Theodore Johnson
Naval Academy

Degree: B.S. in Chemistry

How did the Stamps Scholarship help shape your undergraduate experience?
The Stamps Scholarship gave me the chance to travel across the country and around the world. I was able to visit Hawaii to present my biophysics research, California to attend a hospital internship, Peru to attend a Naval humanitarian aid mission, and Italy to attend an international military conference. Each of these opportunities helped me to develop personally and professionally as a better military and medical leader.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your freshman self?
I would tell freshman me to volunteer whenever possible. I have found that volunteering opens doors that I never would have even known existed.

Who has had the greatest impact on you throughout your college career and how so?
Dr. Brian Rehill was my academic adviser, teacher for three semesters, and pre-medical mentor. Without his guidance and mentorship I would not have accomplished all that I was able to.

What’s your favorite Stamps Scholar memory?
When I was in Peru with a joint military field medical team I helped an Air Force doctor treat a six-year old girl who split her scalp open. As an EMT, I was able to assist this doctor, who specialized in emergency medicine, with the treatment. This moment reinforced my passion for medicine, and gave me the push to complete all of my medical school applications (a seemingly daunting task at the time).

What comes next?
I will attend medical school at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. After that, I will attend Navy Dive School and hopefully become a Navy Dive Medical Officer to serve in the Fleet.

Please share your favorite inspirational quote.
“”Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.” – General James “Mad Dog” Mattis.