“I’ve always felt a strong desire to serve and knew I wanted to be involved in some form of military service,” says Brandon Bounds, class of 2028 at Texas A&M School of Engineering Medicine (EnMed). His journey at EnMed symbolizes his commitment to a unique path, combining his passion for engineering, medicine and military service. With a new chapter unfolding, he prepares for the demanding training that lies ahead and pays tribute to a family history rooted in service.
Born in Bryan, Texas, Bound’s connection to Texas A&M runs deep. “My parents are Aggies, so that Aggie spirit was in my blood from the start,” he shared. Though he grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona, he returned to Texas A&M after earning an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering at the University of Arizona. “After graduating, I drove straight back to Texas to start the pre-matriculation course and joined the Army in the first week of that course,” he said.
His decision to join the Army was inspired by a strong family military history intertwined with Texas A&M’s legacy of producing dedicated service members. “One grandpa served in the Marine Corps during World War II, another was in the Air Force during Vietnam, and my dad was in the Corps during his first year at Texas A&M. I’ve always felt a strong desire to serve,” he explained. This family history mirrors the university’s commitment to developing leaders ready to serve their country.
Bound’s passion for problem-solving and helping others influenced his career choice. “I’ve always enjoyed finding solutions and making a difference, which led me to biomedical engineering,” he said. His engineering background, which taught him “take things apart and put them back together,” fueled his interest in medicine from an early age.
At EnMed, Bounds chose a path that allowed him to integrate his engineering background with medical training. “The opportunity to become an Army doctor and receive a scholarship seemed like a perfect way to bring all these elements together,” he noted. Texas A&M’s strong military tradition and support for the military further solidified his decision. He also appreciated the elevated professionalism and rigorous standards at EnMed, which aligned closely with the structured environment of the military. EnMed’s commitment to excellence mirrors the discipline and precision required in military service, making it an ideal fit for his aspirations.
Bounds marked a significant milestone recently when he was commissioned at EnMed’s white coat ceremony—on the same day he received his white coat. This event highlighted his dual commitment to both medicine and military service, a journey he describes as challenging yet deeply rewarding.
Looking forward to the future, Bounds hopes to bring his unique skills and perspectives to the Army. “My engineering background, particularly in osteopathic medicine and problem-solving, will be valuable in the Army,” he said. He envisions using his expertise to innovate and improve patient care, especially in austere environments. Bounds’ journey at EnMed, alongside his recent commission into the military, marks the beginning of a bold new chapter for him, where excellence in physicianeering, a passion for service, and a dedication to the country unite to shape the future of military medicine. “The biggest thing for me is to give back and serve those serving our country and their families,” Bounds said.