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ABOUT US
Special Operations Forces to School of Medicine
How We Came to Be
SOFtoSOM was born from a grassroots effort by Special Operations Forces service members who connected through social media to support one another in their journey to medical school. What began as informal MCAT prep grew into a full-fledged community of SOF veterans and students, offering mentorship and resources from pre-med preparation to medical school success. In 2023, driven by a shared passion to make a lasting impact, these veterans officially founded SOFtoSOM as the first nonprofit dedicated to helping Special Operators pursue medicine, empowering them to transition from the battlefield to healthcare with the same integrity, leadership, and resilience.
What is Special Operation Forces?
Special Operations Forces (SOF) are military units comprised of elite US soldiers across all military branches trained to execute high-stress missions, often in covert and sensitive environments, where precision, adaptability, and specialized skills are paramount.
These SOF units include Navy Seals, Green Berets, Rangers, Pararescue (PJ) airmen, Marine Raiders, and many others. Every SOF service member embodies the core values of Excellence, Integrity, and Adaptability.
Why Special Operation Forces?
Special Operations Forces (SOF) service members possess the qualities, values, and beliefs innately found in exceptional physicians, as they demonstrate unparalleled dedication, commitment to excellence, and service to others.
In 2022, out of 55,188 AMCAS applicants, only 375 veterans (0.7%) and 164 active-duty military (0.3%) applied to medical school. Meanwhile, 7-8% of the US population is characterized as veterans, according to the 2020 US Census.
Let's Work Together
Understand the benefits of partnering with SOFtoSOM
Our tailor-made programs blend mentorship, research, and guidance, ensuring a successful transition into their journey to medical school and beyond.
Our diverse team, including medical professionals, educators, and former SOF, is united by a commitment to mentorship and service.
Contributions fund essential resources like MCAT prep, mentorship, application assistance, and research initiatives, ensuring mentee success.
These are the foundation of our mission and shape our programs, partnerships, and interactions as we empower the next generation of SOF medical professionals.