13-05-2025
Retired Navy surgeon Cynthia Izuno Macri serves veterans, community
FREDERICK, Md. () — Dr. Cynthia Izuno Macri is a retired U.S. Navy cancer surgeon who not only dedicated herself to serving the country but who has devoted herself to serving her community.
Macri is the daughter of a Japanese American parent. Her grandfather, who was a teacher in Hawaii, was interned after the Japanese military bombed USS Arizona, drawing the United States into World War II.
'He was arrested on December 7, 1941, right after Peal Harbor,' Macri explained. 'In fact, he was placed in a prisoner of war camp in Louisiana.'
Macri's grandfather was one of 120,000 Americans of Japanese descent forcibly removed from their homes and held by the U.S. War Relocation Authority.
After high school, Macri hoped to enlist in the Marines and then study to be a doctor, but the Marine Corps did not offer the option to segue to medical school.
'So I went to the Navy table and got a full scholarship,' Macri recalled. 'I was going to do my four years [in the service] and get out but stayed for 35 years.'
Having gone through the process, herself, Macri has devoted time to helping those struggling to make the transition from military to civilian life.
'I started working with homeless veterans in transitional housing in Baltimore,' recalled Macri, who currently volunteers to help veterans in Montgomery County, Md. and Northern Virginia.
Macri has a special bond with the Asian American Center of Frederick, a nonprofit organization that assists with health care, housing and job training.
'She gives back to the community,' said Elizabeth Chung, Executive Director. 'Even after retirement she serves as a volunteer doctor in a free clinic.'
'The arms of this organization are open,' Macri offered. 'They welcome everyone here. Being part of this organization makes me feel close to the community.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
