For Idaho WWAMI second-year medical student Joseph Pham, joining the military offered something he didn’t expect to find: belonging. Although Pham’s time as a service member is still relatively new, he says the experience has already had a profound impact on his sense of identity and purpose.
“As a first-generation American, I often felt like I never truly belonged anywhere,” said Pham. “Among native Vietnamese people, ‘Việt Kiều’ is a derogatory term with negative connotations to address individuals of Vietnamese descent as ‘outsiders.’ In addition, growing up in Boise, Idaho, my physical features frequently made me stick out amongst my classmates, and admittedly, I grew more self-conscious of that fact with each passing year.”
It wasn’t until his time at Officer Training School (OTS) in Montgomery, Alabama, that Pham began to feel a sense of acceptance and shared purpose.
“When you are in uniform, you are recognized as an American Airman, and though it had its challenges, OTS gave me a place of belonging I have been searching for for a long time,” he said.
Pham’s experience as both a medical student and a member of the U.S. Air Force reflects a deep commitment to service—to his country and his future patients. Balancing the rigors of medical education with military responsibilities requires focus and discipline, traits he says have been strengthened through his training and experiences.
For Pham, Veterans Day serves as a time of reflection and gratitude, not only for those who have served before him, but also for the shared values that unite them.
“The military has shown me that dedication and respect can transcend background or appearance,” he said.
As he continues his journey through Idaho WWAMI, Pham hopes to bring those same values into medicine, caring for others with humility, empathy, and a sense of shared purpose.
Learn more about Idaho WWAMI.