Birmingham lawyer Demus Copeland funds 17th degree in medical school

Demus Copeland, a Birmingham attorney and former Marine Corps veteran, has secured a $55,000 scholarship to begin his medical studies. The funding supports his enrollment at the University of Antigua College of Medicine, marking the start of a new academic chapter that complements his existing career in law and real estate.

Copeland is currently finishing his 17th degree. His professional background includes eight years of service in the Marine Corps, a real estate license, and a role as a candidate for Shelby County Tax Commissioner. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, completed in 2021, and a bachelor’s degree in political science. These credentials form the foundation of his current legal practice.

The decision to enter medicine stems from Copeland’s work in medical malpractice law. He noted that handling these cases requires knowledge in both legal and medical fields. "When you’re doing medical malpractice, obviously you can help in both the legal and medical fields," Copeland said. He added that he believes he has the power to change common misconceptions about veterans and their mental health.

Copeland, born and raised in the Woodlawn community, began his service career after two years at Birmingham Southern College. He enlisted in the Marine Corps to gain direction and discipline. During a non-combat deployment to Djibouti, he focused on community building and relationships with the host nation. This experience shaped his view of military service as more than just combat operations.

His perspective on the impact of war was further defined by a 2008 incident. While participating in Marine Corps Reserves drill weekend, Copeland’s vehicle slid off an icy highway and rolled off an embankment. He recalled that people were flying everywhere and that one of his close friends died in the crash. Another friend was paralyzed. Copeland was thrown from the vehicle but walked away. The accident led to a class action lawsuit, which sparked his interest in law.

Copeland said the incident changed his trajectory and his thinking about life. "It just brought to his attention that you can die any day," he explained. He used the subsequent legal process to educate his friends on their entitlements to claims. He now applies this approach to veterans, many of whom are unaware of their specific benefits. He aims to help them understand how to use the law to support themselves.

The veteran cited the availability of VA resources as a primary motivator for his advocacy work. He stated that the VA pays for education, assists with career changes, and helps individuals start law practices. He also noted that mental health services are available. "Learning all of this while I have been out of the military has been such a blessing because now I can share it with others," Copeland said.

Copeland believes that law and medicine are complementary fields. He views his dual focus as a way to put people first and provide vital information. He aims to address the misconception that all veterans suffer from mental health issues, noting that many are just regular people who followed orders. He plans to draw on his experience in psychology, law, and real estate during his medical training.

The scholarship allows Copeland to continue his advocacy through medicine while maintaining his legal practice. He opened his own firm after passing the bar exam last year. His cousin, a pediatrician, encouraged him to explore the medical field by describing her residency process. Copeland’s medical education will require years of discipline and training, a challenge he is prepared to meet given his prior academic and military history.