Student doctor recognized for valor and compassion with latest Champion Award

For the courage he displayed overseas serving as an Army medic and for his commitment to provide healthcare to those who need it the most, Liberty medical student Juan Ramos (’20) was awarded with the latest Liberty Champion Award during Convocation on Friday.

A short video featured interviews with several faculty members at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) who spoke of Ramos’ outstanding character and work ethic. Ramos was also featured in the video, where he talked about how his faith in God lead him through some major trials.

Ramos’ career in the military began in July 2003 when he enlisted in the Army. He said the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon in 2001 were the motivation behind his decision to enlist. He was deployed to Iraq in January 2004.

After proving himself as a stand-out soldier, Ramos was then selected to serve as a medical sergeant in the Army’s Special Forces beginning in 2007. He oversaw the physical care and medical readiness of a 12-man detachment, a local national forces team of 20-30 soldiers, and a special forces battalion of 300. During that time, he was deployed to Pakistan twice (2008, 2010) and Afghanistan once (2011).

Over the last few years of his military service, Ramos struggled with back and neck injuries. This culminated in 2016 when he suffered a severe injury to his spinal cord. He had been losing strength quickly, and his hands and fingers had started to go numb. He accepted medical retirement from the Army that July.

“It was a tough pill to swallow,” Ramos said. “I was in a field of guys who trained to be invincible. Fortunately, around that time, I had come to know Christ a lot closer, so it helped me get through some of the discouragement that I had.”

But Ramos wanted to continue to use his passions and talents in the medical field, so in August 2016, he enrolled in the Class of 2020 at LUCOM. He aligned himself with LUCOM’s mission, desiring to create access to quality, affordable healthcare for those who cannot currently afford it — a problem which he believes is widespread in the U.S.

“Medicine has unfortunately turned into an industry where too many doctors are out to make a buck rather than heal their patients and community,” Ramos said. “My goal is to help change access to medical care, and while I may not change it at the national level, I will do my best to change it at the community level.”

His professors and mentors said he has exhibited great character, both as a student doctor and a husband and father of four.

“Juan is quiet and unassuming. He does not ask a lot for himself, but he is very willing to give to others,” said Dr. Gary Patton, LUCOM Assistant Dean of Admissions and Student Services. “(He’s) a very courageous man, a very family-centered man.”

The Liberty Champion Award was introduced earlier this year as a way to recognize those in Liberty’s community who demonstrate champion-like characteristics and the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control), which are at the heart of both Liberty’s mission and the We The Champions project.

Throughout the academic year, students, faculty, and staff will have the opportunity to nominate someone they feel is living out the character traits of a champion. One individual will receive The Champion Award each month.

To nominate a Liberty student, faculty, or staff member for the Champion Award, email their name and story to WeTheChampions@liberty.edu or fill out the online form on the We The Champions webpage.