Former political refugee becomes Air Force doctor

Published Jan. 28, 2009
By Steve Pivnick
81st Medical Group Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- The doctor is IN!

Senior Airman Mauricio De Castro Pretelt has achieved his long-sought goal of becoming a physician in the U.S., and more specifically, the U.S. Air Force.

Currently a laboratory technician with the 81st Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron, the native of Colombia and recent U.S. citizen will soon be commissioned as a captain and enter Keesler Medical Center's internal medicine residency program.

He enlisted in the Air Force for the opportunity it offers him and to serve his country, noting that, "The U.S. has been so great to me and my family; I want to repay the country I love and also become an Air Force physician.

"I'm ecstatic! I feel a mixture of pride in my achievement and gratitude to all the people who helped my along the way," he said.

He added, "When I tell people about it, a lot of them focus on the commissioning part. Don't get me wrong; I think that's great, but for me it's more about being able to practice medicine. The Air Force gave me a shot and I took it. It goes to show that perseverance goes a long way."

Airman De Castro Pretelt received a medical degree in general practice from University del Norte in Barranquilla, Columbia, in July 2004, but it wasn't transferable to the U.S. Then 23 years old, he and his family sought political asylum in the U.S. shortly after graduation.

"Due to the situation in Colombia at the time, we feared political persecution because my family was involved with the government," he explained. His parents subsequently returned as the nation became more stable.

He began the process of acquiring his U.S. medical license in July 2005. The long and demanding process started looking up when he was stationed at Keesler.

"I spoke with Colonel (Dr. Kathleen) Elmer (81st Medical Operations Squadron commander), my commander at that time, I explained my situation to her and she was very receptive. She got the ball rolling for me; she was a big help! Colonel (Stephanie) McCann (81st MDTS commander), my current commander, has also been a major supporter. I am very lucky to have had such magnificent leadership. A lot of people got involved and helped. It's been amazing!"

Soon-to-be Captain (Dr.) De Castro Pretelt took four required exams to acquire his license. He received official acceptance into the internal medicine residency program from the Joint Service Graduate Medical Education Selection Board Dec. 17.

"I start at beautiful Keesler July 1," he said. He'll be commissioned May 26 and complete Commissioned Officer Training at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., June 26.

He chose Keesler's internal medicine program, although he had the option of programs at Lackland AFB, Texas, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, or even a civilian residency.

"I know the program here. The program director is great, the attending physicians are great and the residents are great. It's an excellent program and I am certain I will receive superb training," he explained. "I like the weather, too."

His family shares his joy.

"They are happy for me -- this has been four years in the making," he remarked. "They know I have worked very hard to get to this point. It's a dream come true for them and me."

"I want to thank everyone who helped me," he continued. "This was a joint effort. A lot of people got involved. It wouldn't have been possible without the efforts of Colonels Elmer and McCann and Capt. (Dr.) Nathan Evans, (81st MDOS and former internal medicine chief resident). The people in my section were very supportive, especially Sharon Love (81st MDTS) who helped me study for the exams. She would even sit with me and pretend to be a patient."

To prepare for his new role as a medical officer, Airman De Castro Pretelt recently left his Keesler dormitory and moved to D'Iberville.

His two brothers also are in the U.S. military. Carlos, 26, also a U.S. citizen, is an Army first lieutenant at Fort Bragg, N.C. Miguel, 22, is an airman first class assigned to Bolling AFB, D.C. Both of them will pin on Mauricio's captain bars at his commissioning ceremony.