HOUSTON, TEXAS / LONDON (IT BOLTWISE) – Petty Officer 2nd Class Kristy Fricks, a medical specialist with Houston MEPS, has achieved remarkable success this year. In addition to being recognized as USMEPCOM’s 2025 Junior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, she was also selected for the 2026 Coast Guard Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP). This recognition is the result of their years of effort and commitment to medical care in the military.
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Petty Officer 2nd Class Kristy Fricks, a medical specialist with Houston MEPS, has achieved remarkable success this year. In addition to being recognized as USMEPCOM’s 2025 Junior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, she was also selected for the 2026 Coast Guard Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP). This recognition is the result of their years of effort and commitment to medical care in the military.
The IPAP is a challenging 29-month program divided into two phases. Fricks will initially complete courses in medical and clinical sciences, followed by clinical rotations. Upon completion of the program, she will receive a master’s degree and be able to take the national certification exam for Physician Assistants before being assigned to her first unit as a Coast Guard PA.
Fricks’ interest in the role of a Physician Assistant was sparked by a personal experience. During a wellness visit for her niece in Puerto Rico, a PA student noticed an abnormality that the supervising physician had missed. This discovery led to the diagnosis of a tumor, which has since been treated. This experience inspired Fricks to bring the same attention and patient advocacy to her profession.
With her upcoming move to San Antonio in August 2026, Fricks will begin her journey in IPAP. She will take an oath of office and be temporarily appointed Ensign. Fricks is confident that her previous Coast Guard training will help her excel in school and clinical roles. She emphasizes the importance of calm and determination in stressful environments, skills she developed as a Coast Guard EMT.
In his remaining time in Houston, Fricks hopes to encourage other military members to explore the many opportunities their respective services can offer. She sees IPAP as an opportunity to expand her own skills and deepen her ministry. Fricks emphasizes that many young and talented military personnel should consider similar programs in their career fields.
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