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From Special Operations to Medical School: Ricky Ditzel Jr. on Leadership, Identity & the SOF to SOM Journey
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What does it take for a Special Operations veteran to transition from battlefield leadership to becoming a future leader in medicine?
In this compelling episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Ricky Ditzel Jr., a former U.S. Army Special Operations Flight Paramedic with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) and Co founder of SOF to SOM, a nonprofit organization dedicated to guiding veterans from Special Operations Forces into the world of medicine. Through powerful storytelling and real-world insight, Ricky shares his journey of military transition, navigating medical school applications, and rediscovering identity through service in healthcare.
Together, they unpack:
- The identity crisis many veterans face after leaving elite military units
- The academic and emotional challenges of medical school as a non-traditional student
- Why mentorship and community support are critical for career development and mental wellness
- The founding of SOF to SOM and how it’s helping veterans become leaders in the healthcare system
- How military skills translate into effective healthcare leadership
This episode is an inspiring look at resilience, lifelong learning, and the power of building new purpose after the uniform comes off.
🎙️ Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube—and don’t forget to share, rate, and review to help spread this message of healing and hope.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Healing
05:04 The Birth of SOF to SOM
10:00 Crafting the Narrative for Medical School Applications
15:04 Understanding the Medical School Pipeline
20:10 Building Partnerships with Medical Schools
25:00 Future Aspirations and Leadership in Healthcare
30:56 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
37:15 Overcoming Identity Crisis in Academia
54:07 Balancing Life and Medical School
57:32 Advice for Aspiring Medical Professionals
Instagram: @securityhalt
Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod
LinkedIn: Deny Caballero
Follow Ricky on LinkedIn and support SOF to SOM today!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricky-ditzel/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/softosom/
Website: https://www.softosom.org/
Produced by Security Halt Media
Chapters
1. Introduction to Security Odd Podcast (00:00:00)
2. Ricky's Journey from 160th to Medicine (00:03:30)
3. Birth of SOFT to SOM Organization (00:09:13)
4. Helping Veterans Tell Their Stories (00:16:47)
5. Academic Challenges and Identity Crisis (00:28:21)
6. Finding Balance: Health and Performance (00:43:02)
7. Final Advice for Medical School Aspirants (00:55:47)
8. Closing and Contact Information (01:00:01)
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