Residents

Vernon P. Burke

Class of 2011

Vernon was born in Pocatello, Idaho. He graduated high school in Orange County, California. He then enlisted in the Navy and spent 4 years on board the USS Long Beach CGN-9 during Desert Storm. He served as an Electrician’s Mate and his duties included repair of ships electrical systems and as a member of the ship’s Fire Department. While onboard the Long Beach, he was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal for leadership.

After separating from the Navy, he attended Idaho State University where he earned a Bachelor of Nursing while serving as class president. During his undergraduate studies he served in the Wyoming National Guard as a medic with a field artillery unit out of Sheridan, Wyoming. The subsequent 6 years working as a nurse in the pediatric critical care and adult critical care areas sparked an interest in surgery to correct facial trauma and deformity.

Vernon then attended University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He participated in many committees and served as class president until graduation in 2005. A favorite dental school experience was participating in a mission trip to Milagro, Ecuador with Dr Richard Topazian where they performed cleft palate and lip repair. After dental school, Vernon matched to the UTHSCSA OMFS program and is a member of the class of 2011. He graduated from medical school in 2008 from UT Health Science Center in San Antonio and is currently enjoying a year of general surgery. Vernon loves to spend time with his wife, Charlena, and his two sons Ozzie and Aidan. His hobbies include outdoor activities, home improvement, and reading.