Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton (NHCP) held a graduation ceremony for its Residents and Interns June 26 in the hospital's Medal of Honor Mall.

Nine Family Medicine residents, four Dental residents, two Sports Medicine fellows, one Pharmacy resident and 12 Family Medicine interns graduated during the ceremony.

As one of only five naval hospitals with a training program for family medicine doctors, NHCP takes in several residents per year to train them to give Marines, Sailors and their families the best care possible.

Rear Adm. Kenneth J. Iverson, deputy chief at Medical Operations Bureau of Medicine and Surgery and prior NHCP commanding officer, was the ceremony guest speaker. During his commencement speech, Iverson mentioned the hardships faced and the hardships yet to come. In closing he thanked each graduate for their hard work and wished them the best as they move further in their careers.

"You all worked hard, long hours and it is much appreciated, you are the engine that keeps this hospital going," said Iverson. "As you embark on this next phase in your career I wish you fair winds, the greatest success and following seas."

Before the presentation of the graduates, directors from all four programs congratulated their graduates and offered words of encouragement.

All new Navy doctors arriving at NHCP participate in a one-year internship, where upon completion they either continue training for two more years as a resident or go out into the fleet as a general medicine officer.

Lt. James Mazzuchelli, a graduating intern, is on his way to the Naval Aeronautical Medical Institute in Pensacola, Florida, where he will train to become a flight surgeon. Mazzuchelli said that while the internship is difficult, everyone becomes very close and serves as a great support system making his departure bittersweet.

"If I had to choose [this program] again I would absolutely come back. The culture here at the hospital is outstanding and it is a very supportive environment," said Mazzuchelli. "One of the strengths of this program is that they encourage independent decision making. They are actually training you to make decisions as a doctor and a lot of us are going to the fleet after this so it really prepares you for that."

While operating as residents, the graduates have been working between 60 and 80 hours per week. This ceremony gives them the completion of a milestone needed to continue in their naval careers.

Dental residents are new dental school graduates that elect to receive one year of post-graduate training in specialty care diagnosis and treatment, in addition to managing patients in a hospital environment.

Sports Medicine fellows are usually Family Medicine residents returning from the fleet to further their education in treating and preventing injuries associated with intense physical activity.

The Pharmacy Residency Program at NHCP is a one year accredited program that provides increased clinical pharmacy skills and helps to better identify problems related to drug therapy and provide sound recommendations to physicians.

Lt. Christopher Mullin, a 3rd year graduate headed to the 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, said that his experience has been amazing and graduation, to him, is the summary of the last 25 years of his life and that he is ready to be in the fleet as a Family Medicine doctor.

"The biggest thing I learned here would be clinical judgement," said Mullin. "Medical school teaches you the book on how to do things but residency teaches you the clinical application of it and how to practice. All of the attendings that have taught me are not only mentors but they also serve as guides on how to deliver quality healthcare."

For more information on NHCP and its Family Medicine Residency Program, visit http://www.cpen.med.navy.mil.

For more news from NHCP, visit www.navy.mil/.