CHSU-COM Medical Student Commissioned into Navy

Peter Ciari, first-year medical student in the Class of 2027, was commissioned into the U.S. Navy on November 10, 2023, on the California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine campus.

Ciari elected to join the Navy through the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) where he will complete his medical education at CHSU-COM and receive specialized training to prepare him to become an officer. The HPSP is one of the most comprehensive scholarships in the healthcare field, which pays tuition and living expenses for advanced medical degree programs in exchange for post-graduate military service.

Ciarai will enter the Navy as an Ensign-1 or junior officer and will be promoted to Lieutenant when he completes medical school.

“I’ve always wanted to serve my country, but I wanted to find a way that was constructive rather than destructive. Serving as a medical officer gives me the opportunity to help elite individuals with a high drive for success get back on their feet to serve our country,” stated Peter Ciari, first-year medical student at CHSU-COM and ENS-1 in the U.S. Navy. 

The commissioning ceremony represents the beginning of the military journey and signifies the recruit’s commitment to supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States and discharging the duties of the office.

In the presence of his family and members of the Student Chapter of the Military Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons at the College, Ciari’s commissioning ceremony was officiated by Luis G. Bautista, MD, JD, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Primary Care (COM).

Dr. Bautista has served in the U.S. Navy for 19 years, with seven years of active duty as a Medical Officer, achieving the rank of Commander. Currently, he has been assigned to a Marine unit in Camp Pendleton for reserve duty.

“Taking the Oath of Office signified for me the reality of my decision and the importance of officially becoming a service member of the Navy. Speaking those words had great significance for me, especially as I saw how proud my parents were,” said Ciari.  

Growing up, Ciari played football and endured many injuries, which acquainted him with several different orthopedic surgeons. With that exposure to physicians passionate about their work, Ciari is inspired to pursue orthopedic surgery following graduation.