A Vision for By AMY CHARLES, MBA ’23 Captain Hunter Smith, O.D., KYCO ’24 developed a passion for healthcare and community service during his time as a volunteer emergency medical technician in his hometown of Belvidere, N.J. Early exposure to medicine would lay the foundation for a unique and fulfilling career in military optometry. Since graduating from the Kentucky College of Optometry, Smith is not just an optometrist but an optometrist serving in the United States Army, thanks in part to the prestigious F. Edward Hébert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP). This scholarship was a golden opportunity for Captain Smith that aligned perfectly with his aspirations. His time as a student at KYCO was enhanced by the training and leadership development he received through the Army. After completing officer training, he is now equipped with both the clinical skills and the military acumen to serve in the Army as an optometrist.
“The HPSP was a pivotal opportunity that I seized early in my optometry school career. It not only alleviated the financial burdens of my medical education but also gained invaluable experiences that have profoundly shaped my professional journey,” said Smith. “The structured training, leadership skills and diverse medical environments I encountered while serving in the Army have been instrumental, enabling me to serve with competence and confidence in the uniquely awesome field of the military optometry healthcare setting.”
Smith’s journey is a testament to the life-changing opportunities offered through the HPSP scholarship. The Army awards this scholarship to students pursuing advanced degrees in medical professions, including optometry, dentistry and psychiatry, among others. But his story is 32
UPIKE MAGAZINE | FALL/WINTER 2024