Unlocking the Military Match: Live Q&A

Hosted by Uniformed Services Chapter Division of AAEM (USAAEM)

About the Event

Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm CT
Location: Virtual via Zoom

Navigating the military emergency medicine (EM) match is a unique and accelerated process—one that can feel overwhelming, especially if your medical school doesn’t offer specialized guidance. Whether you’re Army, Navy, or Air Force-bound, this virtual Q&A session will equip you with the tools, insights, and confidence to succeed.

Led by experienced military EM physicians and program leaders, this event is tailored to answer your most pressing questions about audition rotations, letters of recommendation, and military-style interviews.

Speakers
  • Moderator: MAJ Alex Barbuto – Walter Reed NMM
  • Breakout Leader/Moderator: COL Chris Mitchell / Army
  • Breakout Leader/Moderator: CDR Daphne Morrison Ponce / Navy
  • Breakout Leader/Moderator: MAJ Alex Barbuto / Air Force
  • Panelist: LTC(P) Jillian Phelps – Madigan Army Medical Center (US Army)
  • Panelist: LTC(P) Mike April – San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (SAUSHEC)
  • Panelist: COL Eric Chin – US Army EM Consultant to the Surgeon General (US Army)
  • Panelist: CDR Felipe Grimaldo – Naval Medical Center San Diego (US Navy)
  • Panelist: Dr. Gillian Schmitz – Naval Medical Center San Diego (US Navy)
  • Panelist: Dr. Gannon Sungar – Denver Health Residency in Emergency Medicine (US Air Force)
  • Panelist: Dr. Mark Riddle – Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (US Army)
  • Panelist: LTC Brian Patrick Murray – Wright State University (US Air Force)

This session will feature faculty from a broad range of military residency programs, offering medical students a unique opportunity for informal conversations, face time, and program insights in smaller breakout rooms. Whether you’re looking to ask questions or simply make a connection, this is a great chance to engage directly with program leaders.

What We’ll Cover

Attend to get answers to important questions like:

  • Is it too late to schedule a rotation?
  • How many patients should I manage during an audition?
  • How do I ask for a strong letter of recommendation?
  • Can I match into a program I didn’t rotate with?
  • What are military EM interviews really like?

Whether you’re just starting your preparation or deep into planning, this session is designed to help you stand out and feel ready.

Interactive Sessions

This year’s event features a panel of current and former program directors, military EM attendings, and recent match participants who will share firsthand insights about what it takes to succeed in the match.

After the main Q&A, you’ll join branch-specific breakout rooms for direct, candid guidance from:

  • U.S. Army EM Residency Programs
  • U.S. Navy EM Residency Programs
  • U.S. Air Force EM Residency Programs

These interactive sessions are your chance to ask personal questions and connect with leaders who truly understand the path you’re on.

Watch Last Year’s Session

To make the most of this year’s event, we highly encourage you to watch the recording of last year’s session. It lays the groundwork and answers many of the foundational questions so you can dive deeper during the live session.

Cant’ Attend Live

We’ve got you covered. The webinar will be recorded and posted on the USAAEM website for members. You’ll be able to watch it on your own time and still benefit from all the insights and advice.

Questions

Reach out to our host and moderator: MAJ Alex Barbuto, MD FAAEM