Mom. Wife. Captain. Doctor. Marvelous.
Those are some of the lofty titles that aptly describe Tecshana N. Blackwood, CPT/SP, PA-C, who recently graduated from the Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMU).
Dr. Blackwood’s inspiring story is about conviction, resiliency, and determination.
Pursuing Her Passion at RMU
Dr. Blackwood considers herself “a true practitioner” who’s in her element regarding patient care. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the mother of two young boys and a wife of 14 years boldly decided to pursue her passion for medicine and learning.
Despite challenging circumstances, Dr. Blackwood began that effort in earnest in 2020.
“I thought it was insanity to attempt such a venture during this time,” Dr. Blackwood admits. “However, I felt I was ready for a challenge.”
Dr. Blackwood, who obtained a Master of Science Physician Assistant Studies degree at Mercy College in Bronx, New York in 2017, enrolled at RMU for several reasons. The accreditation was impressive. This path supported her busy work schedule and family life. And to her delight, the DMSc program is 100% online.
Receiving Superior Support
Dr. Blackwood’s enthusiasm for RMU’s offerings was quickly validated. Faculty demonstrated that her experiences mattered to them and supported her from the first semester onward. Because of another high-priority endeavor, that support was critical to her.
After joining the United States Army Reserve in May 2017, Dr. Blackwood transitioned to Active Duty Army in August 2021. Two months later, Dr. Blackwood reported to her Fort Bliss, Texas duty station. Soon after, she began preparing for her first deployment to South Korea.
“This was the challenge of my life,” she recalls. “I felt for the first time I may have bitten off more than I could chew.”
Remarkably, and despite ongoing health challenges, Dr. Blackwood continued her studies during her deployment — an accomplishment made possible thanks to her steady head and never-quit mentality along with the backing of her military commander and her RMU crew: Program Director Bartley Rust, DMSc, and other staff members.
“I always felt the strong support of the Rocky Mountain team,” Dr. Blackwood says. “And for this, I was able to successfully attain my goal, which is completing the DMSc program.”
Bright Future Ahead
After gaining experience working in the Emergency Room, Urgent Care centers, and Internal, Family, and Pain Medicine, earning a doctorate degree will help Dr. Blackwood fulfill her passion.
She looks forward to living out a dream career in the military and healthcare.
“I am one step ahead for promotion to Major, where I will obtain greater responsibility for directing patient care,” she says. “The lessons I will take with me are to remain patient with myself and always continue to learn because continued learning will mold you into a well-rounded practitioner, one that your patients can always rely on.”
