Navy Hospitalman Recruit Matthew A. McDowell, whose former guardians are Dionicia and Manuel Bautista of Suffolk, recently graduated from the Basic Hospital Corps School at Naval Hospital Corps School, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the 14-week course, McDowell learned a wide range of medical procedures used to provide first aid and assist Navy doctors and nurses.

McDowell also received an introductory instruction for service in a variety of medical environments, from fleet hospitals and shipboard medical departments to fleet Marine forces and medical administration offices.

McDowell’s newly acquired skills and knowledge will enable his to help provide quality health care to Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families. McDowell’s first assignment after school will involve direct patient care, but with his training, McDowell can work in several areas, including first aid and assisting with minor surgery, pharmacy and laboratory analysis, patient transportation, and food service inspections.

McDowell is a 2003 graduate of Nansemond River High School in Suffolk

and joined the Navy in November 2004.