Office of the Commandant, School of Medicine

CDR Patricia McKay, M.D. CDR Lisa Pearse, M.D., M.P.H.
USUHS C1021
4301 Jones Bridge Road
Bethesda, MD 20814-4712
301-295-3121
e-mail: lisa.pearse@usuhs.mil

The Commandant of the USU School of Medicine is the senior military officer-in-charge of all SOM uniformed graduate students including service members in the Army, Air Force, Navy and Public Health Service.
The Commandant reports to the Brigade Commander for military issues and chain of command accountability and serves as the military advisor to the Dean of the SOM. Furthermore, the duties and responsibilities of the SOM Commandant include:

  • Deputy Brigade Commander
  • Chairman, Board of Review of Inter-service Transfers
  • Member, Student Promotions Committee
  • Member, Student Award Committee
  • Assistant Professor, Dept. Preventive Medicine and Biometrics
  • Associate Program Director, Preventive Medicine Residency
  • Public Health Emergency Officer
  • Command Individual Augmentee Coordinator
  • Directs Service-specific mandated programs, to include physical fitness, weight control, urinalysis, officer professional development and equal opportunity
  • Serves as a facilitator for military administrative requirements
  • Models, stimulates and fosters professional leadership and officership
  • Provides student resources for Service-specific military career counseling and officer professional development.

Medical Student Chain of Command

Army Company Commander

CPT Justin Beam

The Army Company Commander has 248 Army medical students in his command and is responsible for their Officer Professional Development, welfare, morale, and readiness. Additional responsibilities include the supervision and management of all administrative aspects of the company which includes physical fitness testing, weight management, financial management, career development counseling, and drug and alcohol testing. Additionally this position carries with it an appointment as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Military and Emergency Medicine which entails assisting in the instruction of basic field medical skills courses and combat medical skills courses. The Army Company Commander serves as an advisor to the Commandant on all matters pertaining to the professional development of all student officers in all the branches of service represented at USUHS; Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Public Health Service.
 
CPT Justin Beam
USUHS, C1019
4301 Jones Bridge Road
Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
(301) 295-9433
e-mail:justin.beam@usuhs.mil


Army Enlisted Advisor

Michael Rice

The Army Company Enlisted Advisor assists the Army Company Commander in all matters relating to the professional development of the medical students. This includes conducting formations and inspections, providing guidance to students on Army policies, instructions and regulations, and providing a positive example of the credibility and capabilities of the NCO Corps. Additionally, he takes an active role in preparing students to participate in Operation Bushmaster, FTX Kerkesner, and the Antietam Road March.
 
SFC Michael R. Rice
USUHS, C1019
4301 Jones Bridge Road
Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
(301) 295-0593
e-mail: michael.rice@usuhs.mil

Navy Company Commander

Rene S. Hernandez

The Navy Company Commander has 202 Navy medical students in her command and is responsible for their Officer Professional Development, welfare, morale, and readiness. Additional responsibilities include the supervision and management of all administrative aspects of the company which includes physical fitness testing, weight management, financial management, career development counseling, and drug and alcohol testing. Additionally this position carries with it an appointment as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Military and Emergency Medicine which entails assisting in the instruction of basic field medical skills courses and combat medical skills courses. The Navy Company Commander serves as an advisor to the Commandant on all matters pertaining to the professional development of all student officers in all the branches of service represented at USUHS; Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Public Health Service.
 
CDR Rene S. Hernandez, Ph.D.
USUHS, C1019
4301 Jones Bridge Road
Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
(301) 295-9434/3722
e-mail: rhernandez@usuhs.mil


Navy Enlisted Advisor

Jennifer White

The Navy Company and PHS Company Enlisted Advisor assists the Navy Company Commander and the PHS Company Commander in all matters relating to the professional development of the medical students. This includes conducting formations and inspections, providing guidance to students on Navy and PHS policies and regulations, and providing a positive example of the credibility and capabilities of the NCO Corps. Additionally, he takes an active role in preparing students to participate in Operation Bushmaster, FTX Kerkesner, and the Antietam Road March.
 
Jennifer White
USUHS, C1019
4301 Jones Bridge Road
Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
(301) 295-9667
e-mail: Jennifer.White@usuhs.mil

Public Health Service Senior Advisor

Narayan Nair

The PHS Senior Advisor has the PHS medical and graduate students in his command and is responsible for their Officer Professional Development, welfare, morale and readiness. He helps ensure that upon completion of their training they are able to contribute to the mission of the PHS "to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our Nation." Additional responsibilities include the supervision and management of all administrative aspects of the company. He serves as an advisor to the Commandant on all matters pertaining to the professional development of all student officers in all the branches of services represented at USUHS; Army, Navy, AirForce, and Public Health Service.
 
Narayan Nair, MD, CAPT, USPHS
PHS Senior Advisor and Assistant Professor of Family Medicine
Rm C1012
4301 Jones Bridge Rd
Bethesda MD 20814
(301) 443-2132
narayan.nair@hhs.gov
website: http://www.usphs.gov or USPHS

Air Force Squadron Commander

Maj Brandon Tourtillott, Ph.D.

The Air Force Squadron Commander has 200 Air Force medical students in his command and is responsible for their Officer Professional Development, welfare, morale, and readiness. Additional responsibilities include the supervision and management of all administrative aspects of the squadron which includes physical fitness testing, weight management, financial management, career development counseling, and drug and alcohol testing. Additionally this position carries with it an appointment as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Military and Emergency Medicine which entails assisting in the instruction of basic field medical skills courses and combat medical skills courses. The Air Force Squadron Commander serves as an advisor to the Commandant on all matters pertaining to the professional development of all student officers in all the branches of service represented at USUHS; Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Public Health Service.
 
Maj Brandon Tourtillott, Ph.D.
USUHS, C1019
4301 Jones Bridge Road
Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
(301) 295-3280
e-mail: brandon.tourtillott@usuhs.mil


Air Force Enlisted Advisor

Rodrigo P. Foronda

The Air Force Squadron Enlisted Advisor assists the Air Force Squadron Commander in all matters relating to the professional development of the medical students. This includes conducting formations and inspections, providing guidance to students on Air Force policies, instructions and regulations, and providing a positive example of the credibility and capabilities of the NCO Corps.
 
MSgt Matthew Pearl
USUHS, C1019
4301 Jones Bridge Road
Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
(301) 295-0555
e-mail: matthew.pearl@usuhs.mil

Brigade Main
 

Chain of Command

Resources