This Week at USU - June 15 2026

[Uniformed Services University - News]

15 June 2026

One Giant Leap for a USU Graduate: Army Physician and USU Alumnus Frank Rubio Named to Historic Artemis III Crew

A USU-trained Army physician and American spaceflight record holder is headed for the Moon. NASA has named Army Col. (Dr.) Frank Rubio, a 2010 graduate of USU's medical school, to the four-person Artemis III crew launching in 2027. The aviator-turned-doctor already holds the U.S. record for the longest single spaceflight — 371 straight days in orbit. [Follow Rubio's path from Black Hawk pilot to the Moon]

Leishmaniasis: A Persistent Threat in a Changing Operational Environment

A parasite carried by sand flies is spreading into new regions, and U.S. forces are in its path. A New England Journal of Medicine review led by USU professor Dr. Naomi Aronson traces the rising threat of leishmaniasis, the molecular tools changing how it's diagnosed, and the vaccine candidates that could one day end its deadliest form. [Learn why even a sand fly can shape readiness]

U.S. Naval Hospital Rota Rotation Offers Future Navy Physicians a Broader Perspective on Military Medicine

Two future Navy physicians traded the classroom for an overseas military hospital in Spain. Ensigns Connor Mangan and Megan McLaughlin spent a month at U.S. Naval Hospital Rota, training beside fleet physicians and touring a guided-missile destroyer to see the operational world their patients will serve. [See what a rotation an ocean away taught them]

USU Events

The 2026 Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics Celebration 16 JUNE 1000 - 1100 EDT Rice Hall, Building B, USU & Virtual (Google Meet) Celebrate the achievements, contributions, and accomplishments of the Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics community during the 2026 celebration. Add to Calendar

Escape the Ordinary: Turning A Canvas Lesson into an Interactive Mission 16 JUNE 1200 - 1300 EDT Virtual (Microsoft Teams) Learn ideas about how you can use Canvas to boost engagement, encourage problem-solving, and make learning interactive.   Add to Calendar

Disaster Medicine Lecture Series 16 JUNE 1300 - 1500 EDT Register Here Explore disaster exercise design and facilitation, along with strategies and best practices in mass gathering medicine. Add to Calendar

Pediatric Grand Rounds Seminar 17 JUNE 0745 - 0845 EDT Virtual (Google Meet) This session provides military pediatricians with practical strategies for discussing firearm safety with families to prevent injuries. Add to Calendar

Family Medicine Grand Rounds 17 JUNE 1200 - 1300 EDT Lecture Room A3, Building A, USU & Virtual (Microsoft Teams) Learn about the lessons for practice, education, and leadership in Global Family Medicine in 2026. Add to Calendar

GWIMS Seminar 17 JUNE 1200 - 1300 EDT Virtual (Microsoft Teams) Explore the health services research in support of active-duty service women. Add to Calendar

National Capital Consortium Graduation 18 JUNE Strathmore Hall, Bethesda, MD Celebrate the next generation of military medical professionals as National Capital Consortium graduates complete their training and prepare for the next chapter of service. Add to Calendar

Department of Military and Emergency Medicine Grand Rounds 18 JUNE 1200 - 1300 EDT Virtual (Google Meet) Explore the health services research in support of active-duty service women. Add to Calendar

Department of Medicine Talks 18 JUNE 1200 - 1230 EDT Virtual (Microsoft Teams) Learn about Dr. Heather Yun's her Ironman Triathlon journey and marathon experience. Add to Calendar

Midday Meditation 18 JUNE 1200 - 1230 EDT Virtual (Google Meet) Engage in a guided meditation session exploring the inner workings of the mind. Add to Calendar

USU in the News

Army Astronaut Selected for NASA's Historic Artemis III Mission USU School of Medicine graduate Army Col. (Dr.) Frank Rubio — an Army aviator-turned-physician — has been named a mission specialist for NASA's 2027 Artemis III lunar mission. U.S. Department of War  COVID History May Prompt New Allergies A USU-led study of more than 760,000 Military Health System patients found that a prior COVID-19 infection raised the risk of six allergic conditions, with asthma risk climbing the most. Medscape Medical News Rep. Tokuda Fights to Protect Hawaiʻi Lands, Secures Key Priorities in Annual Defense Policy Bill The House Armed Services Committee's FY2027 defense bill includes a provision to establish new behavioral health programs at USU and expand Military Health System residencies for civilian providers. Maui Now A Legacy of Service: AAPA and PAF Honor Kenneth Moritsugu Former Acting U.S. Surgeon General Kenneth P. Moritsugu, MD, MPH — who has mentored future leaders as a USU educator and advisor — was honored for more than 30 years of service to the physician associate profession. American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) The links shared are not an implied endorsement by the DoD or USU.

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