Marines


Director of Clinical Services
Director of Clinical Programs for HQMC

A native of Anderson, Indiana, Commander Debra BucklandCoffey holds a Bachelor of Science, a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Park University, and Doctorate of Medicine from the University Of Louisville School Of Medicine. CDR BucklandCoffey is trained in Aviation Medicine and Internal Medicine, is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine with a Focused Practice in Hospital Medicine, and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

CDR BucklandCoffey commissioned into the Health Professions Scholarship Program in 2002. In 2006, she reported to active duty as a Transitional Year Intern at Naval Medical Center San Diego, where she was vice president of her intern class and was recognized as the Emergency Medicine Intern of the Year. She subsequently trained in Aviation Medicine at the Naval Aviation Medicine Institute in Pensacola, Florida, where she was awarded the “Fox Flag” for the highest academic achievement.

 

In 2008 CDR BucklandCoffey reported to Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC) in Pensacola as the medical department head. While at NASC, CDR BucklandCoffey worked closely with the Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory and completed training with NASA to provide ground support for the STS-131 shuttle mission in 2010.

In 2011 CDR BucklandCoffey was assigned to Marine Air Group 14 (MAG-14) in Cherry Point, North Carolina as medical department head of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252). During her time with VMGR-252, CDR BucklandCoffey deployed in support of the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force AFRICOM in 2012 and with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit in 2013.

CDR BucklandCoffey returned to NMCSD as an Internal Medicine Resident in 2014. She was elected vice chair of the House Staff Council and was awarded Internal Medicine Resident of the Year. Upon completion of residency in January 2017, CDR BucklandCoffey remained on faculty at NMCSD where she piloted the division of hospital medicine and was the Program Director for the Rapid Response Team.

After residency, CDR BucklandCoffey also served as the DHA Clinical Lead for the Inpatient Clinical Support Services and the Assistant Specialty Leader for Navy Internal Medicine. In May of 2019, CDR BucklandCoffey was selected as Department Head for the Naval Branch Health Clinics Chula Vista and Eastlake, where she executed a clinic merge and directed the response to the Coronavirus-19 Pandemic.

CDR BucklandCoffey was assigned as Force Surgeon, 1st Marine Logistics Group (MLG) in May 2020. While at 1st MLG, she engaged in research with the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) and led in the implementation of the Artemis Program, an initiative aimed at improving readiness and retention of female Marines and Sailors in the pregnancy and post-partum period.

CDR BucklandCoffey currently serves as the Director for Clinical Services at Marine Corps Headquarters for Health Services and as the Fleet Marine Force Medicine Specialty Leader. Her personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal plus unit commendations and awards.


    CDR Buckland-Coffey

    Medical Corps, U.S. Navy

    debra.bucklandcoffey@usmc.mil

    (703)604-4600

    Headquarters Marine Corps