11/6/2026 Beth Hart
Carle Illinois College of Medicine students Chris Lingat and Ben Shapiro are preparing to launch their careers in military medicine and as officers in the U.S. Air Force. Through the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), Lingat and Shapiro are committed to serving both patients and their country. Megan Moehring is a third-year medical student and Navy veteran.
Written by Beth Hart
Two Carle Illinois College of Medicine students are embracing the mission of caring for those who serve and sacrifice for their country. Through the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), Chris Lingat and Ben Shapiro are preparing to launch their careers in military medicine and as officers in the U.S. Air Force. Both now hold the rank of second lieutenant. Upon graduation from medical school, they will be commissioned as captains and serve as resident physicians in the military. Two other CI MED students –– Megan Moehring and Tyler Nofzinger –– are military veterans, having served in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard, respectively. In the interview below, Shapiro, Lingat, and Moehring share how their unique Physician Innovator training shapes their service and their aspirations for the future.
Ben Shapiro, Class of 2029
Q: As someone combining medicine and military service, how do you hope to contribute through these roles in the future?
A: Serving one’s country is among the greatest honors a person can undertake. It is a commitment to protect loved ones, honor the legacy of those who served before us, and pave the way for those who will follow. Military medicine is a natural extension of this calling, as it is an opportunity to serve those willing to give everything for others.
Ultimately, my goal is to ensure the continued health and peak performance of airmen, pilots, and their families, allowing them to safely fulfill their missions and eventually enjoy long, healthy lives in retirement.
Q: Why is it important to carry a Physician Innovator’s mindset into military medicine?
A: Adaptability and resourcefulness are life-saving principles used in both the military and medicine. A Physician Innovator looks beyond the immediate patient, asking how systems can be improved to prevent future harm. In resource-constrained military environments, this proactive mindset is essential.
True innovation is not always about million-dollar technology; often, it is about redesigning a process to deliver critical care more efficiently. I plan to bring this relentless curiosity to my service, continuously seeking ways to optimize human performance and safeguard the longevity of our service members.
Q: What are your professional aspirations, clinically and/or in research and innovation, and what inspired this path?
A: Clinically, I am drawn to the high-stakes, rapid triage environment of emergency medicine. However, my aspirations do not stop at acute care. I am deeply invested in preventative health and metabolic innovation. My current research analyzing plasma metabolomics in Mediterranean diet interventions has shown me firsthand how personalized nutrition alters disease pathways at a molecular level. My ultimate goal is to bridge these two worlds: providing exceptional acute care when emergencies strike while using nutrition research to enhance the longevity and readiness of our military personnel.
Christopher Lingat, Class of 2027
Q: As someone combining medicine and military service, how do you hope to contribute through these roles in the future?
A: As I pursue residency in general surgery, with the goal of further training in trauma surgery, I hope to develop into a physician who can be counted on when the stakes are high and the people around me need me most. Military service reinforces the importance of that responsibility.
Whether caring for service members, veterans, or civilian patients, I want to develop the clinical skills, judgment, and adaptability to contribute meaningfully to a team and earn the trust of the people I work with.
Looking further ahead, I hope to contribute to military medicine through teaching, mentorship, and research. I want to share what I learn throughout my career, help train the next generation of military physicians, and contribute to research that advances how we care for patients. Although I am still early in my training, these are areas I hope to continue pursuing as I grow as a physician and discover where I can make the greatest contribution.
Q: Why is it important to carry a Physician Innovator’s mindset into military medicine?
A: Military medicine has played an important role in advancing surgical care, particularly in trauma, where the demands of caring for critically injured patients have helped drive innovations that benefit both military and civilian populations. Continuing that tradition requires physicians who are willing to question existing practices, recognize gaps in our knowledge, and pursue new ways to improve patient care.
I believe a Physician Innovator’s mindset means looking beyond what we currently know and asking how we can do better. Research is an important part of that process, allowing us to investigate clinical questions, challenge assumptions, and translate new knowledge into better care for patients.
Q: What are your professional aspirations (clinically and/or in research & innovation), and what inspired this path?
A: My professional goal is to become a general surgeon, with the current intention of pursuing trauma surgery. I am drawn to the field because it requires a combination of technical skill, sound judgment, adaptability, and teamwork. I enjoy the problem-solving involved in surgery and the responsibility that comes with caring for patients during some of the most critical moments of their lives.
Beyond clinical practice, research is something I hope to remain actively involved in throughout my career. I want to continue asking questions about how we practice medicine, investigating areas where our knowledge is limited, and contributing to advances that improve surgical care. I also hope to eventually take on a role in medical education, teaching and mentoring future physicians, particularly those pursuing careers in military medicine.
Megan Moehring, Class of 2028
Q: What years did you serve, and what was your role in the military?
A: May 2010 through December 2014. I was an Electronics Technician, and I repaired submarines' communication systems, radar, and periscopes.
Q: What did you learn during your military service that informs or shapes your approach to medicine and patient care?
A: My time in the Navy taught me about working under pressure, adapting to different situations, and relying on the people around me. I learned how to stay calm when things became stressful, take responsibility, and develop leadership skills in challenging environments. Being surrounded by people from different backgrounds and cultures also taught me how to connect with others, adapt to different perspectives, and work toward a common goal. These experiences influence how I approach medicine and patient care.
I understand the importance of staying composed in difficult situations, communicating effectively, and working as part of a team. Just as importantly, I recognize that every patient has a unique background and perspective and should be treated with compassion, respect, and understanding.
Q: What are your professional aspirations, and what inspired this path?
A: I am currently deciding between pediatrics and OB/GYN. I love working with children and the opportunity to watch them grow and develop over time, which draws me to pediatrics. In OB/GYN, I enjoy the diversity of care, including the combination of preventive medicine, surgery, and hands-on procedures. I look forward to gaining more clinical experience in both specialties.