Wyoming Is a Match for Senator Barrasso and Medical School Graduate

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More than 190 students became doctors on May 17 after graduating from Georgetown University’s School of Medicine at Constitution Hall in Washington. Crossing the stage Sunday afternoon was graduate Joshua Scott from Sheridan, WY. Also from Wyoming was 2009's commencement speaker, Sen. John Barrasso, MD (R-WY).

Scott was honored on Friday in a special Military Commissioning Ceremony which recognizes recipients of the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) on behalf of the United States Army. Scott received the rank of Lieutenant and will serve at least two years in the Army in return for his full scholarship to Georgetown's School of Medicine.

Then on Sunday, Scott received his medical degree. “My entire family is here to recognize this important day in my life,” said Scott. “It’s a very exciting time for me.” Scott’s family flew in from Sheridan to celebrate his new rank and his new degree.

An additional honor for Scott included meeting Sen. Barrasso, who is a Georgetown alumnus. Scott’s family met with Barrasso prior to the commencement address. “It’s very exciting for a student from Wyoming to graduate from the Georgetown University School of Medicine. Joshua’s father practiced for over 20 years in Wyoming,” said Barrasso. “He is dedicated to the military and his profession, and hopefully will one day return to Wyoming to live, work and practice medicine.”

Scott will complete his residency at Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Fort Gordon, GA, where he will study General Surgery.

Senator Barrasso, known as “Wyoming’s Doctor,” received the University’s highest honor, the degree of Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, in recognition of his leadership in improving rural health care nationwide.

"It is a great privilege to present the Honorable Senator John Barrasso with this honorary degree on behalf of Georgetown University," said University President John J. DeGioia. "He has dedicated himself not only as Wyoming's senator but as a physician and is a great example to the students graduating today."

By Tressa Kirby, excerpted from the GUMC Update