From the Airforce to Podiatric Medicine: SMU Student Brittany Wright (DPM ‘26) is Awarded Bako Medical Education Foundation Scholarship

The Samuel Merritt University (SMU) College of Podiatric Medicine is thrilled to announce that SMU student Brittany Wright (DPM ‘26) has received the University’s first Bako Medical Education Foundation (BMEF) Endowed Scholarship.

BMEF provides sponsorships, scholarships, and fellowships to educational institutions that seek to train the podiatric medical community on the innovations and best practices in medical diagnostics.  

Of receiving the BMEF scholarship, Brittany says: “What this scholarship means to me is that through all the other stressors, it means that finances can be less of that burden. It means that there are people that care about helping others, and I think that’s what really brings me hope. It’s just such a kind gesture to give to someone. Especially someone who needs it.” 

When Brittany reflects on her path to medicine, she sees one marked by service, resilience, and a steadfast determination to create a better future for her family. A U.S. Air Force veteran and first-generation college graduate, Wright’s journey from the operating rooms of Afghanistan to the clinical labs at SMU is one of transformation and purpose. 

Serving in the Air Force 

Brittany’s passion for medicine began long before she arrived at SMU. “As a child, I spent many days in the garden searching out ladybugs, rollie pollies, and worms,” she says. That early curiosity for biology guided her to join the U.S. Air Force, where she trained as a surgical technologist while pursuing her undergraduate studies. “I became smitten with medicine, and wanted more,” she recalls, “working in healthcare was a dream come true and serving overseas in Afghanistan gave me purpose.” 

During her deployment at Bagram Airfield, Brittany scrubbed in the operating room alongside military surgeons and nurses. One of her fondest memories from the time was celebrating the team’s March birthdays with a cake from the on-base Dairy Queen. “I was a senior Airman in rank at the time. And most importantly, this is an ice cream cake,” she recounts.  

Another photo taken later that year shows how her passion for surgical work inspired her sisters to follow in her footsteps. Brittany’s oldest sister Danielle joined the Army to become a surgical technologist. “A few years later, my middle sister joined the army and did the same…I was pretty convincing when I said it was a good career.” 

Pursing Higher Education

After completing her military service, Brittany’s path to SMU required additional training and support. She attended Solano Community College and received Associate of Science degrees in biology, chemistry, and general science.  

Her graduation from community college represents a period of her life where she was working a graveyard shift at night, going to school during the day, and raising her daughter.  

While she still spends some time “warding off mom guilt” Brittany has found her studies to be incredibly rewarding, reflecting that “the decision was easy. It was all I wanted. If I could go back, I’d do it again.” 

“Being able to celebrate with my family the advancement of each year. Seeing my growth through my underclassmen. Recognizing that that was me a year ago and looking at where I’ve come. Connecting with a patient and feeling their trust in you is also its own reward every time.” 

As the first in her family to obtain a college degree, Brittany recognizes the strength it has taken to pursue her journey. “My younger self doubted a career in healthcare, never mind medicine. It’s hard to imagine higher education when neither of your parents graduated high school.”  

Studying Podiatric Medicine at SMU

Brittany chose to study podiatric medicine in large part because of the podiatrists she had worked alongside—none of whom ever showed a “glimmer of regret” about their career choice. “If they were any reflection of myself,” she says, “it was an image I would have liked to see.” 

At SMU, Brittany serves as President of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) Student Club, where she is responsible for coordinating a team of student researchers. She has gone to several conferences to give presentations on research and the importance of participating in professional communities.  

As an SMU student, Brittany has also enjoyed participating in research at the Motion Analysis Research Center (MARC), where she studies the impact of custom orthotics on gait and balance with Dr. Timothy Dutra and Dr. Stephen Hill. Outfitted in over 30 reflective ball sensors that capture movement, Brittany dances for her colleagues, “proving that research can, in fact, be fun.”  

As she looks towards her future, Brittany promises to represent the BMEF scholarship by committing herself to the health sciences and encouraging allied health professionals from underprivileged backgrounds to know that they are capable and they will make a difference.  

“I’m looking forward to my personal growth,” she says, and to having the ability “to translate that into care that I can provide to the community I grew up in—a suburban town, now booming with people but still very much tied to its agricultural roots.”