OU Medical Student and Veteran Named 2022 Tillman Scholar

Nate Cross, a third-year medical student at the University of Oklahoma, credits his military experience with giving him the courage to answer his calling of becoming a doctor and conquering the challenges along the way.

The Navy veteran, husband and father of three was recently acknowledged for his pursuits in medicine and his military service by the Pat Tillman Foundation, which named him a 2022 Tillman Scholar – a recognition that comes with an average award of $10,000 per academic year and exclusive networking opportunities.

Despite the obstacles posed by embarking on a medical education two years ago during the pandemic, being a father and husband, and working a full-time job at the time of his decision to go back to school, Cross had faith in his own abilities that he could reach his goals thanks to his military training.

“One of the biggest lessons I learned in the military was the importance of grit, perseverance and a strong network of support,” Cross said.

His decision to pursue medicine and leave a secure job as a warehouse and logistics supervisor required that he draw upon those lessons.

“I had a good job, good benefits; everything should’ve been perfect, but I was unsettled because I knew I wanted to be back in medicine,” he said.

Cross served as a Marine Corpsman in the Navy. It was through his training to provide field medicine in the military that he discovered his passion for connecting with patients.

“I know how important authentic human connection is,” Cross said. “As a physician, I hope to establish and maintain authentic relationships to better health outcomes, increase access to care and lower health care costs.”

Cross, who grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, began his military career shortly after high school in the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Fleet Marine Corpsman.

He was enlisted for a total of eight years when he suffered a back injury that ended his time in the military in 2018. Still wanting to be of service, he began medical school at OU with the hopes of becoming a family medicine doctor.

“My dream is to have a private family medicine practice in a rural setting,” Cross said. “Imagine the classic small-town doctor seen in media that treats patients of all ages and is able to form strong bonds with their community to help improve health outcomes.”

Cross earned a bachelor of business administration from the Michael F. Price College of Business and was admitted to the OU College of Medicine in 2020. He expects to graduate in 2024.

Cross is the 13^th OU student to be selected as a Tillman Scholar. Other OU Tillman Scholars have studied medicine, public health, education, law and biology.

“The OU College of Medicine family is so proud to have seen Nate named to this prestigious scholarship,” said Dr. John Zubialde, executive dean of the OU College of Medicine. “As one of 60 leaders selected from thousands of applicants nationwide, Nate represents what is truly great about OU. Dedicated and talented individuals such as Nate that are committed to service beyond self are having a lasting positive impact on our nation. That brings us as Oklahomans and Americans, hope. As a U.S. Air Force veteran myself, I am also grateful to the Tillman Foundation for making such scholarships possible for outstanding service members, veterans and their spouses.”

The Tillman Foundation offers scholarships to U.S. service members, veterans or their spouses to help them pursue higher education and continue their service in the fields of health care, business, law, public service, STEM, education and the humanities.

It’s a highly selective scholarship, with no more than 60 recipients chosen per year from across the country since its inception in 2009.

Cross was chosen as member of the foundation’s 14^th class in honor of the late Pat Tillman, who, as a professional football player in the National Football League, joined the U.S. Army and was killed battle in 2004.

“I am beyond honored to have been selected as a Tillman Scholar, and I am still in a bit of disbelief about being chosen to join such a prestigious group of individuals,” Cross said.

More information on the Tillman Scholars Program can be found at pattillmanfoundation.org/meet-our-scholars.