JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- After years of caring for patients at Shands-Jacksonville Medical Center, Dr. Steve Porter will trade his white lab coat for fatigues and begin caring for America's wounded warriors.

Potter, an orthopedic resident at Shands, was sworn in Friday morning as a captain in the United States Army.

"I'll enter after my fellowship, so about three years from now will be when my commitment starts," Potter said after pledging to protect and defend.

He was sworn in by his friend and mentor, Dr. Hudson Berrey, who is a veteran in orthopedic medicine, a West Point graduate and colonel in the U.S. Army. He said serving his country is the most rewarding experience he's ever had.

"I don't think there's a greater honor for a surgeon than to care for the warriors of this country," Berrey said.

With his wife's full support, Potter decided to follow a family history of service. His father, grandfather and a couple of uncles served in the military.

"This is just something I've felt called to do," Potter told Channel 4's Ashley Townsend.

Set to leave for Iraq next month, Berrey said that medical experience like his and Potter's is greatly needed on the front lines.

"Of all the injuries that our soldiers sustain, most of them are of the extremities and orthopedic injuries," Berrey said.

Berrey said that of injured soldiers who make it to a hospital, 97 percent require orthopedic surgery.

He said the commitment to the military takes great sacrifice, but also has great rewards.

"I think you get much more out of that and it takes care of all the sacrifices that you make," Berrey said.