“Twice the Citizen”: Colonel Dr. Derrick Glymph’s Journey from Military Nurse to Academic Leader

When Associate Professor Dr. Derrick Glymph joined the military, his motivation was simple—he was saving up to buy a car. He was also inspired by his father, who had served more than 22 years in the Navy and who agreed to sign his son’s enlistment papers only if Glymph “chose a marketable career field.” After considering military police work and roles in water purification, Glymph selected MOS 91C – Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), a decision that not only allowed him to buy a car but also launched his lifelong journey in nursing to terminal degree Doctor of Practice and PhD.

Dr. Glymph, who serves as Assistant Director and Clinical Education Coordinator of the Duke University School of Nursing’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse Anesthesia program, recently retired from the Army Reserve at the rank of Colonel after 35 years of service. Here, he shares lessons from his three and a half decades of nursing and service.

"I reflect on the privilege of being what we often call ‘twice the citizen.’ Military service offers a unique opportunity to grow as both a leader and a clinician".

Inspiration & Values 

“I value the lifelong friendships and the incredible people I’ve served alongside. One of my most profound lessons came during my deployment to Afghanistan shortly after completing Nurse Anesthesia School. I learned that extraordinary people exist everywhere in the world. The Army’s core values—loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage—have shaped who I am as a soldier, clinician, and leader. They guide me no matter where I find myself.” 

Empowering & Uplifting Others

“Serving as Deputy Commander of Nursing for the past five years has strengthened my commitment to servant leadership. My focus has been on building others, creating opportunities for professional growth, and developing the next generation of leaders. I believe mentorship is key to advancing health equity—by empowering and uplifting others, we create more inclusive and equitable systems of care.”

Lessons in Leadership

“When I deployed to Afghanistan in 2005, I had just graduated from Nurse Anesthesia School. As the sole anesthesia provider for a Forward Surgical Team (FST), I was responsible for both patient care and training—teaching my team and even our foreign allies how to intubate and perform anesthesia procedures. That experience sparked my desire to pursue a terminal degree and ultimately led me to academia. My military experiences have made me adaptable, flexible, and resilient in every challenge I face in nursing.”

Nurses’ Unique Contributions

“Nurses with military experience bring exceptional leadership, teamwork, and adaptability. The ability to remain calm under pressure, collaborate across disciplines, and navigate uncertainty are qualities I learned in service that translate seamlessly into academic and clinical settings. These nurses often excel in mentorship and systems thinking, which enriches both education and patient care environments.”

Parting Advice

“I reflect on the privilege of being what we often call ‘twice the citizen.’ Military service offers a unique opportunity to grow as both a leader and a clinician. My advice to nurses considering this path is to embrace every opportunity, learn from every setback, and cultivate resilience. The values of perseverance, adaptability, and service will shape your professional and personal growth—whether in academia, the military, or healthcare.”