U.S. Army ROTC Cadet and University of Virginia fourth-year student Azamat Yabutqar is taking an unconventional route to medicine – starting with military intelligence.
“I realized I wanted to serve my country and contribute in a meaningful way beyond the medical field,” said Yabutqar, a Uyghur American who speaks Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Uyghur and English. He said his skill set will be an asset to military intelligence.
“It brings together science, problem-solving and service – three things that matter deeply to me,” he said. “My bio-chem background helps me think analytically and stay sharp under pressure. On top of that, I bring cultural perspective and language skills that I believe are valuable in today’s complex global landscape. That combination – technical, strategic and personal – confirms that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be, doing work that matters.”
Yabutqar, from Fairfax, was originally drawn to emergency medicine; however, he said he found his calling in the structured, purpose-driven environment of the military.
“The Army gives you discipline,” he said. “I’m also the first serving member of my family. I have a little sister and a little brother, and I want to step up and be a role model for them. They were both born in the U.S. and hopefully, they will also choose something similar to what I have done.”
With fewer than 10,000 Uyghurs currently living in the United States, Yabutqar said he feels a sense of responsibility to represent and inspire.
Azamat Yabutqar, a Uyghur American who speaks Mandarin Chinese, Russian, Uyghur and English, will work in military intelligence before going into medicine. (Photo by Matt Riley, University Communications)
“I want young Uyghur kids to see someone who looks like them in service to this country,” he said. “Whether it’s through the military or another form of contribution, I hope they feel encouraged to aim high.”
A Fairfax High School graduate, Yabutqar attended Northern Virginia Community College for two years before transferring to UVA – his dream school.
“One of my friends in NOVA told me that, ‘If you‘re feeling smart, then you’re in the wrong place,’” he said. “At the end of the day, my main goal is to strive to get better . UVA challenges me every day, and that’s what I wanted – a place that pushes me to grow..”
As a transfer student, Yabutqar entered UVA’s Army ROTC program with only two years remaining, but quickly found community and mentorship. “Nobody judged me for coming in late,” he said. “Instead, people helped me, pushed me, and gave me the feedback I needed to improve. That’s what I love about the ROTC culture – it builds you up.”
“Cadet Yabutqar is a talented young leader who brings a rich background to our ranks, especially in terms of some of his strategic languages and cultures,” U.S. Army Lt. Col. Elizabeth Eaton-Ferenzi, commander of Army ROTC at UVA, said. “He is also very humble and, as a pre-med student, we look forward to seeing the path he chooses; perhaps in Army medicine down the line.”
Eaton-Ferenzi also lauded Yabutqar’s skills in the tactical and technical aspects of the military. “He is looked to as a resource by his peers and members of the Cavalier Battalion,” she said.
