Jennifer L. Ravenscroft, Col (Ret.), DO, FACOFP, has built a career that bridges both military and civilian health care. She has combined clinical expertise with policy leadership to improve medical readiness, champion equity in health care and mentor future professionals. In her most recent professional capacity, she was an osteopathic physician and freelance writer, applying her knowledge to military medical readiness while contributing to the broader medical community through writing and consulting.
Dr. Ravenscroft’s educational foundation played a pivotal role in shaping her achievement. She earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, West Virginia, after completing a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. She has also pursued specialized certifications, including prompt engineering for ChatGPT from Vanderbilt University and instructional methods in health professions education through Coursera.
Before undertaking her professional pursuits, Dr. Ravenscroft was an adjudicator and administrative lead with the United States Army. She evaluated cases in accordance with medical regulations to determine whether individuals met the requirements for service or benefits. This work demanded not only a thorough understanding of complex standards but also a commitment to fair, accurate and ethical decision-making.
Dr. Ravenscroft longest period of service was with the United States Department of Defense, serving as a doctor during her active duty in the United States Air Force. Over the course of more than two decades, she held positions including family practice physician and chief of staff. Her assignments spanned locations such as Kuwait, Qatar, Japan, North Korea and Texas, each requiring adaptability, cultural awareness, and a dedication to patient care in diverse and often challenging environments. She also brought her medical expertise to the Physical Evaluation Board, where her assessments informed critical determinations about service members’ health and readiness.
A defining point in Dr. Ravenscroft’s career was her role as transgender policy program manager prior to her retirement from the Air Force. In this capacity, she oversaw initiatives to ensure that medical policies for transgender service members were accurate, equitable and reflective of best practices. This work demonstrated her commitment to fostering inclusivity and advancing standards of care across the military.
Dr. Ravenscroft’s journey into medicine was influenced by both practical and personal factors. Following early work for the National Security Agency and exploration of fields such as finance, she was encouraged by mentors like Dr. Ruth to pursue osteopathic medicine. Initially drawn to the Air Force by financial responsibilities and the need to support her family, she discovered a deep sense of belonging and purpose in the military community.
Dr. Ravenscroft’s professional affiliations reflect her continued dedication to the field. She is a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and a member of the American Osteopathic Association and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, where she serves on a committee. She is also a past president of the Association of Military Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons.
Outside of her formal roles, Dr. Ravenscroft volunteers with the Osteopathic Family Physician Journal and participates actively in her local Catholic church. Her service has been recognized through numerous medals awarded by the United States Air Force.
In her personal life, Dr. Ravenscroft focuses on building connections grounded in kindness and respect, striving to ensure that everyone she encounters feels safe and valued. Looking forward, she plans to expand her engagement with artificial intelligence through education and consulting while developing a blog to provide medical insights and guidance for aspiring physicians.