After serving in the U.S. Air Force as a cryptologic language analyst, Lauren Bell is pursuing a new mission: becoming a physician assistant.
Now a student in the Physician Assistant Studies program at the Â鶹´«Ã½AV School of Medicine (UNR Med), Bell said her path to health care was inspired by a lifelong commitment to service and a desire to make a tangible impact in her community.
Her personal journey reflects the broader mission of UNR Med’s PA program, which was recently recognized among the top in the nation. In the , the program was ranked No. 21 out of 206 nationally — its highest placement to date.
For Bell and many of her peers, the rankings affirm what they already know firsthand: the program is preparing them to lead with compassion, competence and commitment.
Inspired by service
Bell reflected on her interest in becoming a PA began during her time in the military, when a counselor suggested she explore the Interservice Physician Assistant Program. Though she didn’t pursue it immediately, the idea stayed with her.
“I’ve always been passionate about service and duty, but it wasn’t until I transitioned out of the military that I fully understood the impact I wanted to make,” she said.
Her focus sharpened during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she worked at a critical access hospital and witnessed the overwhelming need for health care professionals, particularly in rural areas.
“The PA profession is uniquely positioned to help alleviate the provider shortage in underserved communities.”
“Watching the health care community respond on the front lines solidified my desire to continue my education and pursue a graduate medical degree,” Bell said. “The PA profession is uniquely positioned to help alleviate the provider shortage in underserved communities.”
Balancing education and family
While Bell is confident in her career goals, she acknowledged the personal challenges of balancing academic life with being a mother.
“As a veteran student, I’ve had financial support through the GI Bill, which has relieved a lot of the financial stress that many of my classmates face,” she said. “But being a mother of two while in school brings its own challenges.”
Bell mentioned that the experience has made her more resilient and focused.
“There are days when the workload is overwhelming, but I remind myself why I’m doing this — for my kids, and to show them that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible,” she said.
Lessons from military service
Bell said her time in the military taught her discipline, teamwork and cultural awareness — all of which have shaped her approach to patient care.
“The military doesn’t just expose you to different perspectives — it immerses you in them,” she said. “We are trained to work in harmony with people from all walks of life. That shared experience is what helps you develop empathy and compassion.”
Her background as a military linguist taught her to communicate across cultural and language barriers — skills that now help her connect with patients.
“Through communication, compassion can transcend even the most difficult boundaries,” she said. “When patients feel heard and respected, it builds trust.”
Building on shared values
Bell said the values instilled in her through military service — leadership, adaptability and a strong sense of duty — align closely with the physician assistant profession.
“The PA profession was born out of the military and continues to benefit from veterans stepping into health care roles,” she said. “We’re trained to work in high-pressure environments, to lead when necessary, and to support others as part of a team.”
Those values also reflect the mission of UNR Med and its emphasis on The Wolf Pack Way, which centers on collaboration, compassion and service.
“At UNR Med, I’ve found a community that lives these values,” Bell said. “It’s about being part of something larger than yourself, and always putting patients first.”
“At UNR Med, I’ve found a community that lives these values,” Bell said. “It’s about being part of something larger than yourself, and always putting patients first.”
Looking Ahead
Bell, who is set to graduate this August as part of the Physician Assistant Class of 2025, plans to work in rural or underserved areas — places where health care providers are needed most.
“PAs provide high-quality care across specialties and settings,” she said. “I want to use my training to make care more accessible to the communities that need it most.”
Her transition from military service to medicine is, in many ways, a continuation of her commitment to serve — just in a different uniform.
“I served my country ... now I want to serve my community.”
