A Special Forces Medic’s Journey to Neurosurgery Training- CPT Alex Villahermosa, MD.
- wardocspodcast
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
In the world of military medicine, few career paths are as demanding or impressive as the transition from a Special Forces Medical Sergeant to a neurosurgeon. In this episode of WarDocs, we sat down with Dr. Alexander Villahermosa, a neurosurgery resident at UT Health San Antonio and a former 18 Delta Green Beret. His story is one of profound resilience, mentorship, and an unyielding commitment to serving others, both on the battlefield and in the operating room.
The Accidental Special Forces Career
Dr. Villahermosa’s military career began shortly after 9/11. Initially intending to join the infantry, a long wait time for basic training led him to sign an 18 X-ray contract, placing him on the path to Special Forces. He candidly shared that he didn't originally plan on a career in medicine or special operations, but the rigorous training and deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond shaped his future. It was during a deployment to Iraq that mentorship from a group surgeon and an anesthesiologist first sparked the idea that he could become a physician.
The Enlisted to Medical Degree Program (EMDP2)
One of the most valuable insights from this episode revolves around the Enlisted to Medical Degree Program (EMDP2). Dr. Villahermosa was part of the second class of this program, which allows active-duty enlisted personnel to complete the prerequisites for medical school while remaining on active duty. He discussed the academic challenges, particularly in mathematics and hard sciences, and how the cohort-based system provided a support network that was crucial for his success. For enlisted service members considering medical school, his experience serves as a powerful proof of concept for this pathway.
The Grueling Reality of Neurosurgery Residency
Transitioning from the operational tempo of Special Forces to the academic and physical grind of neurosurgery residency is no small feat. Dr. Villahermosa provided an inside look at the life of a resident, describing days that start at 4:00 AM and involve intense perioperative care, long surgeries, and constant learning. Despite the exhaustion, he emphasized the importance of maintaining fitness and seizing small moments for self-care, a lesson he carried over from his time in the combat dive teams.
Bridging Combat Experience with Surgical Training
Perhaps the most poignant part of the conversation was Dr. Villahermosa’s reflection on how his combat experience informs his surgical practice. He highlighted the critical importance of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) principles—such as controlling hemorrhage and preventing hypoxia—as the foundation for good brain care. He also discussed the value of learning anatomic placement of hardware without relying solely on advanced navigation technology, a skill emphasized by military neurosurgeons who know that downrange resources may be limited.
Conclusion
Dr. Villahermosa’s journey from an E-8 Master Sergeant to a neurosurgery resident is a testament to the diverse capabilities of military medical personnel. His story illustrates that the skills learned in austere environments—adaptability, teamwork, and humility—are directly transferable to the highest levels of civilian and military medicine. Whether you are a medical professional, a service member, or simply a listener interested in extraordinary life stories, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and knowledge.
HOW TO WATCH
Check out the full episode featuring Dr. Villahermosa on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/880ZHeM_6DI
CPT Alexander Villahermosa, M.D.- CV
Education
Resident, Neurological Surgery 2021-Present
University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX
Doctor of Medicine 2021
Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD
Premedical Post-Baccalaureate Program 2017
George Mason University, Manassas, VA
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences 2013
The George Washington University, Washington, DC
Special Forces Medical Sergeant 2005
John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, Ft. Bragg, NC
Professional Experience
United States Army Special Forces Medical Sergeant (18D/18Z) 2005 - 2015
1. United States Army Office of Military Support, Washington, D.C.
2. Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, Hickam AFB, HI
3. 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Carson, CO
Deployment History
Combat Operations: Jalalabad, Afghanistan (2012), Hit, Iraq (2007), Balad, Iraq (2006), Baghdad, Iraq (2005)
Humanitarian Operations: Cambodia
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