WVU medical student and veteran Brian Prell named 2026 Tillman Scholar

Brian Prell, a California Bay Area native and current second-year West Virginia University School of Medicine student, has been named a 2026 Tillman Scholar alongside 48 other veterans, service members, and spouses. 

Prell spent over 11 years on active duty. Initially enlisting as an Army Combat Medic, he went on to earn a Green Beret and serve as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant before transitioning to the West Virginia National Guard.  

Selection for the scholarship is highly competitive, with fewer than three percent of applicants chosen based on their leadership, service, scholarship, and impact.  

After graduating, Prell hopes to continue serving his community by becoming an emergency medicine physician with an emphasis on behavioral medicine. 

“I see addressing the mental health crisis as an opportunity to support my fellow service members,” Prell said. 

As a Tillman Scholar, Prell will have access to resources provided by the foundation to further his training and expand his network to better the lives of civilians and service members alike.  

“The members of my cohort are just such amazing people who have already had a huge impact. It’s truly an honor to be named in this group,” Prell said.  

In addition to the financial benefit, scholars receive professional development, mentorship, and career support through their connection to the Tillman Scholarship network. 

For more information about the School of Medicine’s M.D. program, visit: https://medicine.hsc.wvu.edu/students/md-program/.