From Submariner to Physician: Will Harris Charts a New Course in Service

2024 Tillman Scholar Will Harris spent eight years serving as a submariner in the U.S. Navy, leading critical missions beneath the Pacific. Now, he’s embarking on a new journey as a primary care physician.

Raised in a military family, Will graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2013 and commissioned into the Navy, where he served aboard a fast-attack submarine. During his military service, Will developed an interest in medicine and realized that the practice shares many similarities to submarine operations. With this in mind and with support from the Pat Tillman Foundation, he transitioned out of active duty and enrolled at Harvard Medical School.

This past May, Will completed his degree and matched with Weill Cornell Medicine, where he will begin his residency in internal medicine with a focus on primary care.

“I chose primary care to develop meaningful longitudinal relationships with patients,” he told Harvard Medical School. “I believe that there will be significant innovation in primary care access and delivery during my career, and I hope that I can play a roll in that innovation!”

The Foundation is proud to support Will in this next phase of his career and can’t wait to see what he will accomplish as a primary care physician.

Will’s journey is just one of many inspiring stories within our community. To learn more about our nearly 1,000 Tillman Scholars and the incredible work they’re doing, visit our Scholar page here.