SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
"I’ve always said I wanted to take the Medical College Admission Test to figure out what our HPSP applicants go through," said Staff Sgt. Austin Richards, recalling how his journey unfolded from an Army medical recruiter to an Army Health Professions Scholarship Program recipient.
A native of Corona, California, Richards is the seventh of nine children. He joined the Army in 2015 as a combat medic, driven by a passion for healthcare and helping others.
But his path to HPSP began while working alongside an Army physician as an Army medical recruiter, which opened his eyes to the possibility of becoming an Army doctor.
"I was traveling with an Army physician, getting a lot of ‘windshield time,’ where we would discuss things, and I could get his insights," Richards said. "I felt I wasn’t in the right place if I stayed in the military as a medic. So, in February 2024, I started studying and registered to take the MCAT last May."
Already knowledgeable about HPSP, Richards completed the MCAT and then started the process of applying for the scholarship.
HPSP is one of the most comprehensive scholarship programs the military offers to individuals pursuing advanced medical degrees. It covers full tuition for up to four years, depending on the specialty, and includes additional financial benefits, such as a monthly stipend and reimbursement for certain academic expenses.
"HPSP is unparalleled in many ways," Richards said. "It offers the opportunity to attend a civilian medical school and gain institutional learning from an organization outside of the Army. Then, being able to translate those skills into the military medical sector is a unique opportunity not many people have considered."
"Then there are the practical considerations, like not having incurred student loans," he said. "But ultimately, it still comes down to the mission — being able to transition from a medical student to a military residency, and then to treating military service members."
Richards, an Army medical recruiter since 2022, acknowledged a common misconception among applicants.
"I think our applicants are often a little concerned about being part of the brand," Richards said. "When you think about the Army, you think of world wars and the Middle East — but that doesn’t apply to the day-to-day for most of our people. It’s difficult to understand how individuals contribute to this great mission. But as a student who will become a physician, you have a very specific role in a specific part. As a recruiter, I think helping to dispel that fear of the big unknown is really impactful."
"Part of my excitement is about being able to close the circle,” Richards said. “I started as a PV2, newly enlisted Soldier going on field training exercises and learning from doctors. It is incredibly satisfying to know that in the future, I will be able to give back. That’s really exciting."
Richards had some words of wisdom he wished had been imparted to him years ago: "Whether you’re a civilian with no military experience, a new Soldier starting your career, or a seasoned noncommissioned officer unsure about your future, the biggest factor standing between you and the future you want is yourself," he said. "It’s tough to hear, but overcoming your own fears and setting aside distractions is crucial. You’ll need to prepare for the challenges ahead — but the only thing standing in your way is you. If I had heard that advice five years ago, it would have been a game-changer for me."
Having shared his experiences and insights, Richards had a few parting words: "My colleagues have been invaluable. I’m going to miss working with the team. We have a great dynamic, and it’s going to be a bit weird transitioning and leaving the team behind."
While Richards’ journey through the Army and HPSP is a story of determination and ambition, it is also deeply shaped by the support of his family. He credits his loved ones with providing the encouragement and strength that keep him focused on his goals.
"I am not the man, the husband, the father I would be today without my family," he said. "Spending time with them helps me stay focused because ultimately at the end of the day, I am a Soldier. But I think that family is always the center of everything."
This sense of support not only fuels his personal drive but reinforces his commitment to both his career and the people he holds dear.
Richards will begin his studies at the University of Kansas School of Medicine–Wichita in the summer of 2025.