From the cockpit to the clinic, few have broken as many barriers as Rebecca E. deVillers, CAPT., MC, USN, DO. One of the first women to serve as a U.S. Navy flight surgeon and a leader in both military and civilian medicine, she has spent her career paving the way for others.
A 1976 graduate of the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Kansas City University (KCU), her career has been defined by service to her country, her patients and the osteopathic profession. Commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1973, she became the tenth woman in history to be designated a naval flight surgeon. Her first assignment took her to Naval Air Station Brunswick in Maine, where she deployed to Spain, Iceland and Portugal, caring for service members and their families.
“I became a flight surgeon with a P-3 squadron,” she recalled. “It was an exciting time, so many great memories and so many wonderful people I had the privilege care for.”
In 2003, decades after her first commission, deVillers was recalled to active duty in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle and Iraqi Freedom, providing care to Marines, sailors and soldiers in Kuwait.
“When I arrived, I didn’t know anyone,” she said. “I was sort of a fish out of water. But the people there rallied around me, and I learned quickly that even when you’re out of your comfort zone, if you have good people surrounding you, it makes all the difference.”
Her Navy career spanned more than three decades and included both active duty and reserve service. Over the years she earned numerous citations and awards, including the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon and Volunteer Service Medal.
After retiring from military service, deVillers brought that same dedication to family medicine in central Ohio. She served in leadership roles including chair of the Department of Family Medicine, medical staff president at Doctors Hospital and member of the Board of Directors for OhioHealth, one of the state’s largest health systems.
Her continued connection to KCU remains a source of pride. She currently serves on the KCU Alumni Association Board and the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation (OHF) Board of Directors.
Her lifelong commitment to service and leadership was recognized as the recipient of the Star Spangled Banner Medallion at the KCU Alumni Awards.
When deVillers learned she’d been selected for the honor, her first emotion was humility.
“It really is quite an honor,” she said. “When I think of all the folks in my class and those who’ve come after, I feel quite humbled that I was selected.”
Her work with OHF inspired a meaningful contribution to KCU to celebrate her achievements.
“When I learned the Foundation wanted to make a gift to KCU in my honor, I was completely taken aback,” she said. “To be recognized by a group that you work with, people who share your same values and direction, it’s really heartfelt.”
Her husband proudly captured the moment she received the award, a symbol not only of her service, but of the partnership and support that sustained it.
In addition to the forthcoming gift from OHF, Dr. deVillers plans to make a personal contribution of her own to KCU.
“I wouldn’t have the life I have if it weren’t for Kansas City University,” she said. “They took a chance on me, and it turned out very good. Being an osteopathic physician has been one of the biggest blessings of my life.”
Though her gift amount and the total contribution from OHF won’t be announced until later this year, deVillers intends for the funds to support scholarships for KCU students.
“When I was in school, tuition was $2,500 a year, which seemed like a lot at the time,” she said. “Now, it’s so different. I know what a scholarship can mean to a student, and I want to help make that possible for others.”
After decades of service to her country and countless patients, deVillers continues to live that same spirit of giving.
“I’ve truly been blessed in life,” she said. “Now, it’s my turn to give back to the university that gave me so much.”
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