers."

A Joint Perspective on Operational Medicine

For Army 2nd Lt. Michael Kim, the experience highlighted the importance of early operational exposure-regardless of service affiliation.

"After the classroom, and then the clinical environment, the operational environment is the third stage of where I will practice medicine," Kim said. "This early exposure revitalized my desire to become a military physician."

Kim noted how moving through the narrow spaces aboard the vessel helped him better appreciate the occupational hazards service members face, as well as the close collaboration between military operators, engineers, and civilian partners.

"Although this was a Navy experience, I learned so much about the Army's operational environment as well," he said. "Witnessing how a Navy operation has relevance for the Army reinforced my belief that medicine in the Department of War is truly one family."

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(Left to right) Air Force 2nd Lt. Taryin Cates-Beier, Army 2nd Lt. Michael Kim, and Navy Ensign Robert Lee had the opportunity to go inside the Undersea Rescue Command control room. The students, who are currently completing clerkships in San Diego, participated in the visit to better understand the operational environments. (Courtesy photo)

Building Operational Understanding, One Experience at a Time

These San Diego-based operational medicine experiences reflect USU's broader commitment to preparing future military physicians who understand not only how to practice medicine, but how to do so in complex, mission-driven environments. By reconnecting students with operational units and leaders, USU is helping bridge the gap between education and execution-ensuring graduates are ready to support the health, safety, and readiness of the force wherever they serve.

As the program continues to grow, USU plans to expand these opportunities, strengthening ties with operational partners and giving students an even deeper understanding of military medicine in action.