Upon graduation, Marissa Manning, DO ’20, will begin her residency at Walter Reed
National Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Known as the nation’s largest and most
renowned joint military medical center, Walter Reed serves military beneficiaries
from across the country and across the world. Ms. Manning will join this prestigious
institution as a resident in psychiatry. Her journey through medical school has been marked by selfless dedication to both her country and her community, balancing
the requirements of both her Naval service and medical school curriculum.
Ms. Manning grew up in the Philadelphia area and always excelled in both science and English. After completing her Bachelor of Science in biology at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA, she worked in the medical field for a year as she explored her options for medical school. After learning of her acceptance to PCOM, Ms. Manning followed the advice of her father and applied for the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), offered through the U.S. Navy. “I grew up with two uncles in the Navy and knowing their experience and doing my own research, I felt that the Navy was the right fit for me,” said Ms. Manning.
Upon entering medical school Ms. Manning was immediately faced with the task of balancing the requirements of both medical school and the military. “There were times that I had to push things up or back, to make sure that I could get everything done,” said Ms. Manning. “Thankfully, my professors at PCOM were very helpful in making this possible.” One example of a unique challenge Ms. Manning faced as a military student was the military Match. “In the military Match, you match sooner than most students, so your auditions and requirements are pushed up. At PCOM, there is a person dedicated to making sure military students have the tools they need to succeed, when they need them, which is very helpful,” said Ms. Manning.
Ms. Manning will start her residency in psychiatry, a specialty she is very passionate about. “There is a huge need for psychiatry with military patients. I will be able to make a significant impact in the treatment of these patients, and I find working with, learning from, and improving the lives of psychiatric patients very rewarding,” said Ms. Manning.
When asked what advice she would give future medical school students who are also thinking of joining the military, Ms. Manning shared, “Know what you are getting into before you decide anything. Figure out which branch of the military is the best fit for you.” She went on to advise, “While in medical school, get involved in as many outside-the-classroom experiences as possible. Being a military student, you will need to have an idea of where you want to specialize before anyone else, and these experiences will be very beneficial in the long run.”
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