Be All You Can Be MSC

Episode 32: A Legacy of Leadership A Conversation with MG (Ret.) David Rubenstein

SKM Season 2 Episode 32

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we are honored to welcome Major General (Retired) David Rubenstein, the 16th Chief of the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps and former Deputy Surgeon General of the Army. With 35 years of active-duty service, including 12 years in command, MG Rubenstein brings unmatched experience, wisdom, and humility to this rich and engaging conversation. 

Episode Highlights

  • The 14-Word Leadership Philosophy
    MG Rubenstein shares his simple but powerful career-long philosophy:
    Take care of people. Take care of equipment. Pay attention to detail. Blend life.
    He unpacks how this philosophy shaped his command, influenced thousands, and still resonates today across military and civilian leadership.
  • Leadership Lessons from Command
    From his early days as a platoon leader in Germany to commanding some of the Army’s most critical medical organizations, MG Rubenstein reflects on what truly matters: balancing cultures, embracing growth, and leading people with purpose.
  • Ranger School & Resilience
    Hear how Ranger School developed his attention to detail and leadership under pressure and why he believes all Soldiers should ask for opportunities, even if the answer might be no.
  • Operational vs. TDA Command
    MG Rubenstein explains why good leadership transcends unit type and that every command matters when you lead with intention and authenticity.
  • Service After Service
    Learn how MG Rubenstein continues to give back through volunteering, mentoring, and professional society leadership. He breaks down how to start giving back today, whether you're still in uniform or planning for retirement.
  • Mentorship & Asking the Right Questions
    Discover his take on building genuine mentor relationships and the difference between a mentee and a protégé. MG Rubenstein also shares how just asking one career question can be the start of a transformational connection.
  • Professional Organizations & Lifelong Learning
    As a past Chairman of the Board of Governors of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), he explains why belonging to a professional society is critical for continued development and how board certification sets leaders apart.

👤 About MG (Ret.) David Rubenstein

MG Rubenstein served as the Deputy Surgeon General of the Army, Commanding General of the AMEDD Center and School, and led key units such as Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, the 30th Medical Brigade, and the 21st CSH. A Ranger School graduate and Master Parachutist, he was twice named to Modern Healthcare’s list of the 100 most influential people in healthcare.

He is a board-certified healthcare executive, recipient of ACHE’s Gold Medal, and the only Chairman Emeritus of AMSUS: The Society for Federal Health Professionals. His commitment to mentorship, leadership, and service continues to influence healthcare professionals across the nation.

🎧 This is not just an episode, it’s a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and service.
Whether you’re a junior officer, senior leader, healthcare executive, or tran

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are the guests and host’s alone and do not reflect the official position of the Medical Service Corps, the Department of Defense, or the US Government. All information discussed is unclassified approved for public release and found on open cleared sources.

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