Thank You Veterans, Spencer Christensen ('12): Medicine and Military

Christensen graduated from The University of Iowa in 2025 with a pre-med degree. He has worked for the past two years as a medical assistant in orthopedic trauma. His military journey began the summer after his freshman year of college when he attended basic training in South Carolina. After that, he trained for 4.5 months to become a combat medic, a role similar to that of a civilian paramedic. Since his initial training, he has had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles, including running clinics for the local homeless population in Cedar Rapids and supporting soldiers during the 60th Presidential Inauguration.

He has also completed Air Assault School, which is known as the ten toughest days in the army. During that time, he learned helicopter operations and rappelled 120 feet out of a Black Hawk helicopter. He currently serves a field hospital unit as a sergeant in the Army National Guard. 

Christensen said, “I felt the Lord calling me to join the military to help address the mental health and suicide epidemic among service members. I wanted to be there for my fellow soldiers not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. I was also drawn to the meaningful nature of the work and the camaraderie that forms within military units. As for medicine, I’ve always been fascinated by how the body works, and I love the critical thinking involved—it’s like solving a puzzle. But more than that, I value the human connection. Being present for people during some of the best and worst moments of their lives, and offering peace in their most uncertain scary times is something I find incredibly impactful and fulfilling.”

As for his future plans, Christensen’s goal is to become a physician assistant in emergency medicine while continuing to serve in the military. He hopes to eventually transfer to a Civil Affairs unit, which is considered special operations—a role that would allow him to do more humanitarian work building connections with communities in strategic areas while providing medical care to their communities.  

Christensen deeply values service and takes the call to impact the world for Christ seriously—qualities that were shaped in part by his time at DMC. 

“The school equipped me with a strong science foundation,” he says, “which helped me succeed academically. But more importantly, DMC created a culture that encouraged personal growth and a desire to serve others. That culture stuck with me and continues to influence how I live today.”