Michael Collins
Staff Psychiatrist, Psychiatry
Which branch of the military did you serve in, and why did you choose it?
U.S. Navy. I was just out of high school and knew I needed some direction. I had a buddy who had joined the Navy a year before I did. Also, they were offering great training as a Nuclear Power Technician. I worked as a Lab technician.
I tell people, if their nuclear reactor ever breaks down, give me a call and I’ll see if I can help them fix it.
What skills or values from your military service do you find most useful in your current role?
I find those experiences have helped me understand organizations and the importance of being mission directed. Knowing the chain of command and realizing the importance of doing your job well because other lives, literally, depend on you doing your job with personal integrity and reliability.
One chief gave this advice: Don’t let your personal life interfere with your professional life.
What brought you to FCS?
In the Navy, each fleet had what was called the Flagship or Capital ship. This was the star of the fleet, the one that set the bar for excellence. Leading by example due to their superior performance. I see FCS as the Flagship of the Midwest fleet.
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
Veterans Day reminds me that our freedoms come at a cost, and many have paid the ultimate price. That we have a duty not only to ourselves and our family; we have a duty to defend the freedom for all in our larger community.
How has your military experience influenced your career and life today?
The military gave me direction; it gave me the discipline I needed. I had a buddy I worked with in the engine room who had a lesion on his back that needed to be removed. He was nervous about the procedure and said he would only get it done if I could be there with the doctor and watch the procedure. The doctor let me know I had the ability to gain trust in other due to being sincere and my strong sense of integrity. The doctor spent the time to educate me prior the procedure and allowed me to assist with the incision and repair. He later wrote a letter of recommendation that helped me get accepted to medical school.
