From Special Operations to Medical School: Ricky Ditzel Jr. on Leadership, Identity & the SOF to SOM Journey

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What does it take for a Special Operations veteran to transition from battlefield leadership to becoming a future leader in medicine?

In this compelling episode of Security Halt!, host Deny Caballero sits down with Ricky Ditzel Jr., a former U.S. Army Special Operations Flight Paramedic with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) and Co founder of SOF to SOM, a nonprofit organization dedicated to guiding veterans from Special Operations Forces into the world of medicine. Through powerful storytelling and real-world insight, Ricky shares his journey of military transition, navigating medical school applications, and rediscovering identity through service in healthcare.

Together, they unpack:

• The identity crisis many veterans face after leaving elite military units
• The academic and emotional challenges of medical school as a non-traditional student
• Why mentorship and community support are critical for career development and mental wellness
• The founding of SOF to SOM and how it’s helping veterans become leaders in the healthcare system
• How military skills translate into effective healthcare leadership

This episode is an inspiring look at resilience, lifelong learning, and the power of building new purpose after the uniform comes off.

🎙️ Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube—and don’t forget to share, rate, and review to help spread this message of healing and hope.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Healing

05:04 The Birth of SOF to SOM

10:00 Crafting the Narrative for Medical School Applications

15:04 Understanding the Medical School Pipeline

20:10 Building Partnerships with Medical Schools

25:00 Future Aspirations and Leadership in Healthcare

30:56 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

37:15 Overcoming Identity Crisis in Academia

54:07 Balancing Life and Medical School

57:32 Advice for Aspiring Medical Professionals

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LinkedIn: Deny Caballero

Follow Ricky on LinkedIn and support SOF to SOM today!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricky-ditzel/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/softosom/

Website: https://www.softosom.org/

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Produced by Security Halt Media