He then obtained his M. D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania with additional study at the Ecole de Medecin in Paris, France.

After serving briefly at the United States Naval Hospital in New York City, Tryon spent the last two years of the Civil War at Pensacola, Florida, caring for sick and wounded officers and men of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron.

After duty ashore in Boston and Washington, Tryon served in USS Idaho on the Asiatic Squadron from February 4, 1870, to December 9, 1872.

Next came duty in New York City for two and a half years, and service in USS Alaska on the Pacific Squadron until 1883.

The culmination of his career came on 7 September 1893 when Commodore Tryon became Chief of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery and Surgeon General.