44 | 2017 Medical & Dental Directory
MEDICAL EDUCATION
Change isn't always easy. Just ask
John Bunyasaranand. The former
combat medic has seen his fair share
of action and excitement, treating
wounded soldiers on the battlefield.
But he suddenly finds himself in
medical school, learning to become a
physician in a civilian world.
Making The Grade:
CAPE FEAR VALLEY HEALTH AND
CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY TEAM UP
BY DONNIE BYERS
He still wakes at dawn every day, but now
sports a white lab coat and dress shoes,
instead of military boots and BDUs. No
need for weapons either. His only tactical
gear these days are a stethoscope and
pen and paper to jot down notes from
instructors.
It's definitely a change of pace for the
former 82nd Airborne paratrooper and
3rd Special Forces Group medic. But he's
committed to becoming a doctor and not
afraid to show it.
"I love it!" Bunyasaranand said excitedly.
"The instructors push you as far as you can
go, while showing you all the 'hows' and
'whys' along the way."
He is one of 40 third-year medical students
who recently began doing clinical rotations
at Cape Fear Valley Health. The students
are from Campbell University's Jerry M.
Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine,
which opened two years ago.
