Paul Pelaez

Navy SEAL - 9 years of service

Quillen College of Medicine - MD

PJ was born and raised in the North Georgia mountains with a deep desire for adventure and service. Following his undergraduate studies at the University of South Carolina, he enlisted in the Navy to pursue the dream of becoming a Navy SEAL. He graduated BUD/s and SQT in class 312 and deployed twice to East Africa with SEAL Team FOUR. He then spent 2 years as a SEAL and SWCC medic instructor at the NSW Special Operations Tactical Medic (SOTM) Schoolhouse. Though being a medic was one of many roles in his operational career as a SEAL, it proved to be the most fulfilling. This fulfillment fueled his continued pursuit of medical education.

After almost 9 years of military service, he will transition to medical school at Quillen College of Medicine (Class of 2027) in Johnson City, TN. PJ’s new mission is to treat and care for the communities of the Appalachian Mountains he grew up in and calls home. He aims to serve Appalachia's rural communities, promoting autonomy and optimal health outcomes through culturally competent, evidence-based care.