Let's Talk: Veterans Day and the Call to Serve with Justin Atkins, Marine Corps Combat Veteran and MD candidate

Let's Talk UNLV

Justin Atkins joined the United States Marine Corps on September 11, 2001, after witnessing the terror attacks that took place that day. Justin’s career in the Marine Corps would span 12 years and take him to four different continents. Justin received training as an Infantry Rifleman and as a Marine Security Guard after completing Boot Camp at Parris Island, South Carolina.

Justin was medically retired due to complications from his wounds received on his first deployment to Iraq. While on active duty, Justin completed his associate degree in general studies through the American Military University and was a highly decorated combat veteran.

Justin completed his bachelor's degree in Kinesiological Science through the University of Nevada Las Vegas and served as a Senator, Senate President pro tempore, and Attorney General while part of the undergraduate student body. Justin helped expand access to mental health services at UNLV in response to the October 1 shootings and made several trips to Carson City to advocate for increased funding for UNLV.

Justin completed a Master of Public Health degree from Baylor University and is now an MD candidate at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. Justin is an accomplished researcher, a father of four, and a loving husband. He plans to complete a residency in Family Medicine here in Las Vegas and to continue serving the veteran community as a Primary Care Practitioner for the Veterans Administration.