Q+ A with US Navy Veteran, Dr. Brian Norwood

Dr. Norwood attended GUS for four years. After GUS, he went on to graduate from Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School, then Bates College, and finally to Boston University School of Medicine, where he received his Master’s and Medical Degrees. He completed his pediatric residency at Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, and served over 20 years as a U.S. Navy Physician taking care of military children while serving in various leadership roles. He served 10 years of his military career overseas, providing full-scope outpatient and inpatient pediatric care in Naples, Italy, and in both Yokosuka and Okinawa, Japan. After military retirement, he began his civilian career with Sentara Healthcare in Virginia Beach, VA, where he currently resides.

What compelled you to become a doctor?

I always knew I would pursue a career in science. I initially thought I would pursue laboratory science, but eventually decided to pursue medicine because I enjoyed working directly with people. I enjoy diagnosing and treating illness and disease, and I enjoy helping people to lead healthier lives. As a pediatrician, I also enjoy doling out lots of reassurance!

What compelled you to serve our country?

I joined the military to pay for medical school, and I joined the Navy to see the world. I did not want to take on a lot of educational debt. Like many people in my situation, I figured I would serve the 4 years I owed for medical school and residency and then return to civilian life. However, the Navy made good on its old slogan “Join the Navy, see the world.” I decided to continue my military service for 20 years because the Navy continued to provide me with interesting work in interesting places. My family and I were fortunate to spend four years living in Naples, Italy, three years in Yokosuka, Japan, and three years in Okinawa, Japan. I even had the opportunity to visit Glen Urquhart Castle in Scotland while we were stationed in Italy! Living and working overseas was one of the highlights of my military career. Another highlight of my career was serving as the senior medical officer on the now-decommissioned amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA-4) for 2 years. Now that I am retired from the military, I get to enjoy a lifelong pension, even while I continue to work as a pediatrician in the civilian sector.

What should people know about military service?

Military service is definitely rewarding. As a military physician, I was able to serve as both a doctor and as a military officer. I practiced medicine just like my civilian colleagues, but I was also provided with lots of opportunities for leadership and career growth.
There are sacrifices, such as limited control on where you will be stationed, deployments, and time spent away from family and friends, but overall it is a very rewarding experience. As a military physician, you are often working in remote environments with limited support. It sometimes requires you to work a little outside of your scope and comfort zone. In those circumstances, it can be a little scary, but in the end these experiences usually turn out to be some of the most rewarding ones.

What has a 20+ year career in the military, stationed overseas, taught you about children and families everywhere?

Kids are kids, and sleepless parents are sleepless parents, no matter your location, culture, or nationality! Military kids and kids in foreign countries have the same interests and aspirations, and they come with many of the same problems and challenges. We tend to think of people in different countries by their country's government or policies. But most people living in other countries are just doing their best to live their best life with the cards they are dealt.

How important do you feel “Mean Well, Speak Well, Do Well” is for helping to guide young children today?

This slogan will always be important. With our kids' internet and social media exposure today, it is all too easy to say or do things that you will come to regret. My best advice to parents is to limit screen time and to hold off on social media as long as possible. It is not easy in the short term, but it will pay dividends over time. 

What advice would you give to GUS alumni who are thinking ABOUT becoming a physician?

There is a shortage of physicians and health professionals in our country, and that shortage is only going to grow. I would encourage anyone interested in science, health, and service to consider becoming a physician, nurse, or other health professional. Healthcare is evolving rapidly, and it is a great time to pursue a career in medicine. And if you are concerned about the cost, I highly recommend joining the military. You can stay in for a few years after residency, or you can make a career out of it. 

What are some of your favorite memories of GUS?

My favorite memories were definitely the teachers and friends I met along the way. May Day was always fun. Definitely a shout out to Ms. Johnson, Ms. Elliot, and Ms. Smith. Two of my best friends and classmates were Ezra Schildkraut and Bobby Campbell. Ezra and I met up again for high school and even ended up going to the same college. We remain friends despite the distance and time since college.

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