Colonel John Venezia stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of aerospace and occupational medicine. Board-certified in both specialties, his career is marked by significant contributions to graduate medical education and training within the U.S. Army.
A Florida native, born in Fort Lauderdale, John Venezia’s journey in medicine began with his commission through the F. Edward Hebert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program in 2002. This marked the formal commencement of his dedicated service within the Medical Corps.
Dr. Venezia’s academic achievements are extensive, reflecting his commitment to knowledge and expertise. He earned a doctorate in osteopathic medicine from Nova Southeastern University in 2006. Furthering his qualifications, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 2010. Earlier in his academic career, he secured a Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Louisiana Tech University in 1995, preceded by a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida Atlantic University in 1992. This diverse educational background underpins his holistic approach to medicine.
His leadership roles are numerous and impactful. John Venezia has served as associate program director for occupational medicine and program director for aerospace medicine. Currently, he holds the position of director of graduate medical education at Fort Novosel, Alabama, shaping the future of military medicine. His operational experience includes a deployment as the brigade flight surgeon for Task Force ODIN-E in Afghanistan in 2013, demonstrating his capability in demanding environments. His assignments have taken him to Fort Bliss, Texas; Galveston, Texas; Pensacola, Florida; and Fort Rucker, showcasing his adaptability and commitment across various locations.
Col. Venezia’s dedication has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards. These include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (awarded twice), Army Commendation Medal (awarded twice), and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He has also earned the Master Flight Surgeon Badge and the Army Space Badge, signifying his specialized skills. Further accolades include being named the 2014 Aerospace Medicine Specialist of the Year by the Society of U.S. Army Flight Surgeons, recognition as the 2017 Iron Major, and the 2019 Association of Military Surgeons of the United States (AMSUS) Program Training and Education Award. A Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association, John Venezia was also honored with the Order of St. Michael by the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) in 2022, cementing his legacy as a leader and expert in his field.
