DVIDS – News – Plantation, Florida Pathologist Launches Navy Career

PLANTATION, Fla. – Cameron Summers-Powell, M.D., a resident physician with HCA Florida Westside Hospital’s pathology residency program, took his oath of office in front of friends, family and colleagues, inside Bennet Medical Plaza in Plantation, Oct. 17, 2025.

“The prospect of serving my country is the greatest calling I can imagine for myself and that desire has sat latent since my time as a cadet at the Citadel,” said Summers-Powell, who earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from the Citadel in 2016. “The United States of America is the greatest country on the face of the Earth and I hold that I have an obligation to do my part and support the people that make that possible.”

Retired Navy Capt. Alan Schiller, M.D., an HCA Florida Westside Hospital pathology residency program attending physician, administered the oath of office.

Summers-Powell earned his Doctor of Medicine from St. George’s University School of Medicine in St. George, Grenada, in 2023. He currently serves as a resident pathologist at HCA Westside Hospital in Plantation, and has committed to Naval service through the Financial Assistance Program.

“The FAP, or Financial Assistance Program, is a great opportunity for medical residents,” said Lt. Farouk Smith, Summers-Powell’s medical officer recruiter assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Miami. “The program provides an annual grant, and a monthly stipend to support residents in their completion of their respective residencies before matriculation into Navy Medicine as active-duty physicians. This enables our prospective physician to focus on their craft, without the stress of financial burdens.”

Summers-Powell believes the Navy can provide him with new opportunities.

“I view my time in the service as an opportunity to serve my country, cultivate my skills as a pathologist through exposure and service to a population of active-duty personnel, veterans and their families and finally as a vehicle to broaden my horizons and see the world,” said Summers-Powell.

Beyond the practical experience, Summers-Powell believes Navy service will strengthen his professional credentials.

“It is my belief that medical service in the Navy can translate into broader career opportunities such as hospital leadership,” he added.

Summers-Powell believes his medical and military accomplishments were possible thanks to the support of the people in his life. He credited his family in this support network, including his parents and his three brothers. He is joining his oldest brother, Navy Cmdr. Damian Summers-Oslebo, deputy technical director for the Zumwalt Combat System, in the Navy ranks.

“I am incredibly proud of my brother’s achievements and leadership qualities,” said Summers-Oslebo. “Not only his medical expertise but also his selflessness. I hope, in some small way, that I was a good influence on him.”

Inspired by his family’s support, Summers-Powell believes the event marks a pivotal point in personal evolution.

“This is a big moment in my life,” said Summers-Powell. “I’ve always wanted to serve my country – I’ve wanted to do it since I was in college and now is my chance. So this marks the fruition of a dream I’ve had but it also marks the transition from being a child to being an adult.”

Summers-Powell believes medical professionals considering their career options can benefit from the Navy’s Financial Assistance Program.

“People in my position can more or less be broken down into two groups when it comes to making a career choice,” he said. “Those who want to improve their financial situation and those who want to take part in something that can elevate their medical career. I saw the Navy Financial Assistance Program as a way to accomplish both.”

Recipients of the Financial Assistance Program enter the Inactive Ready Reserve as Navy lieutenants, participating mainly in brief annual training. During those periods, they are considered active duty officers and receive pay and benefits. Once their medical training is complete, they must fulfill a minimum service commitment, according to the Navy Medicine website.

Your medical skills can make a difference — and the Navy can help you grow. Explore FAP opportunities today. Call 754-317-1614 or visit www.navy.com to connect with a medical officer recruiter.

Navy Talent Acquisition Group Miami has 38 recruiting locations throughout South Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with the combined mission to recruit the highest caliber Sailors to meet the needs of the fleet.