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Book Cover for: From Soldier to Physician: A Comprehensive Guide to Changing Careers, J. Barton Gillum

From Soldier to Physician: A Comprehensive Guide to Changing Careers

J. Barton Gillum

This veteran's guide to getting into medical school is the only book you need to read!

Have you ever considered the possibility of attending medical school or becoming a Physician Assistant (PA)? The journey into medical or PA school may initially appear daunting, but your military background has uniquely equipped you with a wealth of transferable skills that position veterans as exceptional candidates in the competitive landscape of graduate medical education admissions.

Written by a veteran specifically for veterans contemplating a career in medicine, this manual serves as an invaluable roadmap as you embark on the transformative path to becoming a medical doctor or PA.

From selecting the most suitable undergraduate degree or post-baccalaureate program to fulfill prerequisite courses, to unraveling the intricacies of how medical schools assess applicants during the admissions process, this book offers pragmatic advice tailored to veterans seeking career transitions, including:


  • Choosing a school
  • Holistic admissions
  • Preparing for the MCAT
  • Letters of recommendations
  • Best practices for interviewing
  • Scholarships

Dr. Gillum, a seasoned clinician and pre-med advisor has dedicated himself to advising and mentoring numerous individuals, guiding them through career changes and ultimately securing acceptance into some of the nation's most esteemed medical institutions.

Book Details

  • Publisher: J. Barton Gillum, Jr.
  • Publish Date: Feb 28th, 2024
  • Pages: 192
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 8.25in - 5.50in - 0.41in - 0.49lb
  • EAN: 9798218330903
  • Categories: Professional DevelopmentMilitary MedicineAdult & Continuing Education

About the Author

O'Connor, Kevin C.: - Dr. Bart Gillum is an assistant professor in the Department of Physician Assistant (PA) Studies at George Washington University, in Washington, DC. He serves as program director for the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medicine Program. Gillum has 18 years of clinical and educational experience as a PA. He is a decorated Army veteran, who deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom and served as a PA in primary care and emergency medicine. While serving in this role, he earned a clinical doctorate degree from Baylor University in PA studies with an emphasis in emergency medicine. Gillum's research interests include point of care ultrasound and PA and pre-medical education. He serves as a peer review for JAAPA, Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and Clinician Reviews. He has written several journal articles and book chapters on topics related to primary care, emergency medicine and pre-health advising. Additionally, he hosts the bi-monthly boots2meds podcast where he discusses best practices for applying to medical and PA school.