I'm calling you out MARINES.

I'm trying to to keep tabs on all the Marines-turned-docs that post on SDN. There aren't many of us, thus it shouldn't be too hard to keep up with one another. Please post here or PM with your story and progress. This includes residency folks and beyond as well, if ya'll don't mind.

I'll go first:

-Parris Island, 0311/8152 (Security Forces)
-North Island, San Diego (MCSFCo)
-Pendleton 2/1, WestPac '97, 15th MEU, USS Boxer (LHD-4)
-'93-'97, E-4
-Married 10 years
-2 kids, 7 and 3
-Biochem major/Occidental College
-2 years cancer clinical trials research/radioimmunotherapy

1st year student at COMP in Pomona, CA. So far so good. Want to match Ortho ot EM three years from now. (Whoops! -- edited 8 years later after I matched and nearly completed psychiatry residency!)

So I know we got Evo (by the way Evo, like the new avatar) and there is an old salt dog named Teufel around here. Panda Bear too.

Let's go gents, fall-in! If you're the quiet type...PM please. That'll work just as well.

Hey JMC, I ran across this funny avatar that had USMC in it and I did a double take. Im a former Marine too------>MWSS 371 MTOPS drove the LVS (dragon wagons)
West Coast Marine, went to boot camp in 96, got out in 00, did the comm. college thing, and am gonna graduate from UCLA this spring. So far I have acceptances from KCUMB (my first choice as of now), Nova, and LECOM.
I have a daughter also. Good to see other Marines doing well. I know too many who arent.

I just had to drop into this thread and say a huge THANK YOU for everything that you all have done and continue to do. I admire you for having the strength and the courage to do what you have done. I wish you all the best success and happiness in your future.

Hey JMC, I ran across this funny avatar that had USMC in it and I did a double take. Im a former Marine too------>MWSS 371 MTOPS drove the LVS (dragon wagons)
West Coast Marine, went to boot camp in 96, got out in 00, did the comm. college thing, and am gonna graduate from UCLA this spring. So far I have acceptances from KCUMB (my first choice as of now), Nova, and LECOM.
I have a daughter also. Good to see other Marines doing well. I know too many who arent.

Semper Mr. E,

Glad you took the time to write. I was a community college transfer too, was actually suppossed to go to UCLA, but Oxy snatched me up at the last minute with their summer research program...and the rest is history. I'm a Bruin at heart though.

I'm definitely glad to see that you a few acceptances under your belt...that's the best position to be in. Feel free to drop a line anytime, PM or otherwise, if you have any questions about anything.

I lived in Missouri for 8 months right after my EAS -- took two semesters at Mizzou (Columbia), but my wife hated it out there so I brought the family back to SoCal.

All the best and stay in touch,

JMC

Let's go...any others? This is great! Evo, how bout you introduce yourself officially on this MOTIVATING thread :cool:

Can I get an "Ooo-rah!!" ??

-San Diego - "Hollywood" Marine
- MOS @ Dam Neck, Norfolk, VA --> 0231 (Intel).
-31st MEU Okinawa, Japan. (deployments all over the place), USS Belleau Wood (aka "The Death Star")
-III MEF G2, Okinawa. (deployments all over the place)
-Pendleton I MEF G2, (more deployments)
-Pendleton, MWSS 371 (Yo Mr. E!).

-Reserve work: JIATF-E, Key West, FL. :D
I MEF G2 --> "Deployment" to Hawaii for the summer. :D :D
-'91-'96 (AD), '97-'98 (Reserve), Sgt.

Just wrapped up my MS this month. Have already been accepted to DMU and waiting on (hopefully) a TX school to come through on 1 Feb. Wished I'd ditched my pride when I started college and asked for help with how to study. :o Damn pride got in the way. :o

Hey JMC, I never got to ride in the LHD class boat. Nice ride?

Mr. E, it looks like we were in the same unit for a while. Cool. Small world.

Oh, and JMC, I'll respond to that PM either today or tomorrow. Hope everyone had an outstanding Turkey day.

Oh, and does anyone play Halo or Halo 2? They have Marines of the future (+500 years) as non-player characters, and some of the things that they say are just so dead on. For example, there's one level where one Marine is freaking out about not having enough firepower to take on the enemy (aliens). The SMaj starts yelling about how, back in the day, the Corps didn't have sufficient firepower and each platoon had sticks.....and they had to share the sticks. :laugh: Of course, he then drops off the future's version of armor support.

Funny, but I really loved that part. And I realize that I won't have much time for this stuff once school starts. Gotta get it in now. :D

bump

Oh! My!
There's lot's of testosterone floating around this thread. :D :D You go gents!
njbmd
(daughter of Army Air Corps sergeant)

Oh! My!
There's lot's of testosterone floating around this thread. :D :D You go gents!
njbmd
(daughter of Army Air Corps sergeant)

Thrash yourself for polluting my thread. Mountain climbers now...push-ups, do it now move...side-straddle-hops...too slow get back.

Yah, well NJBMD is saltier than you and I put together, my man. :meanie:

Sir, yes sir,
I am dropping off my unopened toy at our local drop off. This is one of the highlights of my holiday season and one of the most wonderful things that you gentleman do for the community.

Gentlemen, the smoking lantern is lit!
njbmd :)

Any devildog who has spent a day under fire will not have a problem with my presence here.

US Navy Bootcamp Feb 90-April 90
US Navy Hospital Corps School Apr-July 90
Field Medical Service School Camp Johnson, Lejeune Graduation Nov 90
Operation Desert Shield/Storm 1st CEB and 7th ESB 90-91
Quantico Marine Base, The Basic School, Weapon's Training Btn 91-94

I've humped that f-in mortar plate, and walked the line while you guys sat on your asses swabbing your blisters. But I wouldn't trade those days for anything.

I know a lot of Marines who are docs now and many are in medical school as well.

Good luck guys.

Don't forget that the Marines are a department of the Navy -- granted, they are the "MEN'S" department, but a department nonetheless :laugh: I love that one.

Of course you're welcome around these parts. Anyone Corpsman that has served with the Marines, and humped a mortar plate, has certainly payed his dues. There was a Corpsman in my infantry unit that was so mean and green that he wore "Charlies" with the Marines instead of whites everytime we had to man the rails.

If your Marine-turned-doc buds are on SDN, would you mind having them stop by and post. Thanks.

P.S. you didn't give any of your current info...what's your story now?

Parris Island: Graduated December 17 1983 MOS 1811 (Tanker)

Fort Knox, Kentucky: Armor Crewman Training Course, Graduated in March of 1984.

Okinawa, Japan: "C" Company, 1st Tracked Vehicle Battalion.

Camp Pendleton, California: "C" Company, 1st Tank Battalion.

Reenlisted in 1987 for MOS 0331 (Infantry Machine Gunner)

Camp Lejueune, North Carolina: "K" Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines. Various positions including machine gunner, Squad Leader, Rifle Platoon Sergeant, Mortar Section Leader, and Weapons Platoon Sergeant. (I was OJT for the infantry MOS except that I was sent to SOI for two weeks of Mortar training and Infantry Squad Leader School.

Honorably discharged in the Spring of 1991.

Currently a fourth year medical student.

I am currently a 3rd year medical student at TCOM in Texas. I am also a PA and still work as such. I took the long path

Corpsman->EMT-B->EMT-P->PA-C-->DO

My buddy Irish on here should be stopping by, as he is an MS4 and ex-DOC as well.

Damn, that's along ass way to go about it, but better late than never I always say! That is good stuff though, thanks for sharing. I'l lbe looking up to you old salt dogs come boards and match time. Speaking of which, how did the COMLEX I go? Aslo, did you decide to take the USMLE? Just curious - I feel like I will have to in order to match for EM (at an allo facility obviously).

Parris Island: Graduated December 17 1983 MOS 1811 (Tanker)

Fort Knox, Kentucky: Armor Crewman Training Course, Graduated in March of 1984.

Okinawa, Japan: "C" Company, 1st Tracked Vehicle Battalion.

Camp Pendleton, California: "C" Company, 1st Tank Battalion.

Reenlisted in 1987 for MOS 0331 (Infantry Machine Gunner)

Camp Lejueune, North Carolina: "K" Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines. Various positions including machine gunner, Squad Leader, Rifle Platoon Sergeant, Mortar Section Leader, and Weapons Platoon Sergeant. (I was OJT for the infantry MOS except that I was sent to SOI for two weeks of Mortar training and Infantry Squad Leader School.

Honorably discharged in the Spring of 1991.

Currently a fourth year medical student.

I love seeing enlisted guys (especially infantrymen!) get on the med school track...the senior guys would always say, "you'll be flippin' burgers when you get out!" Maybe they were just projecting their own fear/insecurity onto us. I don't know, but whatever it was, I always had to laugh at that one.

Thanks for sharing Panda Man. I have seen a few of your 'political' posts and they were rather eloquent for a former grunt -- I actually thought you might have been an officer.

So they had you for 8 years. I think you have the most time in service out of this distinguished group here. And anyone crazy enough to re-enlist in the infantry has my utmost respect! However, I think it is fair to say that as a tanker for the first go around, you didn't know what you were getting yourself into...or did you? :eek: Either way, you're hardcore in my book.

Hey so where are you in school? Damn, 4th year...we have some salt dogs around here. This is better than I expected.

I love seeing enlisted guys (especially infantrymen!) get on the med school track...the senior guys would always say, "you'll be flippin' burgers when you get out!" Maybe they were just projecting their own fear/insecurity onto us. I don't know, but whatever it was, I always had to laugh at that one.

Thanks for sharing Panda Man. I have seen a few of your 'political' posts and they were rather eloquent for a former grunt -- I actually thought you might have been an officer.

So they had you for 8 years. I think you have the most time in service out of this distinguished group here. And anyone crazy enough to re-enlist in the infantry has my utmost respect! However, I think it is fair to say that as a tanker for the first go around, you didn't know what you were getting yourself into...or did you? :eek: Either way, you're hardcore in my book.

Hey so where are you in school? Damn, 4th year...we have some salt dogs around here. This is better than I expected.

I am a fourth year at LSU Shreveport. The time has passed quickly. It seems like only yesterday that I was picking through my cadaver thinking, "Chicken, it looks like chicken."

I had always wanted to be an infantryman but was put into tanks because my recruiter talked me into enlisting "open contract."

Ah, my recruiter. I remember him well. His office was in one of those multi-service recruiter stations. I had already talked to the Army and the Navy and both services has promised me College, job skills, and benefits. The Marine recruiter however looked me up and down contemptuously and said, "Son, I don't think you have what it takes to be a Marine."

Naturally I was hooked. I only learned later that as a rule, recruiters are desperate to enlist their quota lest they be sent back to the Fleet in disgrace.

You and I both know that it is only a myth that Marine Infantrymen are stupid(Although Lord knows I have known a few rocks in my time). An effective infantryman has to be mentally agile, a problem solver, and able to step into higher billets at a moments notice. The days when the infantry was just cheap canon fodder are long gone.

I liked the infantry. Four years as a grunt teaches you not to be a *****. A very important lesson which is undertaught nowadays. If you can hack the infantry then nothing much else in life is really that difficult. That's why I have had such a low stress medical school career. I may have had to study hard but other than the boredom studying is really quite easy. You are usually in a comfortable chair in an air-conditioned environment from which you may take as many breaks of however long duration as you desire. Nobody is yelling, there is no mission to accomplish, and you are not repsonsible for anyone but yourself.

May - July 2003 : Great Lakes, IL Navy RTC. Division 932
July - October 2003: Great Lakes, IL Hospital Corps School. Accelerated Pace
January - February 2004: Camp Pendleton, CA Field Medical Service School
March - May 2004: 1st Battalion, 4th Marines Battalion Aid Station
May 2004 - July 2004: 11th MEU, Battalion Landing Team 1/4. USS Belleau Wood, Expeditionary Strike Group Three.
July 2004 - Present: 11th MEU, Battalion Landing Team 1/4. Forward Operating Base Hotel, An Najaf, Iraq.

Putting in my application for the US Naval Academy when I return to CONUS and I will be accepted and graduate as one of the 2% selected for the Medical Corps. :luck:

Oh, and does anyone play Halo or Halo 2? They have Marines of the future (+500 years) as non-player characters, and some of the things that they say are just so dead on. For example, there's one level where one Marine is freaking out about not having enough firepower to take on the enemy (aliens). The SMaj starts yelling about how, back in the day, the Corps didn't have sufficient firepower and each platoon had sticks.....and they had to share the sticks. :laugh: Of course, he then drops off the future's version of armor support.

Funny, but I really loved that part. And I realize that I won't have much time for this stuff once school starts. Gotta get it in now. :D

Just picked up Halo 2...still haven't beat the original Halo, but I am close. I like it when they talk smack..."if you ask me nicely, I'll just kill you a little bit."

Was playing Halo earlier tonight with my girls in co-op mode. The three-year-old really likes killing the aliens...the seven-year-old likes shooting me. Hey, its all about the quality time. They get all excited because they are Marines and my girls already do the attention and salute thing when I go drill instructor on them or if they hear the Hymn.

I don't get to play too much during the semester, but that's because I have other family responsibilities; but if you are single, there should be no shortage of opps to keep up on your close quarter combat tactics once school starts.

Its a good way to unwind.

May - July 2003 : Great Lakes, IL Navy RTC. Division 932
July - October 2003: Great Lakes, IL Hospital Corps School. Accelerated Pace
January - February 2004: Camp Pendleton, CA Field Medical Service School
March - May 2004: 1st Battalion, 4th Marines Battalion Aid Station
May 2004 - July 2004: 11th MEU, Battalion Landing Team 1/4. USS Belleau Wood, Expeditionary Strike Group Three.
July 2004 - Present: 11th MEU, Battalion Landing Team 1/4. Forward Operating Base Hotel, An Najaf, Iraq.

Putting in my application for the US Naval Academy when I return to CONUS and I will be accepted and graduate as one of the 2% selected for the Medical Corps. :luck:

Way to go HM. You know all about those humps up Iron Mike, The Reaper, and Sheep Sh!t. Stay safe and stay motivated.

Sounds like you still have undergrad work to take care of first. Keep your head up...its a long road, but cake compared to the ish that you are dealing with right now in Iraq.

God speed Marines (and Corpsman...and all of our servicemen and women for that matter).

Boot Camp, Great Mistakes, Aug 1996
HM "A" School, San Diego, Nov 1996
FMSS Camp Pendleton, Jan 1997
Naval Hospital San Diego, Feb 1997
1st Battalion 5th Marines, Camp Pendleton, Dec 1998
U.S.S. Constellation, Apr 2000
EAOS, Aug 2001
First undergrad semester, Hendrix College, Conway Arkansas
Reserve Callup, 2nd Battalion 23rd Marines, Jan 2002
Inactivation Jan 2003 (E5)
Return to undergrad work at Hendrix College
Set to graduate in May, Bachelor degree in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Applied to UAMS (local medical school) and 5 DO schools
Married for three years now to a Navy Nurse (just made O3 in the reserve)
Expecting first daughter on 31MAR05

Great Lakes-1999
Camp Johnson-2001
8th Tank Bn.-2002
Good Luck with the Academy.I'm a reservist on active duty serving with my Marines here in Djibouti.Had a little time in between posts to check the threads.After this I will finish my last year and make applications to med schools in Fl.Well gotta get to post. :meanie:

Alright, I must admit, this is the first time I have felt utterly compelled to reply to a thread. It is damn good to see all these great things happening to Jarheads, and hardcore corpmans types. Good luck to all of you, esp HM.

CV:

Texas for 18 yrs then out of the nest to USNA 1992 BS, Pol Sci, Japanese minor
Swing'n with the wing in Aviation Supply. Sorry, not very dramatic, but at least it was SoCal.
Hon Disch 1997. Moved overseas to Sweden.
Class 2006 Gothenburg U. Medical School. (six year program)
Working on PhD, scheduled to be done 2008.
Currently dying in the dark, cold Scandinavium hell that is winter. I must be working off some serious karma.

ciao

Alright, I must admit, this is the first time I have felt utterly compelled to reply to a thread. It is damn good to see all these great things happening to Jarheads, and hardcore corpmans types. Good luck to all of you, esp HM.

CV:

Texas for 18 yrs then out of the nest to USNA 1992 BS, Pol Sci, Japanese minor
Swing'n with the wing in Aviation Supply. Sorry, not very dramatic, but at least it was SoCal.
Hon Disch 1997. Moved overseas to Sweden.
Class 2006 Gothenburg U. Medical School. (six year program)
Working on PhD, scheduled to be done 2008.
Currently dying in the dark, cold Scandinavium hell that is winter. I must be working off some serious karma.

ciao

Sweet mother of Jesus, what do we have here? A motivated Sweed? :laugh:

Sweet mother of Jesus, what do we have here? A motivated Sweed? :laugh:

Enough with these damn HM's...where are the rest of my brothers at?

Enough with these damn HM's...where are the rest of my brothers at?
Right here, my man. I got into the University of Texas, San Antonio med school yesterday! :thumbup: Hoorah! to 1/3d the debt load!

Enlisted in the Navy, 1991 and went to Great Lakes for boot camp and A school. Went to Camp Pendleton for FMSS and was attached to 11th Marines in First MarDiv. Rotated to Okinawa and lived at Camp Foster.
Discharged as second class petty officer in 1995.

Got my BS in chemistry and MS in biology and my Phd in Biomedical Sciences. Now I begin med school in August.

doc tom

Right here, my man. I got into the University of Texas, San Antonio med school yesterday! :thumbup: Hoorah! to 1/3d the debt load!

Very glad to hear it! Congrats to you my friend. That's all Texas needs is more Jarheads...as if the place isn't crawling with them already.

Great news Moto.

Any other moto dawgs finally get their shot?

Enlisted in the Navy, 1991 and went to Great Lakes for boot camp and A school. Went to Camp Pendleton for FMSS and was attached to 11th Marines in First MarDiv. Rotated to Okinawa and lived at Camp Foster.
Discharged as second class petty officer in 1995.

Got my BS in chemistry and MS in biology and my Phd in Biomedical Sciences. Now I begin med school in August.

doc tom

Good stuff Doc Tom, where will you end up? MD, PhD....that's hardcore.

Navy bootcamp(Great Lakes): July 1989
Corpsmen school: OCT 1989
FMF school(Camp Johnson): Spring 1990
Desert Shield/ Storm w/ HMLA 169 USS Tarawa LHA-1
Resp Therapist school Fort Sam Houston/Balboa SanDiego 1993-1994
Bosnia w/ fleet surgical team as Respiratory Therapist(USS Wasp LHD-1
2002-2003 Kandahar Afghanistan w/ Engineers attached to 82nd Air( sorry Marines.. Louisiana National Guard paid college)
2001-present LSU
2005 LSU School of Medicine class of 2009 in New Orleans
HAte the Army...Go Navy/Marine Corps Team.

Military/ combat medic experience helped w/ essay and interview/acceptence

MCRD San Diego: Jun-Sept 91 Plt 3050, Be Like “Mike” Co
Camp Pendleton SOI: Sept 91 MCT: Marine Combat Training/Massive Consumption of Time
NATTC Millington: Oct 91-Jan 92 MOS 7051 training—CrashFireRescue “Grunts of the Wing”
MCAS El Toro, 3rd MAW HQ: Jan 92-Dec 93 “Swinging with the Wing” as CFR
MCCDC Quantico: Jan-Mar 94, Embassy Guard School MOS 8151
MSGDET Frankfurt, Germany: Mar 94-April 94
MSGDET St. Petersburg, Russia: April 94-April 95
MSGDET Ottawa, Canada: April 95-Aug 96
MCAS Yuma: Reserves 96-98 HQ Squadron, more Crash Crew

E-5 in 4 (gotta love embassy duty), out from reserves as E-6.

A little less lean, not quite as mean, but still a US MARINE!

Semper Fieldayus

MCRD San Diego: Jun-Sept 91 Plt 3050, Be Like “Mike” Co
Camp Pendleton SOI: Sept 91 MCT: Marine Combat Training/Massive Consumption of Time
NATTC Millington: Oct 91-Jan 92 MOS 7051 training—CrashFireRescue “Grunts of the Wing”
MCAS El Toro, 3rd MAW HQ: Jan 92-Dec 93 “Swinging with the Wing” as CFR
MCCDC Quantico: Jan-Mar 94, Embassy Guard School MOS 8151
MSGDET Frankfurt, Germany: Mar 94-April 94
MSGDET St. Petersburg, Russia: April 94-April 95
MSGDET Ottawa, Canada: April 95-Aug 96
MCAS Yuma: Reserves 96-98 HQ Squadron, more Crash Crew

E-5 in 4 (gotta love embassy duty), out from reserves as E-6.

A little less lean, not quite as mean, but still a US MARINE!

Semper Fieldayus

Nice...very freakin' NICE!

Hey, thanks for posting...sounds like an awesome tour if you asked me. Embassy duty was alwasy attractive, but had I stayed in it would have been drill instructor school all the way!

So you got your rocker and you got out...not bad at all. I have a friend that got E-5 in 4 with the grunts in 2-7, but he was smokin' hot...most squared away individual you would ever meet. He's a lawyer now in Manhattan -- go figure.

So where are you in this application/school process?

Great to see there are other Marines doing well in the medical field and enlisted Marines as MD's. I'm a Sgt, still on AD, going to school at night getting pre-req's and EMT. Planning on PA school, but curious about MD. I am married with two small sons so would like to hear what it was like for other former enlisted Marines with families, who made it through medical school. Semper Fi.

Great to see there are other Marines doing well in the medical field and enlisted Marines as MD's. I'm a Sgt, still on AD, going to school at night getting pre-req's and EMT. Planning on PA school, but curious about MD. I am married with two small sons so would like to hear what it was like for other former enlisted Marines with families, who made it through medical school. Semper Fi.

School at night? That must be some sweet-arse admin job...very plush! Seriously though, I think that is great that you are going to school while in (and while juggling the family thing). I could tell you all about my experience, but I don't want to bore you with the details. Bottom line is just keep doing your thing...little by little.

Going to school with a family is not very hard (let me rephrase: undergrad is not that hard with a family). Having to work (15-20hrs/wk) in addition to fulfilling biochem major reqs while splitting baby-duty with a spouse that also works and still getting >3.33 gpa is a bit harder :laugh:

The nice thing is that Marines have a special place in all of our hearts (I am speaking for the general public now), thus we have the heavy guns on standby - in a manner of speaking.

Once you are in PA school or med school...well, things change a bit, but for the most part it is still pretty doable. Last semester, my wife was also working 3 days/week and taking 12 semester units (anatom/microbio and something else) and I was taking 31 units in my first semester in med school. Add two kids in the mix there and you can guess how crazy last semester was.

This semester is different. No more school for the wife and I am coaching basketball at the YMCA, my oldest is on my team :)

Great to see there are other Marines doing well in the medical field and enlisted Marines as MD's. I'm a Sgt, still on AD, going to school at night getting pre-req's and EMT. Planning on PA school, but curious about MD. I am married with two small sons so would like to hear what it was like for other former enlisted Marines with families, who made it through medical school. Semper Fi.
Welcome to the forum, Devil Dog! Glad to have you aboard.

Semper Fi
1st bat Parris Island
platoon 1088 Ssgt Blumenhauer
Swing with the Wing!
4th year med student, still having nightmares I am back at the Island.

Glad you all are here!

Hey, thanks for posting. How many years in? What school do you attend now? What are you trying to match?

Semper

Devil Dogs, 1st bat 1056 series graduated boot aug 11. PI, I still have a picture of the bank temp gauge set at 107. ouch. It has been awhile since I been in. i was just thinking the other day about boot and how in shape I was. Just a little sad note, here in Richmond we just lost two marines in Al anbar province. That sucks. Semper Fi

1989 Parris Island, "Thumpin" Third Battalion
1990 MCT @ Gieger, Engineer School @ Courthouse Bay
2nd Combat Engineer Btln, Co A, 1st Plt (M60 Gunner - OohRah!)
Deployed to Gulf on USS Gunston Hall w/ 2nd LAI, 4th MEB
1993 2nd FSSG, H&S Btln, HQ Co
1994 Met a Navy Corpsman who became my future wife!
1995 Discharged
2001 Graduated from U. North Florida (B.S. Biology)
Matriculated at OUCOM - Navy HPSP
2005 Will graduate in June, followed by Navy Psych Internship at NMCP

I'm strongly considering doing a GMO internship, even though my chances of going straight-through in psych are pretty decent. My wife is, of course, opposed to that idea as she doesn't want me going to Iraq. It's hard to explain, but I still have this unshakable desire to be a part of the 'operational' military, i.e. GMO tour. Maybe I'll compromise and take a ship-board GMO tour. We'll see. I'm excited to be going back on active duty (while simultaneously dreading becoming an intern).

1989 Parris Island, "Thumpin" Third Battalion
1990 MCT @ Gieger, Engineer School @ Courthouse Bay
2nd Combat Engineer Btln, Co A, 1st Plt (M60 Gunner - OohRah!)
Deployed to Gulf on USS Gunston Hall w/ 2nd LAI, 4th MEB
1993 2nd FSSG, H&S Btln, HQ Co
1994 Met a Navy Corpsman who became my future wife!
1995 Discharged
2001 Graduated from U. North Florida (B.S. Biology)
Matriculated at OUCOM - Navy HPSP
2005 Will graduate in June, followed by Navy Psych Internship at NMCP

I'm strongly considering doing a GMO internship, even though my chances of going straight-through in psych are pretty decent. My wife is, of course, opposed to that idea as she doesn't want me going to Iraq. It's hard to explain, but I still have this unshakable desire to be a part of the 'operational' military, i.e. GMO tour. Maybe I'll compromise and take a ship-board GMO tour. We'll see. I'm excited to be going back on active duty (while simultaneously dreading becoming an intern).

Nice Teufel! Thanks for that and congrats on matching psych...that's pretty sweet. I thought about psych, but recalled that everytime I felt 'down and out' in the Marines, I was told to SUCK IT UP! Figured that if I were to do psych I would end up telling all my patients to SUCK IT UP!

I am not doing the HPSP, although I did apply to USUHS last year and was offered a post-bac then matriculate sort of deal, which I respectfully declined. I do, however, think about serving with the Mean Green Machine again via Navy HPSP, but so far it has been just that...thinking.

You still pushing up like 550 on bench? Why don' you post one of those motivating pics on this thread.

Anyway, good luck and stay in touch on this thread. By the way, I am from Cleveland originally...South Euclid, Mayfield Hts. area -- don't miss it at all! Also see you were in FL...I enlisted out of Tampa (went to H.S. there).

http://marines.togetherweserved.com/usmc/index.jsp

I miss boot camp right now and the friends I had in the fleet. I just finished reading Making the Corps and I must say, I am at a loss for words. I miss the camaraderie. I look at my medical school classmates (not all of them of course) and think to myself.. nasty:) I mean seriously, do you SEE how much complaining goes on in medical school. Holy freaking crap, you would think they are the only individuals in the class who are going through it! I mean "yes" there are times I hate driving across the city for a lecture, but the feelings are fleeting. Others in the class, will spit fire for days after being corrected or having to do something mundane. Petty inconviences quickly become big grudges. What medical students need is Parris Island.

ANNNNNNNNNNNNNND another thing (here I am about to complain :D) If I must make ONE VALID complaint against the medical school curriculum is this..... I can't TELL you how many sensitivity training lectures I have attended on gays, other cultures, whatever. When was the last time ANYONE was trained on what our veterans have been through. For many med schools, vets make up half of the patient population, YET when a student is asked by a sharp attending to state what the patient did in the service in the social history component of their presentation, they are speechless!!! " I dunno.... held a gun."
INSANITY! Where is the vet sensitivity training? Answer: nowhere, because they are deemed by intelligentsia to NOT be a protected group (probably because most of them vote republican).

Great to see so many marines turning into Doctors. Although, I am surprised that no one here is going to USUHS... Anyway, here's my story:

1998: Parris Island
1999: Marine Corps Comm & Electronics School, 29 Palms, CA
Then: MWSS 272, MCAS New River
After: 3/8 Lima Co (4th MEB) << went to Afghanistan with these guys

I went to CCCC and after leaving the corps, went to UNC-Greensboro, NC, graduated with BS in Biology, did research in genetics.

Got accepted into VCOM, NYCOM, UMDNJ and USUHS.

I will be hopefully be going to USUHS (http://www.usuhs.mil) starting Fall of 2005, as a 2ndLT in the Army.

Semper Fi
Sgt/USMC

Ooorah!! Glad to see Devil Dogs makin' it! :D

JMC, where you at?

Parris Island: Graduated December 17 1983 MOS 1811 (Tanker)

Fort Knox, Kentucky: Armor Crewman Training Course, Graduated in March of 1984.

Okinawa, Japan: "C" Company, 1st Tracked Vehicle Battalion.

Camp Pendleton, California: "C" Company, 1st Tank Battalion.

Reenlisted in 1987 for MOS 0331 (Infantry Machine Gunner)

Camp Lejueune, North Carolina: "K" Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines. Various positions including machine gunner, Squad Leader, Rifle Platoon Sergeant, Mortar Section Leader, and Weapons Platoon Sergeant. (I was OJT for the infantry MOS except that I was sent to SOI for two weeks of Mortar training and Infantry Squad Leader School.

Honorably discharged in the Spring of 1991.

Currently a fourth year medical student.

I also served with 3/8 Kilo. I was temp. assigned to Kilo as their linguist in Afghanistan for a few months.
RA/Sgt/USMC

Great to see so many marines turning into Doctors. Although, I am surprised that no one here is going to USUHS.

Isn't it awesome? I am glad to see it too. Just when it seems that every former Marine is now a cop or highway patrol officer...it is refreshing to think that there are some of The Few and The Proud donning scrubs.

I interviewed at USUHS...tell me that one hard d!ck from the Army (his name totally escapes me now, but his office is immediately to the right as you enter the the admissions office) is not one of the most squared away guys you'll ever meet. He definitely got me excited about serving again.

It just wasn't in the cards. They offered me a post-bac spot with an opp to matriculate the following year. I respectfully declined and stayed in So. Cal. @ COMP (for you there Mr. Devo).

Stay motivated and keep in touch on this thread. Maybe one day we'll all get togther at Evo's place on the Marine Corps Birthday!

I'm calling you out MARINES.

I'm trying to to keep tabs on all the Marines-turned-docs that post on SDN. There aren't many of us, thus it shouldn't be too hard to keep up with one another. Please post here or PM with your story and progress. This includes residency folks and beyond as well, if ya'll don't mind.

I'll go first:

-Parris Island, 0311/8152 (Security Forces)
-North Island, San Diego (MCSFCo)
-Pendleton 2/1, WestPac '97, 15th MEU, USS Boxer (LHD-4)
-'93-'97, E-4
-Married 10 years
-2 kids, 7 and 3
-Biochem major/Occidental College
-2 years cancer clinical trials research/radioimmunotherapy

1st year student at COMP in Pomona, CA. So far so good. Want to match Ortho ot EM three years from now.

So I know we got Evo (by the way Evo, like the new avatar) and there is an old salt dog named Teufel around here. Panda Bear too.

Let's go gents, fall-in! If you're the quiet type...PM please. That'll work just as well.
Parris Island plt 2142
Camp Pendleton 5/11 1st mardiv HQ battery
GITMO marine barracks windward H and S company
1996-2000
I was just a supply clerk, but spent my time in the corps as support for arty and grunts.

As of right now I'm just finishing up my general ed. reqs. at Community college and will be attending USF (south florida) in the fall. Majoring in Exercise Science. Hope to one day work as an exercise physiologist.

Even after I got of the corps I didnt know what I was going to do. I had some different jobs, even a short stint as a deputy in tampa. I soon found out that wasn't for me. I think most Marines consider a career in law enforcment after they get out...anyway I started as a crim major but that major went out the window when I actually started working in Law enforcement (I hated that damn job, getting into fights every other night, people spitting on you, who wants to deal with that?) I figured why waste my money and time on a degree that will be useless. Keep in mind that I've always been into exercise and lifting weights so while looking into a new major I came across USF's exercise science program. A perfect fit.
Now I know what I want. I'm focused and driven to get my college degree under my belt... the 1st in my family. That gives me a bit of motivation too.

I'm a hiiighly motivated truuuly dedicated United States Marine Sir.

Stay Motivated Marines.

[QUOTE=mlcl4]Parris Island plt 2142
Camp Pendleton 5/11 1st mardiv HQ battery
GITMO marine barracks windward H and S company
1996-2000
I was just a supply clerk, but spent my time in the corps as support for arty and grunts.



when were you in Camp FLores?

mike

Parris Island plt 2142
Camp Pendleton 5/11 1st mardiv HQ battery
GITMO marine barracks windward H and S company
1996-2000
I was just a supply clerk, but spent my time in the corps as support for arty and grunts.

As of right now I'm just finishing up my general ed. reqs. at Community college and will be attending USF (south florida) in the fall. Majoring in Exercise Science. Hope to one day work as an exercise physiologist.

Even after I got of the corps I didnt know what I was going to do. I had some different jobs, even a short stint as a deputy in tampa. I soon found out that wasn't for me. I think most Marines consider a career in law enforcment after they get out...anyway I started as a crim major but that major went out the window when I actually started working in Law enforcement (I hated that damn job, getting into fights every other night, people spitting on you, who wants to deal with that?) I figured why waste my money and time on a degree that will be useless. Keep in mind that I've always been into exercise and lifting weights so while looking into a new major I came across USF's exercise science program. A perfect fit.
Now I know what I want. I'm focused and driven to get my college degree under my belt... the 1st in my family. That gives me a bit of motivation too.

I'm a hiiighly motivated truuuly dedicated United States Marine Sir.

Stay Motivated Marines.
Welcome aboard, Marine! Hoo-rah!

That you'll be the first in your fam to earn a college degree is downright motivating. I was in the same boat myself. It feels good, man. :thumbup:

Isn't it awesome? I am glad to see it too. Just when it seems that every former Marine is now a cop or highway patrol officer...it is refreshing to think that there are some of The Few and The Proud donning scrubs.Yeah, no kidding. I think I've only met one other Devil Dog that was actually in med school. I gotta wonder, though: Y'all know the clinical rotation pimping that all the students are worried about in third year? It just doesn't seem like it'll bother me all that much after having dealt with Cpl Jones in MCT kicking my ass for letting go of my rifle for a millisecond. :o You know?

I interviewed at USUHS...tell me that one hard d!ck from the Army (his name totally escapes me now, but his office is immediately to the right as you enter the the admissions office) is not one of the most squared away guys you'll ever meet. He definitely got me excited about serving again.Heh. Yeah. I know the type. Best to stay away from 'em or else I'll be singing the hymn someday on a Gator Freightor in the Med. ;)

...stayed in So. Cal. @ COMP (for you there Mr. Devo).I know, man, I know. I was just wondering where you'd been lately. :)

Maybe one day we'll all get togther at Evo's place on the Marine Corps Birthday!Absolutely! Come on down to TX and y'all can stay at my pad. :D

-Parris Island, 1999 (2671 Cryptologic Linguist)
-MCT, 99
-Monterey, Ca 99-02 Arabic Language Basic Course
-Goodfellow AFB, 2002
-Ft. Meade, MD (NSA) 2002-03
-Germany w/ contractor 2003
-Ft. Gordon, GA currently working as an Arab linguist supporting our Marines (and others) forward
-Married 4 years
-2 kids, 3yr-old Daughter and 1.5yr-old Son

Just a sophmore working towards B.S. Biology and busting my a** trying to get into med school. Just starting out and everything is still overwhelming (although I don't see that changing.) It's awesome to see some people that were in the same boat at some time or another.
Working fulltime, w/ the 2 kids, and class fulltime is rough, but I'm getting so freakin motivated about what's in store for me that I'm ready to dive in head first.

Awesome thread! :thumbup:

-Parris Island, 1999 (2671 Cryptologic Linguist):2671? Heh. Freak-geek.

*Said the former "Know's nothing 'bout lots of things" 0231*

Glad to have you aboard!
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FYI, I've been out since before Jesus was a private (Panda Bear was in before Moses went to boot camp) and even now I still wonder if I'm not missing out by being a Navy doc after med school.

I still wonder if I'm not missing out by being a Navy doc after med school.

Yea, I wonder the same thing, I have a few buds doing the Navy HPSP at my school and I know they are gonna have a blast and sometimes I think about doing it all over again too.

Evo, I must say that your new avatar, the salty-war-frog sipping a hot cup of Joe from a Marine Corps mug, FREAKING ROCKS! NICE!

Hey, I read your story too, for the first time I must admit, that was nice, thanks for sharing. Congrats again on sealing the deal - you are in control of everything from here. :thumbup:

-Parris Island, 1999 (2671 Cryptologic Linguist)
-MCT, 99
-Monterey, Ca 99-02 Arabic Language Basic Course
-Goodfellow AFB, 2002
-Ft. Meade, MD (NSA) 2002-03
-Germany w/ contractor 2003
-Ft. Gordon, GA currently working as an Arab linguist supporting our Marines (and others) forward
-Married 4 years
-2 kids, 3yr-old Daughter and 1.5yr-old Son

Just a sophmore working towards B.S. Biology and busting my a** trying to get into med school. Just starting out and everything is still overwhelming (although I don't see that changing.) It's awesome to see some people that were in the same boat at some time or another.
Working fulltime, w/ the 2 kids, and class fulltime is rough, but I'm getting so freakin motivated about what's in store for me that I'm ready to dive in head first.

Awesome thread! :thumbup:

Publius, thanks for sharing and good luck with everything. Stay in touch here and get advice from the salt dogs who have laid it down before you.

One word of caution: I worked 1/2 time with a full-time biochem load (while simultaneously baby-swapping with the wife who also worked full-time). I did well in my classes, that is to say that I graduated with a 3.33, but my MCAT's weren't so hot. I believe this is because I learned enough to get by on my exams, but the concepts weren't making it into long-term memory. I didn't spend enough time with the material overall; I spread myself too thin at times. Just be cautious about how much you spread yourself between work/school/family. You want to make the application process as easy as possible.

All the best.

Yea, I wonder the same thing, I have a few buds doing the Navy HPSP at my school and I know they are gonna have a blast and sometimes I think about doing it all over again too.

Evo, I must say that your new avatar, the salty-war-frog sipping a hot cup of Joe from a Marine Corps mug, FREAKING ROCKS! NICE!

Hey, I read your story too, for the first time I must admit, that was nice, thanks for sharing. Congrats again on sealing the deal - you are in control of everything from here. :thumbup:
Thanks a lot man. I appreciate it. :thumbup:

EvoDevo, JMC,

Appreciate the replies and advise. SDN looks like a great sight. The university I'm attending is rather small and there are not that many pre-med, so having somewhere like SDN will really help out, I'm sure.

JMC, My workload is something that I've been working to straighten out for some time.. looks like I may be getting on a contract w/ less hours. Can't go down too low being the single income for the family, but I definitely feel where you're coming.

Yeah, no kidding. I think I've only met one other Devil Dog that was actually in med school. I gotta wonder, though: Y'all know the clinical rotation pimping that all the students are worried about in third year? It just doesn't seem like it'll bother me all that much after having dealt with Cpl Jones in MCT kicking my ass for letting go of my rifle for a millisecond. :o You know?

LOL! I can't tell you how many times I've thought the same thing. A lot of med students sh|t their pants during an agressive pimp session - I just laugh - I'm thinking: You people have no idea how bad it can be?

WHAT'S YOUR SEVENTH GENERAL ORDER, RECRUIT?

I miss boot camp right now and the friends I had in the fleet. I just finished reading Making the Corps and I must say, I am at a loss for words. I miss the camaraderie. I look at my medical school classmates (not all of them of course) and think to myself.. nasty:) I mean seriously, do you SEE how much complaining goes on in medical school. Holy freaking crap, you would think they are the only individuals in the class who are going through it! I mean "yes" there are times I hate driving across the city for a lecture, but the feelings are fleeting. Others in the class, will spit fire for days after being corrected or having to do something mundane. Petty inconviences quickly become big grudges. What medical students need is Parris Island.

Amen, brother. It's so nice to see that I'm not the only one who feels this way. I swear, I have these identical thoughts at least once per week. I do love medicine, but sometimes I wish I would've just got my degree and went to Quantico (I came very close to signing on the line for Platoon Leaders' Course back in 1999).

Anyway, I miss the Corps so damn much. As supportive as my wife is (she was a green-side Corpsman when we met), she does not want me doing a GMO tour w/ the Marines cuz she doesn't want me getting shot up/blown up over in Iraq.

You can see how I'm conflicted, because I feel I was born to be a GMO for a Marine Btln. And if I was going to do it, I would want to be where I was needed the most, i.e. Iraq. Anyway, good luck to you and Semper Fi!

LOL! I can't tell you how many times I've thought the same thing. A lot of med students sh|t their pants during an agressive pimp session - I just laugh - I'm thinking: You people have no idea how bad it can be?

WHAT'S YOUR SEVENTH GENERAL ORDER, RECRUIT?
GENERAL ORDER #7:
To talk to no one except on the line of duty. :laugh:

I dunno how you did it, but I plan on preparing for my rotations just like boot camp/infantry school: practicing the ability to repeat information whilst being yelled at. There's no way that an attending can be as bad as Sgt. Jones.

Hey man, I haven't seen you online in a while. You're the guy who's like a massive powerlifter, right? :thumbup: What specialty did you finally decide on?

Amen, brother. It's so nice to see that I'm not the only one who feels this way. I swear, I have these identical thoughts at least once per week. I do love medicine, but sometimes I wish I would've just got my degree and went to Quantico (I came very close to signing on the line for Platoon Leaders' Course back in 1999).

Anyway, I miss the Corps so damn much. As supportive as my wife is (she was a green-side Corpsman when we met), she does not want me doing a GMO tour w/ the Marines cuz she doesn't want me getting shot up/blown up over in Iraq.

You can see how I'm conflicted, because I feel I was born to be a GMO for a Marine Btln. And if I was going to do it, I would want to be where I was needed the most, i.e. Iraq. Anyway, good luck to you and Semper Fi!
I feel the same way. Absolutely. But you know, I have a feeling that my distance from active service (7 years) means that I'm probably forgetting all the heart-wrenching, bile-producing BS I had to endure.

eh. Who knows? I may change my mind in a year or two.

I have been reading books on the Corps and looking at my yearbook in order to prepare myself for residency. I need to remember I was once able to handle worse crap than this!

GMO tour would be fun and what a different perspective dressed as a squid.

Wanted to check with you guys and see if any of you ran into the same problem.

After graduation from my MOS training (2671 Arabic linguist), I found that our school was accredited and that the course was subdivided to grant basic foreign language credit hours, humanities, etc.

My problem is that it ended up being 45 credit hours with a GPA of roughly 2.6
We were unaware of the course being accredited (not that it would have changed anything if we would have know.)

Now with my undergrad studies, 18 of the credits transferred over (pulling my GPA down considerably.) Our registrar has said that I could not refuse the transferred credits, even though they do not fall under my degree program (I don't know if this is a state issue or not)

My institutional GPA now is 4.0 (just now completing 2nd semester) and the transferred credits are weighing heavily on my cumulative GPA.

I am wondering what all is covered on the AMCAS app and how/if it breaks down the GPA by institution, or by degree, etc. I know I have a lot of time to pick this GPA up, but I am just curious.

Will admission committees look further into the GPA's, or could this get me set aside before they get a chance to find out the details?

I feel the same way. Absolutely. But you know, I have a feeling that my distance from active service (7 years) means that I'm probably forgetting all the heart-wrenching, bile-producing BS I had to endure.

eh. Who knows? I may change my mind in a year or two.


I have been out for almost fourteen years and I have pretty much forgotten all of the BS. I think we all love the Corps but we love it a lot more now that we're out.

Things I Could Not Stand About Being A Marine:

1. Field Day. Good Lord. Is it that hard to clean the Barracks? Grab one squad, cut everybody else loose on liberty, and git-R-done. Never happened like that, of course. It usally ended up with the whole Company standing around waiting for somebody to inspect.

2. IG inspections. I understand the purpose of these things and I approve but I just never thought lining up socks and boxers on the top shelf of a wall locker was a productive use of time.

3. Waiting around for liberty. If I were the commanding officer I would never leave my Marines standing around with nothing to do late in the afternoon on the start of a three-day weekend. If there's something to be done then again, pick a "duty squad" and let everybody else go, fer' chrissakes. Sometimes our leaders (and I think everybody will agree that we have excellent officers in the Marines) don't realize that many Marines have girlfriends who live at the end of a thirteen hour drive.

I'm sure I can think of a lot more.

How well I remember my discharge day. It was around this time in April in 1991. It was one of the finest days of my life. I was honorably discharged, dating a good-looking chick (who is now Mrs. Panda) and on my way to College starting in June. The sense of freedom when I drove out of the main gate at Camp Lejeune cannot be described or understood by anybody who has never been a Marine. Don't get me wrong, I loved the Corps and enjoyed my seven years of active duty service but as many of you know Marine Corps life is pretty demanding. As I left the base for the last time I realized that I was done with it.

Wanted to check with you guys and see if any of you ran into the same problem.

After graduation from my MOS training (2671 Arabic linguist), I found that our school was accredited and that the course was subdivided to grant basic foreign language credit hours, humanities, etc.

My problem is that it ended up being 45 credit hours with a GPA of roughly 2.6
We were unaware of the course being accredited (not that it would have changed anything if we would have know.)

Now with my undergrad studies, 18 of the credits transferred over (pulling my GPA down considerably.) Our registrar has said that I could not refuse the transferred credits, even though they do not fall under my degree program (I don't know if this is a state issue or not)

My institutional GPA now is 4.0 (just now completing 2nd semester) and the transferred credits are weighing heavily on my cumulative GPA.

I am wondering what all is covered on the AMCAS app and how/if it breaks down the GPA by institution, or by degree, etc. I know I have a lot of time to pick this GPA up, but I am just curious.

Will admission committees look further into the GPA's, or could this get me set aside before they get a chance to find out the details?

I was kicked out of college in 1983 for bad grades and those grades dragged my cumulative GPA to around a 2.6 by the time I applied to medical school. Additionally, when I majored in Civil Engineering I had no idea that six years later I would be applying to medical school so I didn't exactly push the studying envelope.

When I went back to take the medical school prerequisites I aced them all and did fairly well on the MCAT. My BPCM GPA (Biolgy,Physics, Chemistry, and Math) GPA which is (or was) broken out in the AMCAS application was around a 3.8 because of this.

Just use some of your essay to explain your situation. My medical school was obviously sympathetic. I am graduating next month. As long as you get the interviews you will do fine. On the other hand there are some schools, and I don't know which ones, that get so many applications that they have automatic "cut-offs" for GPA and MCAT scores. They have to start somewhere in thinning the herd and score cut-offs are the easiest way. My point is don't count on getting interviews at Harvard. Your state school, on the other hand, will probably give you an interview just based on your interesting CV and GPA be damned.

I too, have laughed out loud at a young resident as he tried to chew me out. It was pathetic. Other than laughing I was perfectly polite and other than suggesting that he'd look kind of foolish standing in front of his attending explaining why he was cursing at his medical students I don't let the varous ego dysfunctions I have encountered bother me.

On the other hand most Attendings and residents are pretty good people and interested in teaching students. I have no problem taking orders from anybody in authority and I will take the occasional well-deserved chastisement without comment and without an attitude problem. A little good-natured ribbing or sharp criticism is not the same as abuse.

The medical student/resident relationship is nothing like you see in the popular culture and nowhere near as bad as you imagine...at least in my experience.

Maybe it was malignant "back in the day" but this is not the case anymore.

Remember all the horror stories they told you about boot-camp? When you got there you quicky found out that most of them were sea-tales and that boot-camp was indeed difficult but in ways you couldn't have anticipated.

Same thing.

Wanted to check with you guys and see if any of you ran into the same problem.

After graduation from my MOS training (2671 Arabic linguist), I found that our school was accredited and that the course was subdivided to grant basic foreign language credit hours, humanities, etc.

My problem is that it ended up being 45 credit hours with a GPA of roughly 2.6
We were unaware of the course being accredited (not that it would have changed anything if we would have know.)

Now with my undergrad studies, 18 of the credits transferred over (pulling my GPA down considerably.) Our registrar has said that I could not refuse the transferred credits, even though they do not fall under my degree program (I don't know if this is a state issue or not)

My institutional GPA now is 4.0 (just now completing 2nd semester) and the transferred credits are weighing heavily on my cumulative GPA.

I am wondering what all is covered on the AMCAS app and how/if it breaks down the GPA by institution, or by degree, etc. I know I have a lot of time to pick this GPA up, but I am just curious.

Will admission committees look further into the GPA's, or could this get me set aside before they get a chance to find out the details?


That is a strange problem. I remember my transfer stuff from the Corps was all pass/fail. There were no grades recorded. I would fight to see if they won't have to be transferred over. A 4.0 should be preserved if possible. If all else fails, I would schedule an appointment with your local medical school admissions coordinator and discuss your problem with them. That way, they will look further into your application. Unfortunately, some schools may automatically dismiss your application based on GP cut offs. The only way around that is by communicating your situation to the schools you apply to. There are always exceptions to cut offs.

How well I remember my discharge day. It was around this time in April in 1991. It was one of the finest days of my life. I was honorably discharged, dating a good-looking chick (who is now Mrs. Panda) and on my way to College starting in June. The sense of freedom when I drove out of the main gate at Camp Lejeune cannot be described or understood by anybody who has never been a Marine. Don't get me wrong, I loved the Corps and enjoyed my seven years of active duty service but as many of you know Marine Corps life is pretty demanding. As I left the base for the last time I realized that I was done with it.

I remember that drive as well. I never felt so free. I could not believe Thursdays were no longer field days. No friday morning inspections. I was just FREEEE! I remember driving home with no idea what I was going to do. I knew I wanted to go to college, but for what I had no clue. All I knew was that a college degree led to a much better lifestyle in the corps and it probably would be important in the civilian world.
Now, it is nine years later and I am graduating from medical school. I could have never predicted this.

I remember that drive as well. I never felt so free. I could not believe Thursdays were no longer field days. No friday morning inspections. I was just FREEEE! I remember driving home with no idea what I was going to do. I knew I wanted to go to college, but for what I had no clue. All I knew was that a college degree led to a much better lifestyle in the corps and it probably would be important in the civilian world.
Now, it is nine years later and I am graduating from medical school. I could have never predicted this.


That's it exactly. Freedom. When I got out I still had six weeks of pay (terminal leave), money in the bank, and nothing to do for the three months before college but relax and enjoy sleeping late and being responsible for nobody but myself.

Today, I have a wife, three kids, five dogs, a mortage, $170,000 in student loans, and (starting in July) the responsibilty of being a real doctor. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade any of this for anything in the world. I am just commenting that there are very few times in life when you are, within the boundaries of reality, absolutely free and my discharge from the Marines sure felt like one of them.

I remember that drive as well. I never felt so free. I could not believe Thursdays were no longer field days. No friday morning inspections. I was just FREEEE! I remember driving home with no idea what I was going to do. I knew I wanted to go to college, but for what I had no clue. All I knew was that a college degree led to a much better lifestyle in the corps and it probably would be important in the civilian world.
Now, it is nine years later and I am graduating from medical school. I could have never predicted this.

Brings a tear to my eye! Obedeli, I relate to this sentiment to the T.

Today, I have a wife, three kids, five dogs, a mortage, $170,000 in student loans, and (starting in July) the responsibilty of being a real doctor. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade any of this for anything in the world. I am just commenting that there are very few times in life when you are, within the boundaries of reality, absolutely free and my discharge from the Marines sure felt like one of them.

This one too.

Surely I wasn't the only one looking in the rear view mirror at the jungle boots caught up in and around the telephone wire shouting out loud in a motivated voice, "FREE AT LAST, FREE AT LAST...GOD ALMIGHTY, FREE AT LAST!"

Panda Bear, Obedeli - appreciate the input.

I've seen some of the cut-offs that you two were mentioning, I guess I was hoping that they would be separated somehow in regards to the degree requirements (will be getting an A.A. in Arabic Lang/Culture from Defense Lang Institute.) Seems as the BPCM and non-science GPAs are the only distinctions on the AMCAS app.

I've got a long way to go -- I'll just bust my ***** and try and do well on the MCAT.

Besides, it's too cold in Boston -- who needs Haavard anyways :D

:laugh:

I dunno how you did it, but I plan on preparing for my rotations just like boot camp/infantry school: practicing the ability to repeat information whilst being yelled at. There's no way that an attending can be as bad as Sgt. Jones.

Hey man, I haven't seen you online in a while. You're the guy who's like a massive powerlifter, right? :thumbup: What specialty did you finally decide on?

My 500 bench press and 700+ squat days are over with. My knees and shoulders have been going downhill for years. Everytime I start going heavy - it's fun for a few weeks - then I'm in a world of pain. My goal it this point is to stay in shape and avoid the orthopod's office. I can still squat 400+ for reps and bench 315 for 8-10 reps, but that's as heavy as I go. I know that seems like a lot to most people, but in the back of my mind I know it's only a fraction of what I used to lift. We can't help but to always compare ourselves with our past performances. Hell, I can't even study like I used to!

Believe it or not, I chose psychiatry. People are shocked and in disbelief. I definitely dont look or act like your typical psychiatrist. However, I think that's a good thing. I like breaking stereotypes. I think all fields could use a little more variety. Hell, just being AMERICAN in psychiatry is breaking the mold, let alone being a 220 lb weightlifter, former jarhead.

My future may still hold some ooh-rah days, though, as I'm strongly considering doing a GMO tour with the Marines. It just seems so....appropriate. I know it would defer my training (and in psych I could probably go straight through residency if I wanted to), but you only live once, and I think it would be an awesome experience. They probably don't get many former Marine NCO's as Batallion docs....I think it would be a blast.

Believe it or not, I chose psychiatry. People are shocked and in disbelief. I definitely dont look or act like your typical psychiatrist. However, I think that's a good thing. I like breaking stereotypes. I think all fields could use a little more variety. Hell, just being AMERICAN in psychiatry is breaking the mold, let alone being a 220 lb weightlifter, former jarhead.

They probably don't get many former Marine NCO's as Batallion docs....I think it would be a blast.

You freakin' motivate me! I think I am gonna go put on 3 plates on each side and get some myself! Can I get an Ohh Rah?>

I'm calling you out MARINES.

I'm trying to to keep tabs on all the Marines-turned-docs that post on SDN. There aren't many of us, thus it shouldn't be too hard to keep up with one another. Please post here or PM with your story and progress. This includes residency folks and beyond as well, if ya'll don't mind.

I'll go first:

-Parris Island, 0311/8152 (Security Forces)
-North Island, San Diego (MCSFCo)
-Pendleton 2/1, WestPac '97, 15th MEU, USS Boxer (LHD-4)
-'93-'97, E-4
-Married 10 years
-2 kids, 7 and 3
-Biochem major/Occidental College
-2 years cancer clinical trials research/radioimmunotherapy

1st year student at COMP in Pomona, CA. So far so good. Want to match Ortho ot EM three years from now.

So I know we got Evo (by the way Evo, like the new avatar) and there is an old salt dog named Teufel around here. Panda Bear too.

Let's go gents, fall-in! If you're the quiet type...PM please. That'll work just as well.


6/97 San Diego MCRD
3/7 Kilo mos 0311
last year with1/7 bravo (EAS non deployable)
got out 6/01 as E-5
currently senior at Ohio State
took MCAT 2 weeks ago, taking glide year to do research & get married
applications go out in a few weeks, hope to join you hard-chargers in med school

I have been out for almost fourteen years and I have pretty much forgotten all of the BS. I think we all love the Corps but we love it a lot more now that we're out.

Things I Could Not Stand About Being A Marine:

1. Field Day. Good Lord. Is it that hard to clean the Barracks? Grab one squad, cut everybody else loose on liberty, and git-R-done. Never happened like that, of course. It usally ended up with the whole Company standing around waiting for somebody to inspect.

2. IG inspections. I understand the purpose of these things and I approve but I just never thought lining up socks and boxers on the top shelf of a wall locker was a productive use of time.

3. Waiting around for liberty. If I were the commanding officer I would never leave my Marines standing around with nothing to do late in the afternoon on the start of a three-day weekend. If there's something to be done then again, pick a "duty squad" and let everybody else go, fer' chrissakes. Sometimes our leaders (and I think everybody will agree that we have excellent officers in the Marines) don't realize that many Marines have girlfriends who live at the end of a thirteen hour drive.

I'm sure I can think of a lot more.

How well I remember my discharge day. It was around this time in April in 1991. It was one of the finest days of my life. I was honorably discharged, dating a good-looking chick (who is now Mrs. Panda) and on my way to College starting in June. The sense of freedom when I drove out of the main gate at Camp Lejeune cannot be described or understood by anybody who has never been a Marine. Don't get me wrong, I loved the Corps and enjoyed my seven years of active duty service but as many of you know Marine Corps life is pretty demanding. As I left the base for the last time I realized that I was done with it.
Okay, you just reminded me of the things which I *hated* about the Corps. Ugh. It always drove me crazy that people's lives were often ruled by stupid crap:

"Cpl. EvoDevo, a dustbunny was found underneath your rack." :rolleyes:

Similar feelings about liberty call. Again, hours wasted due to lack of foresight, miscommunication, etc. :thumbdown

So I had my very very very last active duty time in the summer of '98. As I drove out of the Camp Pendleton gates I remember feeling both relieved and sad. Relieved that I could now go back to my life (in college) and learning things that really interested me, sad that I wouldn't have the chance to lead Marines anymore.

But let me tell you, the realization that I could take time for a nap in the middle of the day (and didn't have duty that night) was perhaps the best thing EVER! :thumbup:

Panda Bear, Obedeli - appreciate the input.

I've seen some of the cut-offs that you two were mentioning, I guess I was hoping that they would be separated somehow in regards to the degree requirements (will be getting an A.A. in Arabic Lang/Culture from Defense Lang Institute.) Seems as the BPCM and non-science GPAs are the only distinctions on the AMCAS app.

I've got a long way to go -- I'll just bust my ***** and try and do well on the MCAT.

Besides, it's too cold in Boston -- who needs Haavard anyways :D
Way to go, Marine. Why don't you apply to Texas? It's nice and warm down here..... :D

Funny. I took the DLAB at enlistment and scored pretty well. Anyway, six months went by and I finally shipped out to boot camp @ SD. Turned out that my score was pretty old so I had to re-take....at the END of the three days of inprocessing. Needless to say, lack of sleep brought my score down a bit.

Still, I'm glad that I ended up being a 0231. Gave me a great perspective on the overall intel cycle.

Glad to have another intel geek aboard. :thumbup:

My 500 bench press and 700+ squat days are over with. My knees and shoulders have been going downhill for years. Everytime I start going heavy - it's fun for a few weeks - then I'm in a world of pain. My goal it this point is to stay in shape and avoid the orthopod's office. I can still squat 400+ for reps and bench 315 for 8-10 reps, but that's as heavy as I go. I know that seems like a lot to most people, but in the back of my mind I know it's only a fraction of what I used to lift. We can't help but to always compare ourselves with our past performances. Hell, I can't even study like I used to!Heh. You are a strong man. I can do 315 for (at most) 2 reps. :laugh: Strangely, though I work out much less these days my strength has increased something like 30%.

Believe it or not, I chose psychiatry. People are shocked and in disbelief. I definitely dont look or act like your typical psychiatrist. However, I think that's a good thing. I like breaking stereotypes. I think all fields could use a little more variety. Hell, just being AMERICAN in psychiatry is breaking the mold, let alone being a 220 lb weightlifter, former jarhead.Outstanding. :thumbup: You should do what you like and what you're good at, despite what other people think. You know? And with psych finally being based more and more in neuroscience, we're set for a golden age in the field.

You know, I have a MS3 friend keeps asking me what she should do (keep in mind that I'm a MS0)...she likes Family but her Opthamalogist father insists on her doing rads/optho/derm etc. Big struggle for her. I always say: "Do what you'll be happy at for the next 20-30 years." It's hard for me to fathom letting others make that kind of decision.

My future may still hold some ooh-rah days, though, as I'm strongly considering doing a GMO tour with the Marines. It just seems so....appropriate. I know it would defer my training (and in psych I could probably go straight through residency if I wanted to), but you only live once, and I think it would be an awesome experience. They probably don't get many former Marine NCO's as Batallion docs....I think it would be a blast.So do I. Are you HPSP? Do you have a choice?

Are you HPSP? Do you have a choice?

Yeah, Navy HPSP. As far as having a choice or not, the answer to that is "maybe." I mached into the Psych internship, but will have to reapply in the GME2 match to continue straight through. GMOs returning from the fleet back in to Navy residency have priority over those of us coming straight from internship. Therefore, it all depends on how many returning GMOs apply for the PGY2 psych spot at my program this year.

6/97 San Diego MCRD
3/7 Kilo mos 0311
last year with1/7 bravo (EAS non deployable)
got out 6/01 as E-5
currently senior at Ohio State
took MCAT 2 weeks ago, taking glide year to do research & get married
applications go out in a few weeks, hope to join you hard-chargers in med school

E-5 in 4 years with the grunts....NICE! :cool:

Welcome BEEFBALLS, glad you stopped by and introduced yourself.

Make sure you don't procrastinate with the apps...get that thing out IMMEDIATELY! Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Boot Camp, Great Mistakes, Aug 1996
HM "A" School, San Diego, Nov 1996
FMSS Camp Pendleton, Jan 1997
Naval Hospital San Diego, Feb 1997
1st Battalion 5th Marines, Camp Pendleton, Dec 1998
U.S.S. Constellation, Apr 2000
EAOS, Aug 2001
First undergrad semester, Hendrix College, Conway Arkansas
Reserve Callup, 2nd Battalion 23rd Marines, Jan 2002
Inactivation Jan 2003 (E5)
Return to undergrad work at Hendrix College
Set to graduate in May, Bachelor degree in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Applied to UAMS (local medical school) and 5 DO schools
Married for three years now to a Navy Nurse (just made O3 in the reserve)
Expecting first daughter on 31MAR05


Just got my acceptance from the waitlist this morning.

Just got my acceptance from the waitlist this morning.
Congrats!! Which school?

Sad news today, Devil Dogs:

I just found out that a Marine reservist serving in Iraq, who was just pulled off our class waitlist Monday, was one of the two Marines killed Sunday/Monday in the car bombing.

Here's the text (http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/military/stories/MYSA051005.01A.Second_Marine.25bcff81c.html)of that article.

---------------------

Scott Huddleston
Express-News Staff Writer

On Mother's Day, at about 6 a.m., Marine Sgt. Aaron Cepeda Sr.'s wife got a call on her cell phone.

The caller identified himself as a member of the Marine Corps, Ella Cepeda recalled. He said there had been an accident but couldn't tell her the details over the phone. He asked her to come to the front door.

Two Marines in full dress uniforms were standing there, on the same 10-acre spread in Elmendorf where Aaron Cepeda had helped build his family's two-story house, swam in their pool and gone fishing with his son at a stocked pond.

It was supposed to be where he'd raise his children while chasing his dream of becoming a cardiovascular surgeon.

The Marines had news that put those plans to rest. Cepeda, 22, was one of two San Antonio Marine reservists killed late Saturday by a suicide bomber in a car in Anbar province, Iraq.

The other, Lance Cpl. Lance T. Graham, 26, had kidded with Cepeda when they visited Las Vegas before deploying that he was too young to be giving orders.

"So I'm being pushed around by a 22-year-old?" Graham quipped, Cepeda's wife recalled.

Playful taunting was at the core of their bond. Graham was a Madison High School graduate and Texas Longhorns fan. Cepeda had gone to Health Careers High School and was an Aggie, with a pre-med degree from Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi.

In Iraq, however, in the 3rd Battalion, 25th Regiment, 4th Marine Division, they were like family. Cepeda's parents would send $60 worth of jerky in a care package, and it would be gone in a day, since he'd share it with Graham and others in his unit.

They ate together, and on Saturday they died together.

Cepeda's son, Aaron Jr., turns 5 Thursday. Hearing him say "my daddy's dead" or "he says he's going to come back" was tough enough for relatives.

But when he said, "Mom, I told Daddy not to get on the bus, but he did," recalling that day in January at San Antonio's Marine Reserve center, that might have been the hardest.

"What I hate is that it'll be a closed coffin," said the Marine's father, Michael Cepeda Sr.

As a former helicopter pilot in Vietnam, Michael Cepeda Sr. knows a person in uniform doesn't question a government's reasons for a war. Yet he had urged his son to come home a few weeks ago after a mortar round threw him 10 feet, injuring his back and leaving him deaf in one ear.

His son could have returned, Michael Cepeda said, and had the church wedding he'd longed for. He could've studied at the University of Texas Health Science Center, which called his wife Monday to say he'd been accepted at the medical school. He could have raised little "A.J." and Journee, his 16-month-old daughter, on the wooded acreage he would've inherited, where he'd lived all his life.

But the Marines' motto is semper fidelis —always faithful. He stayed in Iraq and hoped to return to San Antonio with his buddies in the fall.

"I told him to be careful about cars, to shoot and ask questions later," his father said. "But he didn't want to get into trouble. If he saw a car zig-zagging and could sense danger, he didn't know if he should shoot or not."

Funeral arrangements are pending with Angelus Funeral Home. A service and burial are planned at St. Anthony's Church in Elmendorf.

Aaron Cepeda also is survived by his mother, Diana Cepeda, and an older brother, Michael Jr.

Though Aaron was fit and athletic, he was preceded in death in recent years by two younger brothers who were disabled and in poor health. His father long has suspected the effects of his exposure to the defoliant Agent Orange in Vietnam.

Aaron's strength, intellect and drive always defied that notion.

"He was my pride and joy," Michael Cepeda Sr. said.

Ella Cepeda, who recently turned 24, received a birthday card from her husband over the weekend.

Now, the family will have to prepare for Aaron Jr.'s birthday, just a few days before they bury his daddy.

Sad news today, Devil Dogs:

I just found out that a Marine reservist serving in Iraq, who was just pulled off our class waitlist Monday, was one of the two Marines killed Sunday/Monday in the car bombing.

Here's the text (http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/military/stories/MYSA051005.01A.Second_Marine.25bcff81c.html)of that article.

---------------------

Scott Huddleston
Express-News Staff Writer

On Mother's Day, at about 6 a.m., Marine Sgt. Aaron Cepeda Sr.'s wife got a call on her cell phone.

The caller identified himself as a member of the Marine Corps, Ella Cepeda recalled. He said there had been an accident but couldn't tell her the details over the phone. He asked her to come to the front door.

Two Marines in full dress uniforms were standing there, on the same 10-acre spread in Elmendorf where Aaron Cepeda had helped build his family's two-story house, swam in their pool and gone fishing with his son at a stocked pond.

It was supposed to be where he'd raise his children while chasing his dream of becoming a cardiovascular surgeon.

The Marines had news that put those plans to rest. Cepeda, 22, was one of two San Antonio Marine reservists killed late Saturday by a suicide bomber in a car in Anbar province, Iraq.

The other, Lance Cpl. Lance T. Graham, 26, had kidded with Cepeda when they visited Las Vegas before deploying that he was too young to be giving orders.

"So I'm being pushed around by a 22-year-old?" Graham quipped, Cepeda's wife recalled.

Playful taunting was at the core of their bond. Graham was a Madison High School graduate and Texas Longhorns fan. Cepeda had gone to Health Careers High School and was an Aggie, with a pre-med degree from Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi.

In Iraq, however, in the 3rd Battalion, 25th Regiment, 4th Marine Division, they were like family. Cepeda's parents would send $60 worth of jerky in a care package, and it would be gone in a day, since he'd share it with Graham and others in his unit.

They ate together, and on Saturday they died together.

Cepeda's son, Aaron Jr., turns 5 Thursday. Hearing him say "my daddy's dead" or "he says he's going to come back" was tough enough for relatives.

But when he said, "Mom, I told Daddy not to get on the bus, but he did," recalling that day in January at San Antonio's Marine Reserve center, that might have been the hardest.

"What I hate is that it'll be a closed coffin," said the Marine's father, Michael Cepeda Sr.

As a former helicopter pilot in Vietnam, Michael Cepeda Sr. knows a person in uniform doesn't question a government's reasons for a war. Yet he had urged his son to come home a few weeks ago after a mortar round threw him 10 feet, injuring his back and leaving him deaf in one ear.

His son could have returned, Michael Cepeda said, and had the church wedding he'd longed for. He could've studied at the University of Texas Health Science Center, which called his wife Monday to say he'd been accepted at the medical school. He could have raised little "A.J." and Journee, his 16-month-old daughter, on the wooded acreage he would've inherited, where he'd lived all his life.

But the Marines' motto is semper fidelis —always faithful. He stayed in Iraq and hoped to return to San Antonio with his buddies in the fall.

"I told him to be careful about cars, to shoot and ask questions later," his father said. "But he didn't want to get into trouble. If he saw a car zig-zagging and could sense danger, he didn't know if he should shoot or not."

Funeral arrangements are pending with Angelus Funeral Home. A service and burial are planned at St. Anthony's Church in Elmendorf.

Aaron Cepeda also is survived by his mother, Diana Cepeda, and an older brother, Michael Jr.

Though Aaron was fit and athletic, he was preceded in death in recent years by two younger brothers who were disabled and in poor health. His father long has suspected the effects of his exposure to the defoliant Agent Orange in Vietnam.

Aaron's strength, intellect and drive always defied that notion.

"He was my pride and joy," Michael Cepeda Sr. said.

Ella Cepeda, who recently turned 24, received a birthday card from her husband over the weekend.

Now, the family will have to prepare for Aaron Jr.'s birthday, just a few days before they bury his daddy.

:( Dude, that was a tough one to read....what a sh!tty story. I would save a seat at your school for him in his honor. Sounds like going there would have been a dream come true.

DAMN!

:( Dude, that was a tough one to read....what a sh!tty story. I would save a seat at your school for him in his honor. Sounds like going there would have been a dream come true.

DAMN!
Yeah, I'm trying to figure what we can do. Maybe a scholarship? Holding the seat open's not really an option.

Yeah, I'm trying to figure what we can do. Maybe a scholarship? Holding the seat open's not really an option.

Don't hold a true seat for him, but an honorary seat. I don't know what to say. Poor family....

I orignally considered posting this in the premed forum but there are some nasty folks there who would turn his death into a giant political argument thread :mad: so I quickly and wisely changed my mind. Also, there are gunners who would joke that a spot was still open. My rage would know no limits if any of these things happened. His story should remain here honored by his brothers in the Corps.

Don't hold a true seat for him, but an honorary seat. I don't know what to say. Poor family....Right, honorary seat. I wonder if the local Marine Corps cadre (or his unit when they get back?) would be willing to help us set something up at orientation. Maybe a scholarship for his kid or something. Ideas would be welcome.

I orignally considered posting this in the premed forum but there are some nasty folks there who would turn his death into a giant political argument thread :mad: so I quickly and wisely changed my mind. Also, there are gunners who would joke that a spot was still open. My rage would know no limits if any of these things happened. His story should remain here honored by his brothers in the Corps.You know what? I had the very same thoughts. I'd want to reach through the web and choke some douchenozzles.

Evo,
It kills me to think but he WOULD have been your friend. There aren't many marines in medical school and he would have been your buddy. In August, please let this thread know how he was recognized.

Evo,
It kills me to think but he WOULD have been your friend. There aren't many marines in medical school and he would have been your buddy. In August, please let this thread know how he was recognized.
You're probably right.

*sigh*

I will let y'all know, I promise.

I was hardly able to finish reading this thread. I say we start a scholarship fund for the Marine's kid, and have Evo present it at orientation to the Marine's family. I'll give a hundred bucks if you can get 9 more of us to do the same. A minimum of 1,000 bucks placed in some government bond or other fund could mature to be of some use when the kid is of age. I think the school and the UT system is responsible now to do something in this kid's honor as well. I am just amazed at how young this kid was and how capable he was of getting into medical school in addition to being a Marine. Most guys from the Marine's who go to medical school do it around age 26 or later. This shows he was on the ball, and all while being a father. This deserves some credit.
Sounds like a good idea. I've been giving your idea some thought. I'll call the school tomorrow to tell them about the idea.

I can throw in $100.

UAMS in Little Rock, my first choice.

Sounds like a good idea. I've been giving your idea some thought. I'll call the school tomorrow to tell them about the idea.

I can throw in $100.
Did you get some info? I'd be willing to contribute as well.

MCRD SanDiego 1/86 (2531)
SJSU BA Political Science 93
Pittsburgh MD 03
UMass EM resident

Semper Fi

Did you get some info? I'd be willing to contribute as well.
Not yet. I need to prod folks again. I'll keep everyone updated.

MCRD SanDiego 1/86 (2531)
SJSU BA Political Science 93
Pittsburgh MD 03
UMass EM resident

Semper Fi
Hey, welcome to the thread. Though I can see from your join date that you've been with us for quite a while. :thumbup:

Update:

I spoke with Sgt. Cepeda's widow this afternoon [:(], and I've gotten the okay. I'm going to contact her bank today, and when I get the info I'll post it up.

Semper Fi.

I orignally considered posting this in the premed forum but there are some nasty folks there who would turn his death into a giant political argument thread :mad: so I quickly and wisely changed my mind. Also, there are gunners who would joke that a spot was still open. My rage would know no limits if any of these things happened. His story should remain here honored by his brothers in the Corps.

That would be the epitome of bad taste, but it wouldn't surprise me, either. :thumbdown :rolleyes: Anyway, even people who oppose the war have no reason for not supporting their countrymen (and women!) over there in harm's way. What a sad story. Evo, I would like to contribute some money also. I'm not a former service member, and I had never even read this thread before today (I just did now because I noticed your name as the most recent poster ;) ) but I am touched and would like to help. Aren't there two kids, the boy and also an infant daughter? If enough people want to contribute, maybe you could set something up for her, too.

That would be the epitome of bad taste, but it wouldn't surprise me, either. :thumbdown :rolleyes: Anyway, even people who oppose the war have no reason for not supporting their countrymen (and women!) over there in harm's way. What a sad story. Evo, I would like to contribute some money also. I'm not a former service member, and I had never even read this thread before today (I just did now because I noticed your name as the most recent poster ;) ) but I am touched and would like to help. Aren't there two kids, the boy and also an infant daughter? If enough people want to contribute, maybe you could set something up for her, too.
Hiya Q:

That would be fabulous! I'm working on that as we speak and hopefully soon I'll have a bank account/address that we can all send out $$ to. I really, really appreciate both your attitude (viz. supporting the troops) and your generosity. :)

And btw, I'm 33. ;)

Okay, so I put an update (http://cybermessageboard.fatcow.com/lampha/viewforum.php?f=7) on our class message board:

---------------------

Hi everyone:

Sad news. As some of you may know, Sgt. Aaron Cepeda, a Marine reservist serving in Iraq, was one of the two Marines killed 9 May as a result of terrorist action. What makes this relevant to us all is that Aaron was to be a member of the class of 2009, and his death leaves his wife and two children horribly bereft.

Well, they say that Marines are a family forever and anon, and we always take care of our own. I suggested establishing a scholarship fund for Aaron's two children, and several Marines and other military folks from SDN have pledged $$ towards a scholarship fund. Anyway, I called Aaron's widow today [:(] and told her about the plans to raise money for her kid's college money. She was obviously very upset about Aaron's passing, yet also very touched by the offer.

Here's where we come in. Since Aaron was to be a member of our class, I'd like to invite everyone to pledge some amount of money to the scholarship fund. I will be contacting the administration early next week to coordinate; Hopefully we can spread the word to the rest of the Medical School and UHTHSCSA family. In addition, I'll also be coordinating with the US Marine Corps unit to which Aaron belonged, so perhaps we can present the scholarship to her at some point. I'm totally open to suggestions.

For those of you willing to help out, I'll post the information on the address of the bank as soon as I get it.

I'm already very proud of our class as I've met and spoken with so many of you long before classes have even begun. Thanks for listening.

(The newspaper article detailing the story will be posted below)
------------------------------------

Hiya Q:

That would be fabulous! I'm working on that as we speak and hopefully soon I'll have a bank account/address that we can all send out $$ to. I really, really appreciate both your attitude (viz. supporting the troops) and your generosity. :)

And btw, I'm 33. ;)

Tee hee, I know, I clicked on your link earlier and saw that. So actually you really ARE a fossil. I'm "only" 30. :meanie: But I do know what you mean about feeling a little out of place with a bunch of traditional aged pre-meds sometimes. The funniest thing for me is that many of the ones I interact with are my former students from lab or from Kaplan. And honestly, they are the ones who are holding my hand and getting me through this crazy process. They really have been super supportive for the most part. But the role reversal is still a little weird. :D

How would you feel about posting a new thread asking for contributions in the non-trad forum if you don't want to do it in pre-allo? I think that a lot of SDNers will want to contribute to help these kids. So many people have family members in the services even if they never were in themselves. My ex went to Kuwait for Desert Storm.

Okay, so I put an update (http://cybermessageboard.fatcow.com/lampha/viewforum.php?f=7) on our class message board:

---------------------

Hi everyone:

Sad news. As some of you may know, Sgt. Aaron Cepeda, a Marine reservist serving in Iraq, was one of the two Marines killed 9 May as a result of terrorist action. What makes this relevant to us all is that Aaron was to be a member of the class of 2009, and his death leaves his wife and two children horribly bereft.

Well, they say that Marines are a family forever and anon, and we always take care of our own. I suggested establishing a scholarship fund for Aaron's two children, and several Marines and other military folks from SDN have pledged $$ towards a scholarship fund. Anyway, I called Aaron's widow today [:(] and told her about the plans to raise money for her kid's college money. She was obviously very upset about Aaron's passing, yet also very touched by the offer.

Here's where we come in. Since Aaron was to be a member of our class, I'd like to invite everyone to pledge some amount of money to the scholarship fund. I will be contacting the administration early next week to coordinate; Hopefully we can spread the word to the rest of the Medical School and UHTHSCSA family. In addition, I'll also be coordinating with the US Marine Corps unit to which Aaron belonged, so perhaps we can present the scholarship to her at some point. I'm totally open to suggestions.

For those of you willing to help out, I'll post the information on the address of the bank as soon as I get it.

I'm already very proud of our class as I've met and spoken with so many of you long before classes have even begun. Thanks for listening.

(The newspaper article detailing the story will be posted below)
------------------------------------
I got 20 bucks saying Evo Devo will be the c/o 2009's class president. There is more to the word "president" than the name and your actions exemplify leadership . Good job dude!

Okay folks. The deposit account for the scholarship fund should be good to go by the end of the week. I'll post the information here when I get it. In addition, I've gotten permission from the SDN honchos to post the info in a couple of places here on SDN.

I really appreciate the support and ideas.

Semper Fi.

fellas (and fellettes)!

what's happening? i saw a thread of fellow marines and i had to check it out. great to meet all of you and congrats on your aspirations and successes!

heartbreaking about sgt capeda - and for everyone hurt or killed out there. i think the fund is an excellent idea. unfortunately there will be more.

i have a (rather frivolous) theory about the middle east/central asia. most of you guys have been there so you'll know what i mean. the reason these people are so angry is that they live in the most miserable place on this planet. it is truly armpit of the world. so people who live there are just pissed off, some to such a degree that they'll fly planes into buildings, resort to terrorism, etc. if i grew up in saudi i'd be pretty pissed off too.

i've probably offended some arab-american marine, but it's a joke. i was just trying to get you guys to laugh.

evo - my considerable deductive reasoning skills lead to to think you're pete. if not then there are some strange coincidences happening here. this is jeremy's friend vj.

fellas (and fellettes)!

what's happening? i saw a thread of fellow marines and i had to check it out. great to meet all of you and congrats on your aspirations and successes!

heartbreaking about sgt capeda - and for everyone hurt or killed out there. i think the fund is an excellent idea. unfortunately there will be more.

i have a (rather frivolous) theory about the middle east/central asia. most of you guys have been there so you'll know what i mean. the reason these people are so angry is that they live in the most miserable place on this planet. it is truly armpit of the world. so people who live there are just pissed off, some to such a degree that they'll fly planes into buildings, resort to terrorism, etc. if i grew up in saudi i'd be pretty pissed off too.

i've probably offended some arab-american marine, but it's a joke. i was just trying to get you guys to laugh.

evo - my considerable deductive reasoning skills lead to to think you're pete. if not then there are some strange coincidences happening here. this is jeremy's friend vj.
Yep. You're spot on, dude. :D

Drop me an email: evodevo@gmail.com. I'm headed to lunch but I'll be back later. :thumbup:

Not officially a marine, though I have a lot of marine brothers. I am a hospital corpsman who served with 5th Force Recon Company and 3rd Recon Battalion in Okinawa, Japan. I owe the Marine Corps and a crusty master diver for my current situation as an officer who is about to begin medical school at the USUHS.

Not officially a marine, though I have a lot of marine brothers. I am a hospital corpsman who served with 5th Force Recon Company and 3rd Recon Battalion in Okinawa, Japan. I owe the Marine Corps and a crusty master diver for my current situation as an officer who is about to begin medical school at the USUHS.

Motivating stuff! Congrats!

Okay folks! The deposit-only account for Aaron Cepeda's kids has been set up at Washington Mutual (www.wamu.com).

The plan is to collect the money for the next couple of months or so, and then to present the money to Aaron's widow. I was thinking sometime during orientation or shortly thereafter.

Also for the record, a letter is being sent to the Dean of Academic affairs outlining the process, and to keep them informed of what's happening. Hopefully if we can get the adminstration onboard then we can get the word out the the UTHSCSA family. :)

Finally, I'll be contacting the Veteran's of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, the Marines of San Antonio, and anyone else that I can think of. Suggestions are totally welcome. I would like for us to do the right thing for Aaron's family. After all, Marines take care of their own, dammit! :)

For those interested in donating:

****** Checks may be sent to the following Washington Mutual branch in Houston, or whichever is branch is closest (http://clients.mapquest.com/wamu/mqlocator?link=findusmain):

Washington Mutual Bank FA
Richmond Financial Center 1879
3759 Richmond Avenue
Houston, TX 77046

Checks (or cash if depositing in person) may be made out to:

1."Aaron and Journee Cepeda Scholarship Fund"

***OR***

2. The deposit account's number: 1812139227

If there are ANY questions about any part of the scholarship drive, please feel free to email me at: evodevo@gmail.com. I may also be reached via phone. PM or email me for the number.
Thanks everyone!

P

Bump

Also, check out the announcement at the top of this (or any) forum. There's a button for paypal donations.

Thanks, guys! :)

When I Say Motivated You Say Dedicated...

I Don't Know But I've Been Told....

Give Me That Old Marine Corps Spirit....

Back In 1775...my Marine Corps Came Alive...


Just showing my peeps some love...its been a while! How's everyone doin?

Sounds like a good idea. I've been giving your idea some thought. I'll call the school tomorrow to tell them about the idea.

I can throw in $100.
PM me I can throw in on this as well

Okay found the bank stuff, missed in in my rush to reply

Just saw this post, got to add myself in as well

RTC, Corps School Great Lakes
Aerospace Medical Technician School
Field Medical Service School
MCAS Cherry Point, NC. MAG-14
VMR-1 Naval Search and Rescue Medical Technician

B.A. Liberal Arts from West Virginia University. Up in Ohio now with my wife and newborn daughter. Working and taking my pre-reqs, plus some more classes to raise up the GPA.

So, I visit this website at the request of the premed advisor at my school, and was (pleasantly) stunned to see not a few random posts, but an entire thread of Marines and occasional Corpsmen.
Terrible news about Sgt Cepeda. I had a few friends in Iraq with 3/25 that were killed by mines back in June. :( I shed more than one tear for them, let's just leave it at that.
I was in from Jul 94 to Dec 04, mostly reserves with a few recent, occasional stints at IIMEF-G3 for fun.
Bootcamp plt 2030 (Sandy Eggo) Jul-Sept 94
SOI West (0311) Sept-Dec 94
Dec 94-Jan02 F 2/23
Jan02-Dec02 IIMEF G3 (Unitas 43-02)
Jan03-Oct03 I 3/23 (MCCAGC and then Iraq)
Jan04-Aug04 IIMEF G3 (Untas 45-04, again.... :rolleyes: )
Aug04-Dec04 F 2/23
I never really did anything with myself while in the reserves, and am now kicking myself for not a) just going on active duty and/or b)why didn't I do anything useful with my time, like become an EMT-P or something? oh well, no use crying over spilt milk.
So, here I am and now I wanna be a Dr. I'm looking into the HPSP (I'd like to be a Bn Doc when I grow up, if my wife'll let me....) and USUHS.
Nice to meet you all,

NLW

Great idea of the thread and congrats to all the former Marines who are now in medical school or in the process of applying.
I am a second-year at Drexel University College of Medicine.
Here's my background:
George Washington University- BA International Affairs 1992 (NROTC Marine Option scholarship)
The Basic School, 4-92 Delta Company
1st Battalion, 12th Marines (Rein) , Communications Officer (1993-95)
2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, S-6 Officer (K-Bay and UDP to Okinawa)(1995-96)
OIC, Marine Communications Detachment, USS Peleliu (LHA-5)(1996-98), deployed on WestPac 2-97 with 13th MEU(SOC).
Naval Postgraduate School, MS Joint C4I, (1998-2000)
Equipment Requirements, Marine Corps Combat Development Command (my payback tour for NPS) 2000-2004. Although working in the Beltway sucked, this is the only way I could have finished all my pre-reqs, study for and take the MCAT, apply, and interview while on active duty. For that, I am thankful. I did my post-bacc in the evening at American University in Washington, DC.
I did take the Navy HPSP so now I am an Ensign in the inactive reserves. I am interested in EM, IM, and FP.
There were two other officers (an F-18 NFO and a Logisitics officer) at my command who were applying to medical school, one went to USUHS. I don't where the other one went.
This is an important thread. Before I got out, I talked to a lot of Marines who were interested in medicine but didn't feel qualified enough to apply or to start their pre-reqs... hopefully some of them will stumble across this thread and see that it can be done.
Semper Fi.

For the salt dawgs...there will be a magic show at 0900.

Chaplain Charlie will tell you how the free world will conquer communism.

________________________________________

Seriously though...welcome all...please continue to post your accomplishments on here...this will be a way for all of us to keep tabs and maybe have a drink together on Nov. 10th of each year for those who are in the same geographical location.

Marines in medical school/Marines turned doc must be one of the rarest breeds around.

_____________________________________

GySgt Hartman: "Your're not a doctor...you're a KILLER!"

JMC: "A killer, aye SIR!"

GySgt Hartman: "You got a war cry?"

JMC: "War cry?"

GySgt Hartman: "Arrrrrgggggghhhh....that's a war cry. Let me hear your war cry!"

JMC: "Arrrrrghhhhh!"

GySgt Hartman: "You don't scare me...work on it."

Anyone else planning on going?

Unbelievable, I thought I was the only one!

MSgtLou here, about to retire after 21 and enter a PA school next year. I have my first interview NEXT WEEK! Here is my history:

MCRD SD 1985
MCAS El Toro VMA-214 Blacksheep
HM & S-13

MCAS Yuma VMA-311 Tomcats, VMA-214 Blacksheep, MAG-13, MALS-13

MCRD SD 1st Batt "D" Co. (Yes, I was a DI, so drop your trash and get on your stinkin faces!)

Not to mention the 31 countries, 11th, 13th, 15th, & 31st MEUs

I graduated Summa Cum Laude at NAU, surprising many because as you pointed out, people have this idea that Marines are not to sharp. Just because a man charges a machine gun, doesn't mean he's stupid; it means he has loyalty to his fellow Marines who are getting shot at, honor because he said he would, and a whole lotta guts! SF

Any Leathernecks have any advice for my PA school interview, please post them for me. And thanks for being there with me, in Kuwait, Iraq, and now the medical profession, Top

Unbelievable, I thought I was the only one!

MSgtLou here, about to retire after 21 and enter a PA school next year. I have my first interview NEXT WEEK! Here is my history:

MCRD SD 1985
MCAS El Toro VMA-214 Blacksheep
HM & S-13

MCAS Yuma VMA-311 Tomcats, VMA-214 Blacksheep, MAG-13, MALS-13

MCRD SD 1st Batt "D" Co. (Yes, I was a DI, so drop your trash and get on your stinkin faces!)

Not to mention the 31 countries, 11th, 13th, 15th, & 31st MEUs

I graduated Summa Cum Laude at NAU, surprising many because as you pointed out, people have this idea that Marines are not to sharp. Just because a man charges a machine gun, doesn't mean he's stupid; it means he has loyalty to his fellow Marines who are getting shot at, honor because he said he would, and a whole lotta guts! SF

Any Leathernecks have any advice for my PA school interview, please post them for me. And thanks for being there with me, in Kuwait, Iraq, and now the medical profession, Top
Hi everyone! Glad to see that we have some new blood! Sorry that I haven't been around much but exams sort of got in the way.

Top!! HOLEE-SH!T. Welcome to the club. Just an old Sgt here, trying hard tp slog my way through the first year of med school.

As for your interview, I think that you already probably know how to do it. Keep it professional, keep it light and you should be fine. You probably want to have rehearsed your "Why do you want to be in PA school?" and "What do you think are your best and worst features."

Seriously. You only get one chance to make a good impression, so rehearse your answers to the most common questions so that when/if they DO get asked, you're smooth like buttah. :)

Good luck. Where's the interview???

MSgtLou here, about to retire after 21 and enter a PA school next year. I have my first interview NEXT WEEK! Here is my history:

MCRD SD 1985
MCAS El Toro VMA-214 Blacksheep
HM & S-13

MCAS Yuma VMA-311 Tomcats, VMA-214 Blacksheep, MAG-13, MALS-13

MCRD SD 1st Batt "D" Co. (Yes, I was a DI, so drop your trash and get on your stinkin faces!)
Top

Well...what do we have here? A freakin' LIFER -- Outstanding!

Congrats on an honorable career in the Corps Top Lou. And congrats for the interview. Sounds like you are well on your way to another exciting field.

Advice for the interview...Irish Pennant your suit! Rehearse and be confident as to why you are a good fit for the job. I would say that you are a shoe-in unless you say something stupid like 'Its always been my way or the highway!'

Otherwise I say you are solid. Welcome to the thread Top.

Just an old Sgt here, trying hard tp slog my way through the first year of med school.


How is the slogging going?

Hi everyone! Glad to see that we have some new blood! Sorry that I haven't been around much but exams sort of got in the way.

Top!! HOLEE-SH!T. Welcome to the club. Just an old Sgt here, trying hard tp slog my way through the first year of med school.

As for your interview, I think that you already probably know how to do it. Keep it professional, keep it light and you should be fine. You probably want to have rehearsed your "Why do you want to be in PA school?" and "What do you think are your best and worst features."

Seriously. You only get one chance to make a good impression, so rehearse your answers to the most common questions so that when/if they DO get asked, you're smooth like buttah. :)

Good luck. Where's the interview???
Oh, and when were you with the 31st MEU? I was there when they revived the unit back in '92. :thumbup:

How is the slogging going?
Going. Did really well on anatomy Monday, think I passed biochem/did well on phys today. Got immuno/histo, etc Friday. We'll see.

You?? How's the family?

Guess I'll add myself to the list:

TBS: Charlie Co 2002
MARCORSYSCOM: 2003
CISOC: (1-03) 2003
1st MAW G6: 2003
MWCS-18: 2003-Pres.
JTF-536 (Tsunami Relief): January 2005-April 2005 (Was on the Essex, and the Fort McHenry as the JTF S-6)

Currently stationed at Camp Foster, Okinawa. Billet: OpsO, Data Officer, Data Platoon Commander.

My EAS is July of 2006. I plan to get out and go into a good post-bac program. Good luck all!

Semper Fi!

Guess I'll add myself to the list:

TBS: Charlie Co 2002
MARCORSYSCOM: 2003
CISOC: (1-03) 2003
1st MAW G6: 2003
MWCS-18: 2003-Pres.
JTF-536 (Tsunami Relief): January 2005-April 2005 (Was on the Essex, and the Fort McHenry as the JTF S-6)

Currently stationed at Camp Foster, Okinawa. Billet: OpsO, Data Officer, Data Platoon Commander.

My EAS is July of 2006. I plan to get out and go into a good post-bac program. Good luck all!

Semper Fi!
Camp Foster! You've got ourself a good billet. I was at Courtney way back when.

Welcome to the group!

FYI, a couple of my classmates are former AD AF pilots who did the post-bacc thing. You'll be here before you know it. :)

Going. Did really well on anatomy Monday, think I passed biochem/did well on phys today. Got immuno/histo, etc Friday. We'll see.

You?? How's the family?

Sounds like an easy week to me. The family is good, thanks for asking. I am slogging my way through as well. No need to start looking into MBA programs just yet...they haven't caught on that I really know nothing.

Has anyone kept count? There must be at least a dozen Jarheads currently in med school/PA.

Personally, I don't see the giant leap from professional killer to professional healer. Service and selflessness. Pretty simple.

Good to see great things happen to the right people.

OOR Frickin RAH!

I am happy to have such a heartfelt welcome... No kidding, WHEREVER I go, I meet ex/retired Jarheads who always want to hook me up with friendship, help, and beer. God Bless em!

In answer to your questions, my PA Shool interview is at Midwestern U in Phoenix AZ., a college that is tied to Midwestern U in Ill. They have DO's, Pharmacy, etc and many other health care professional schools.

I have done 2 31st MEU's, one was in 1994 and the other was 97/98. That was the good one, we went to Bali & Brisbane. I think that the ACE was HMM-265 out of Futenma.

I am an AV-8B powerplants (Rolls-Royce) mechanic/Plane Captain (PC). I was originally an A-4 Mech/PC yet cross trained to Harriers in 1988. For that reason, I only stay at Kadena AFB when I go to the Rock

I have sailed with the New Orleans, Tarawa, Peliliu, and the Block-o-wood.

Funny you should mention the IP's, since I actually did that! I bought a new white shirt, tie etc. All of the things that I would have done to pass the Batt Com inspection, except getting new chevrons sewn on and cleaning my rifle.

"This is my stethescope, there are many like it but this one is mine..." SF

Sounds like an easy week to me. The family is good, thanks for asking. I am slogging my way through as well. No need to start looking into MBA programs just yet...they haven't caught on that I really know nothing.
yeah man, I hear that it only gets harder from here on out. :eek:

You getting ready for boards and wards yet?

Has anyone kept count? There must be at least a dozen Jarheads currently in med school/PA.

Personally, I don't see the giant leap from professional killer to professional healer. Service and selflessness. Pretty simple.

Good to see great things happen to the right people.
Hey Max. How's it going?

OOR Frickin RAH!

I am happy to have such a heartfelt welcome... No kidding, WHEREVER I go, I meet ex/retired Jarheads who always want to hook me up with friendship, help, and beer. God Bless em!Yep, that's the reality of the Corps. Best thing I ever did.

In answer to your questions, my PA Shool interview is at Midwestern U in Phoenix AZ., a college that is tied to Midwestern U in Ill. They have DO's, Pharmacy, etc and many other health care professional schools.Hey Top, I hear good things about Midwestern. Is that where you're retiring to? 'Cause there' are some pretty good PA schools here in Texas, at Baylor College of Medicine (in Houston) and at Univ. of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (where I'm in school).

I have done 2 31st MEU's, one was in 1994 and the other was 97/98. That was the good one, we went to Bali & Brisbane. I think that the ACE was HMM-265 out of Futenma.I was with the MEU S2 shop for a while, then with III MEF G2. It's funny that you were there in '94 - that's when I left. ;)

I have sailed with the New Orleans, Tarawa, Peliliu, and the Block-o-wood.:laugh: We used to call the Belleau Wood the "Death Star." That dang boat was so nasty that we expected the rats to jump ship at first opportunity.

Evo Devo,
You are correct that I am going to retire in AZ. I have 3 job offers upon graduation from PA School right here in Yuma. I see myself moving to eastern AZ. after 5-6 years though. Midwestern is a school that has some of the highest initial pass rates in the nation so it is a good choice. The cost sucks though..

What about money? How are the rest of you doing that? I plan on using my retirement, about $2,000 a month, less taxes and survivor benefits. Montgomery GI Bill which went up about $100 to 1,072. I have a house that I bought 15 years ago for $57,000 which has been appraised at $178,000 I guess a second mortgage/ refinnance is in order?

I will be a geo bachelor, just like DI duty... Won't see them anyway with my nose in a book. Anyone else doing this?

On the Peliliu, they had a mural naming the chow hall (galley) as the "GatorRock Cafe". I coined the name, "IHOCM", the International House Of Chile-Mac". I have heard that chow hall refered to it to this day! Good God, as a SSgt, I ate a lifetime supply of Chile-Mac, supplemented by an occasional plate of Chicken Adobo!

The Death Star... Why would the rats jump ship? Hell, they ran the damn thing! We were merley slaves transporting them from one of the globe to the other so that they could spread their genetic puddle!

Camp Foster! You've got ourself a good billet. I was at Courtney way back when.

Welcome to the group!

FYI, a couple of my classmates are former AD AF pilots who did the post-bacc thing. You'll be here before you know it. :)

Thanks for the encouragement, bro! Camp Foster is definitely in the middle of everything. American Village has really grown up in the area outside the commissary gate. Camp Courtney's not that far away, though, and MEF has a great view of the ocean. It'll be wierd leaving the island. Kinda like reverse culture shock...

I just found the thread from a link in Gunny Ermy's signature.

My resume is on my website (pasted in below)...10 years worth of Naval Service in the Hospital Corps, and an FMF designator that predates the device.

http://www.ray-bernardportier.com/HHAT.JPG
http://www.ray-bernardportier.com/BULGCA.JPG

I was stationed on Camp Lejeune for 3 years. Med Battalion, 2nd FSSG; deployed with the 22nd MSSG in support of the 22nd MEU.

I'm thinking about doing a GMO tour when I graduate (20 months and counting).

Anybody else have a good time listening to rich spoiled white kids whine? Anyone else wish they could cycle the snot out of their pastey noses? :thumbup: :meanie:

Check out the military pics page on my website....

LEJEUNE'S MESSAGE

On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of the Continental Congress. Since that date, many thousand men have borne the name Marine. In memory of them, it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the Birthday of our Corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.

The record of our Corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of it's existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the nations foes. From the battle of Trenton to the Argonne. Marines have won foremost honors in war, and in the long eras of tranquility at home. Generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.

In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our Corps Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term Marine has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.

This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the Corps. With it we also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our Corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps.

10 November 2005
A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS
On November 10th, 1775, the Second Continental Congress resolved to raise two battalions of Continental Marines marking the birth of our United States Marine Corps. As Major General Lejeune’s message reminds us, the ensuing generations of Marines would come to signify all that is highest in warfighting excellence and military virtue. Each November as Marines the world over celebrate the birth of our Corps, we pay tribute to that long line of “Soldiers of the Sea” and the illustrious legacy they have handed down to us.
This past year has been one of continuous combat operations overseas and distinguished service here at home – a year of challenges that have brought out the very best in our Corps. In Iraq and Afghanistan, Marine courage and mastery of complex and chaotic environments have truly made a difference in the lives of millions. Marine compassion and flexibility provided humanitarian assistance to thousands in the wake of the South East Asian Tsunami, and here at home, Marines with AAVs, helicopters, and sometimes with their bare hands saved hundreds of our own fellow Americans in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Across the full spectrum of operations, you have showcased that Marines create stability in an unstable world, and have reinforced our Corps’ reputation for setting the standard of excellence.
The sense of honor, courage, and patriotism that epitomized those who answered that first call to arms 230 years ago is still indelibly imprinted on our ranks today. In commemorating our anniversary, let us strengthen our ties to the past by paying homage to those who have gone before us. As we honor the sacrifices of our wounded and fallen comrades, our commitment to one another remains unshakable. We take special pride in the actions of the Marines now serving in harm’s way, and rededicate ourselves to the service of our Nation and our Corps. Happy Birthday Marines, Semper Fidelis, and Keep Attacking!
M. W. Hagee General, U.S. Marine Corps

Unbelievable, I thought I was the only one!

MSgtLou here, about to retire after 21 and enter a PA school next year. I have my first interview NEXT WEEK! Here is my history:

MCRD SD 1985
MCAS El Toro VMA-214 Blacksheep
HM & S-13

MCAS Yuma VMA-311 Tomcats, VMA-214 Blacksheep, MAG-13, MALS-13

MCRD SD 1st Batt "D" Co. (Yes, I was a DI, so drop your trash and get on your stinkin faces!)

Not to mention the 31 countries, 11th, 13th, 15th, & 31st MEUs

I graduated Summa Cum Laude at NAU, surprising many because as you pointed out, people have this idea that Marines are not to sharp. Just because a man charges a machine gun, doesn't mean he's stupid; it means he has loyalty to his fellow Marines who are getting shot at, honor because he said he would, and a whole lotta guts! SF

Any Leathernecks have any advice for my PA school interview, please post them for me. And thanks for being there with me, in Kuwait, Iraq, and now the medical profession, Top

MSgt,

I just wanted to say that your story freaking motivated the @#$% out of me. You're the first former-DI I've seen on these forums, or anywhere for that matter, that is making the transition to the medical profession. Congratulations on an admirable career in the Corps, and I wish you the best of luck with your PA school application/interviews.

Semper Fi!

Hey teufelhunden....

I knew that I was going to be working in medicine someday, and in my all-encompassing desire to improve my bedside manner, I knew that the only way to increase my skill would be to do a few years as a DI.

I think I have an edge over other PA's and doctors because I have already had plenty of experience in dealing with malingerers and hypochondriacs... It is amazing how good everyone feels once the "O" course is taken off of the schedule.

I am currently on the alternate list at Midwestern, but I have a suspicion that I will get a letter of acceptance today or Monday since I wasn't about to accept "NO" as an answer! The lady at the admissions offfice told me, "I can really tell that you are a Marine because you never give up!"

Semper Fi Lt Nasky, I find it interesting that you are now a Sailor, but use a Marine venacular as your psuedonymn.... You are leatherneck, to the core!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'll be doing mtn climbers to work off the T-day festivities. :laugh:

MsgtLou, good luck with that acceptance letter. It always amazes people when they see how persistent we Jarheads are when we really want something. :meanie:

Semper Fi Lt Nasky, I find it interesting that you are now a Sailor, but use a Marine venacular as your psuedonymn.... You are leatherneck, to the core!

He definitely is...the guy benches like 500lbs (why don't you post a pic right here with all those big wheels on the bar)...but more interesting than that is the guy who once played headgames with the boots will still be playing headgames in psychiatry! Man, I just noticed that Teufel....psych PGY-1....absolutely crazy (no pun intended!).

TopLou...awesome avatar...will the REAL Drill Instructor please stand up. Outstanding!

The REAL DI, hell, I was cruel like only a little guy can be! Speaking of DI, I am enclosing a photo of Lee Ermey. When I was in Kumait for the last war, he came by to visit Marines who were in the Combat Zone. I am standing behind Lee to the left. He talked with us, chewed our ass, and shook all of our hands. Oliver North came to visit us as well.

And Evo, you are so correct. Most civilians have no idea just how persistent a Marine can be! And after so many years, I have learned how to do it and not be a pest. As I hang up my hat, (cover?) I will do so knowing that I spent the best years of my life in one of the best brotherhoods a man could ever be part of. Semper Fi brothers, and I hope you said a prayer for the Devil Dogs over there in Iraq. We lost a Marine from Yuma 2 weeks ago, a MSgt. So say a prayer for MSgt Hunt. God Bless

The REAL DI, hell, I was cruel like only a little guy can be! Speaking of DI, I am enclosing a photo of Lee Ermey. When I was in Kumait for the last war, he came by to visit Marines who were in the Combat Zone. I am standing behind Lee to the left. He talked with us, chewed our ass, and shook all of our hands. Oliver North came to visit us as well.

And Evo, you are so correct. Most civilians have no idea just how persistent a Marine can be! And after so many years, I have learned how to do it and not be a pest. As I hang up my hat, (cover?) I will do so knowing that I spent the best years of my life in one of the best brotherhoods a man could ever be part of. Semper Fi brothers, and I hope you said a prayer for the Devil Dogs over there in Iraq. We lost a Marine from Yuma 2 weeks ago, a MSgt. So say a prayer for MSgt Hunt. God Bless
Awesome pic! :thumbup:

Oohrah devildogs! I am applying to DO schools this summer. Glad to see so many ex-military here. My brief service history:
(Prior to military)
Commercial fisherman in Alaska for two years.
Naval Training Center, Great Lakes IL. 1994
Field Medical Service School, Camp Johnson, Camp Lejeune Sep-Dec1994
Naval Hospital, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fl Jan1995-Jun1996
H&S Battalion, 1st FSSG, Camp Pendleton Jun1996-Nov1996
MSSG-13, 13th MEU, Camp Pendleton Nov1996-Feb1998
West-Pac: divided time between USS Pelileu and USS Comstock
Visited: Hawaii-Guam-Singapore-Phuket,Thailand-Dubai-Jebal Ali-Kuwait-Dubai-Phuket-Bali,Indonesia(SWEET!)-Darwin,Australia-Hawaii
22Area Branch Medical Clinic, Medical Battalion, Camp Pendleton Feb1998-Jul2000
I challenged the LVN(Licensed vocational nurse) boards in 1999 and got my discharge from the Navy in July 2000. I worked as an LVN part-time to full-time while I went to college at San Diego State. I graduated in 2004 with a bachelors in Microbiology with a 3.31 GPA.
I now live in Baltimore, Maryland (We moved here so my wife could attend Johns Hopkins accelerated BSN program) and am applying to DO programs this summer and I hope to attend a school in the Northeast/East coast as another coast to coast move is not in the cards! Its not the same when the military doesn't take care of the moving costs! Anyway, nice to meet all of you. Semper Fi.

Hey Gnarlydoc,

I noticed that you listed Hawaii, Phucket, and Dubai twice... Not trying to squeeze an inch in on me are ya?

I have been to all of those places, but out of all of the places I have been, I really only want to go back to Bali, Guam, and Spain. I would like to go to greater Europe, but haven't been there yet.

I was also at Jebel Ali, affectionately known by the rest of the MEU as "Gerbel Ally". I bet you can guess why.

Good luck on your DO school trials. You might also want to consider PA since you appear to be exceptionally well qualified for that. That is where I am headed. I have always liked Navy med people assigned to Marine units. They always appeared to be a cut above the rest of the Med personel. Semper Fi brother. Lou

just got accepted today, so happy, and the corps is what shaped who I am today.

just got accepted today, so happy, and the corps is what shaped who I am today.

Fantastic...where to Beef Man?

Fantastic...where to Beef Man?
NEOUCOM in Ohio, it is perfect for me logisticly b/c my wife will be able to finish up her last semester of nursing while I start med school.

by the way-any advice for some things I should do to prepare- I work full time at a research lab so I have the time (already finished undergrad) to try and work ahead

bump

Happy New Year, Devil Dogs! How was everyone's holiday?

We start the grind on Monday, round these parts. :thumbup:

This thread needs a bump!
Intern year almost friggin over and lovin' it.

3rd Recon Battalion
2d Force Recon Company
Sgt

Heading to whatever school will accept me...

I'm in Georgia, so either MCG, Mercer, Ga-PCOM...

Oh yeah, did the 31st MEU on the Essex, then the 26th MEU out of the Iwo Jima...

Iraq, Liberia, East Timor, and a bunch of other **** holes too...

Any of you devils got myspace pages?

Not officially a marine, though I have a lot of marine brothers. I am a hospital corpsman who served with 5th Force Recon Company and 3rd Recon Battalion in Okinawa, Japan. I owe the Marine Corps and a crusty master diver for my current situation as an officer who is about to begin medical school at the USUHS.

Who are you? I probably know you...

I was part of 5th Force when we switched to being 3rd Recon Battalion. Were you there for that mini eco challenge that ended with a bonfire on the beach?

Which master diver are you referring to? Is it Senior Chief Allred? I was there when he got promoted to senior...

Oorah. Proud to say that I'm a plankowner of the 31st MEU. I was with the reactivation in '92. (it was the Belleau Wood then) :thumbup:

Obdeli, glad to see you man.

PM me for my myspace page......

Hey fellow devil dogs! I just read Shooter, the autobiography of a sniper through Iraq and it was friggin motivating! While on long call taking crappy pages I flew through it. I highly recommend it!

Hey Marines.
My name is Daniel.. Im currently in the Marines and am set to EAS next month (honorably). I plan to pursue Medicine, Allopathic. Im still kinda unsure if Ill be able to maintain the 3.5+ i need in school due to my high school performance but i plan on giving it EVERYTHING i got.

-MAY 02 Parris Island
-DEC 02 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion
-AUG 03-MAR 04 13th MEU SOC (Bahrain, Guam, Hawaii, Singapore, Kenya, Djbouti, Iraq)
-MAY 04-OCT 04 Iraq 3/7
-AUG 05-APR 06 Iraq 3/6

Sempre Fi.
Ruy, Daniel

Hey Marines.
My name is Daniel.. Im currently in the Marines and am set to EAS next month (honorably). I plan to pursue Medicine, Allopathic. Im still kinda unsure if Ill be able to maintain the 3.5+ i need in school due to my high school performance but i plan on giving it EVERYTHING i got.

-MAY 02 Parris Island
-DEC 02 3rd Amphibious Assault Battalion
-AUG 03-MAR 04 13th MEU SOC (Bahrain, Guam, Hawaii, Singapore, Kenya, Djbouti, Iraq)
-MAY 04-OCT 04 Iraq 3/7
-AUG 05-APR 06 Iraq 3/6

Sempre Fi.
Ruy, Daniel
Welcome aboard, Marine. Glad to have another of Uncle Sam's Misbegotten Children getting ready to undergo this process.

:thumbup:

Hey fellow devil dogs! I just read Shooter, the autobiography of a sniper through Iraq and it was friggin motivating! While on long call taking crappy pages I flew through it. I highly recommend it!
Cool! Since I'm currently on summer break, I'm finally catching up with all the books I wanted to read. And I always like excellent recommendations.

BTW, has anyone seen "Jarhead"? I read the book and liked it but haven't heard good things regarding the movie. Wanna know if I should add it to my Netflix queue.

JARHEAD the movie isnt all its cracked out to be. Ive read the book and the book is much better then the movie. JARHEAD is catching ALOT of **** from high ranking Marine Corp Officials. I agree that somethings in the movie and book are kind of exaggerated but none the less they can be related to... Thats why I thought it was good reading material.

-Semper Fi

Sup Moto Dawgs!

Where's everyone at these days? Where are we celebrating our beloved Corps' bday this year? Evo's crib? How bout Panda's new spot in MI?

I'll even see if my size 52" chest will fit into my dress blues (40") -- old waist 36" --> new waist 40"...I don't think its gonna happen though.

What's that saying? "Not quite as lean, not quite as green..."

Oh man...its sad.

Welcome aboard, Marine. Glad to have another of Uncle Sam's Misbegotten Children getting ready to undergo this process.

:thumbup:

You can certainly do it. My high school GPA 2.69. College 3.6. Now in my 2nd year of residency. Good luck and stay motivated recruit.

Sup Moto Dawgs!

Where's everyone at these days? Where are we celebrating our beloved Corps' bday this year? Evo's crib? How bout Panda's new spot in MI?

I'll even see if my size 52" chest will fit into my dress blues (40") -- old waist 36" --> new waist 40"...I don't think its gonna happen though.

What's that saying? "Not quite as lean, not quite as green..."

Oh man...its sad.
Hey Dog,

I'm actually ass-deep in second year. Life as a MS2 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> MS1. I am good with patients and only slightly dumber than I'd feared. :thumbup:

Hell, I even started running again and will be participating in my first marathon in January. Hoorah!

You can certainly do it. My high school GPA 2.69. College 3.6. Now in my 2nd year of residency. Good luck and stay motivated recruit.
So man, how IS residency going?

Hey Dog,

I'm actually ass-deep in second year. Life as a MS2 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> MS1. I am good with patients and only slightly dumber than I'd feared. :thumbup:

Hell, I even started running again and will be participating in my first marathon in January. Hoorah!


Hey man, it gets better every year.

Glad to see you're training at least....I did this one last year (1st and only time so far) and didn't train at all and it hurt real bad. I'd love to see how that goes for you. Moto!

Hey anybody got a myspace account? I just made one...inspired by the folks in the EM forum...ala Dr. Quinn et. al.

So man, how IS residency going?

Thank GOD my intern year is over! I worked with fun people but it was demanding work. Life is good now.

Hey man, it gets better every year.

Glad to see you're training at least....I did this one last year (1st and only time so far) and didn't train at all and it hurt real bad. I'd love to see how that goes for you. Moto!

Hey anybody got a myspace account? I just made one...inspired by the folks in the EM forum...ala Dr. Quinn et. al.
I've got one: PM for the address.

And holy crap! What an awesome ride! :D Was that taken at the MCM???? In any case, congrats on doing the marathon, dude. That's what I'm talking about. :thumbup: I promise to keep you updated on my progress.

EM, huh? :laugh: Why does that seem to be the specialty of choice for a lotta ex-Jarheads???

Thank GOD my intern year is over! I worked with fun people but it was demanding work. Life is good now.
Nice. Still glad you made the specialty and other choices you made? IIRC, you were a bit unhappy about that at one point...

In any case, congrats on finishing Hell Year. What's next for you?

Nice. Still glad you made the specialty and other choices you made? IIRC, you were a bit unhappy about that at one point...

In any case, congrats on finishing Hell Year. What's next for you?

Oh, yeah! There was a point in the spring where I felt like I would be an intern forever. It didn't help that I had the worst resident for the month. She demonstrated every attribute of leadership to be avoided by a good leader. Also, my jarhead mouth couldn't keep quiet and I let her know in very loud terms many times (yelling, sounding off). Anyhow, I am very happy in my specialty and glad my prelim year is over. If you have the choice, do a cush transitional year.

Oh, yeah! There was a point in the spring where I felt like I would be an intern forever. It didn't help that I had the worst resident for the month. She demonstrated every attribute of leadership to be avoided by a good leader. Also, my jarhead mouth couldn't keep quiet and I let her know in very loud terms many times (yelling, sounding off). Anyhow, I am very happy in my specialty and glad my prelim year is over. If you have the choice, do a cush transitional year.

Obedeli...what did you go into? Rads?

Obedeli...what did you go into? Rads?

Rads all the way.

Rads all the way.
You're going to be living the sweet life. Congrats, bro. :thumbup:

I hear you on the poor leadership thing. It scares me to know that my residents and attendings in the years to come will very likely have little life experience, let alone leadership time. I've just got to learn to keep my head low and not sound off. :laugh:

Key leadership point that most non-military, egghead, micromanager leaders cannot understand.
MISSION OBJECTIVES
1.) Mission Accomplishment
2.) Troop Welfare

You will not see this very often in your leaders.

Key leadership point that most non-military, egghead, micromanager leaders cannot understand.
MISSION OBJECTIVES
1.) Mission Accomplishment
2.) Troop Welfare

You will not see this very often in your leaders.
a depressing thought, sir.

Semper Fi DevilDogs,

Camp Pendelton '97
6th Engr Spt BN H&S Company
1361 (Engineer)
Left school became a tech sector entreprenuer, did okay, and am now returning to school with about 2-3years of undergrad work ahead of me before I can take the MCAT.

I'm excited and motivated to enter into and succeed in med school.

Semper Fi DevilDogs,

Camp Pendelton '97
6th Engr Spt BN H&S Company
1361 (Engineer)
Left school became a tech sector entreprenuer, did okay, and am now returning to school with about 2-3years of undergrad work ahead of me before I can take the MCAT.

I'm excited and motivated to enter into and succeed in med school.

Welcome Moto!

Now get in formation....

<clearing throat>

Ahem...

To all who shall see these presents, greetings:

Know Ye, that reposing special trust and confidence in the fidelity and abilities of JMC_MarineCorps, I do appoint this junior medical student a full-fledged 3rd year medical student to rank as such from the fifth day of September, two thousand and six.

This appointee will therefore carefully and diligently discharge the duties of the grade to which appointed by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto pertaining. And I do strictly charge and require all personnel of lesser grade to render obedience to appropriate orders. And this appointee is to observe and follow such orders and directions as may be given from time to time by Superiors acting according to the rules and articles governing the disipline of Managed Health Care.

Given under my hand at Western University of Health Scinces, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific this Fifth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand and six.
___________________________________________
I appologize...I passed Step I and I'm feelin' pretty good right about now. :thumbup:

I dug up my Corporal citation!

MARINE FRIENDS v.s CIVILIAN FRIENDS

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Tell you not to do something stupid when drunk
MARINE FRIENDS: Will post 360 security so you dont get caught

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr. and Mrs
MARINE FRIENDS: Call your parents Drunk as hell and tell them about the fat chick you tried to pick up

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Bail you out of jail and tell you what you did was wrong.
MARINE FRIENDS: Will be sitting next to you saying, Damn...we ****ed up...but hey, that **** was fun as ****!"

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Cry with you.
MARINE FRIENDS: laugh at you and tell you to put some vagasil on your *****.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back.
MARINE FRIENDS: Keep your stuff untill they PCS.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: know a few things about you.
MARINE FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct quotes from you.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that's what the crowd is doing.
MARINE FRIENDS: Will kick the whole crowds ass that left you.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Would knock on your door.
MARINE FRIENDS: Walk right in and say, "I'm home!"

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when they think you've had enough.
MARINE FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all over the place and say, "Bitch, you better drink the rest of that ****, you know we don't waste.. That's alcohol abuse!!!"

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will say "I can't handle Tequila anymore".
MARINE FRIENDS: Will say "okay just one more" 2 minutes later "okay just one more".

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will talk **** to the person who talks **** about you.
MARINE FRIENDS: Will knock them the **** out!!

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will tell you "They'd take a bullet for you."
MARINE FRIENDS: Will actually take a bullet for you.

Hey fellow Marines..
I thought that friends v friends was funny.. Update on me.. I EAS'd this summer and was unsure about college (especially pre-med.) On top of that, my HS gpa was a whopping 2.3(with an F in chem!!.) Well Ive been in college now full-time for about 1 1/2 months (1st semester.) I dont want to jinx myself so Ill just say that a 4.0 is NOT out of the question. Im surprised what a bit of effort can do in the academic atmosphere. Credit is going to the Marines for whatever I accomplish. Semper Fi fellas..

--Ill keep you guys posted

--JMC, LOL nice warrant for your 3rd year..

Hey brothers, how are you guy's? Here is my run-down
-1996-2000 USMC
-Parris Island
- New River MCAS MWSS 272 - 97-00 (3533)
- 22nd MEU Mediterranean Float 1999-2000 USS Bataan
- 2002 recalled for a year (5811)
- 2003 Kent State to present
- Taking MCAT in spring

Semper Fi Brothers

Fall in!

http://www.myspace.com

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Cry with you.
MARINE FRIENDS: laugh at you and tell you to put some vagasil on your *****.



That's also the difference between Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine.

That's also the difference between Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine.

Boy, I hope you're right about that...that's one of the things I miss most of all.

How's life in MI treating you during these cold, winter days?

And this thread has sputtered out quite a bit...I was hoping that we could move it to MySpace (see my link above) where we can get to know each other a bit more. I understand though if its not quite professional enough for the likes of interns and residents, but its just a way for former-Jarheads- turned-physicians to keep in touch with some of their own. The MS group forum is by invite only so if you have a MS just add me to your friends and I'll invite you to the group. I would like for everyone who posted on this thread to join the MS USMC2DOC group.

Anyway, today was my first day on my psych rotation and I already saw the remnants of a shattered window s/p a successful escape attempt. This is gonna be a fun month!

Semper,

JMC

I will be there just as soon as I get back to a computer on a regular basis. :thumbup:

Devil Dogs!

1990 Parris Island Platoon 3090, then Camp Johnson 3043 school
1991 Camp 15 in the Sandbox
1992 MCAS El Toro
1993 4th MARDIV (Belle Chase)
1994 Fort McClellan 5711 school
1994-97 Tampa, FL 4th Tracks NBC NCOIC

YATYAS!

Boy, I hope you're right about that...that's one of the things I miss most of all.

How's life in MI treating you during these cold, winter days?

And this thread has sputtered out quite a bit...I was hoping that we could move it to MySpace (see my link above) where we can get to know each other a bit more. I understand though if its not quite professional enough for the likes of interns and residents, but its just a way for former-Jarheads- turned-physicians to keep in touch with some of their own. The MS group forum is by invite only so if you have a MS just add me to your friends and I'll invite you to the group. I would like for everyone who posted on this thread to join the MS USMC2DOC group.

Anyway, today was my first day on my psych rotation and I already saw the remnants of a shattered window s/p a successful escape attempt. This is gonna be a fun month!

Semper,

JMC

I like Michigan just fine. And my new program and hospitals are fantastic, especially compared to that scut-happy egomaniacal ****-hole (Duke) where I was last year.

Hey, I have an article on my blog about my psych rotation. Check it out. Also feel free to rebuke the occasional panty-waisted, mealy-mouthed, humorless girly-men who occaisionally open up their metaphorical cake-holes and spew thier vitriol as if anybody give a rat's ass about their pathetic feminine hygiene issues.

Holy crap! I just came across this thread for the first time!

I'm a former enlisted Marine turned Navy submarine officer (I know, I know :o ) turned med school applicant.

Here's my Marine Corps history:
12/1992 - Enlisted in CA
02/1993 - Graduated from MCRD San Diego (yes, I'm one of those Hollywood types) - Plt. 2103
04/1993 - Graduated from Phase IV of boot camp (aka Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton)
12/1993 - Completed 2841 (Ground Radio Repairman) MOS training in 29 Palms, CA (gotta love that place!)
12/1993 to 12/1994 - Overseas tour at Electronics Maintenance Company (ELMACO), 3D Maintenance Battalion, 3D FSSG on Okinawa
01/1995 to 08/1995 - H&S Company, 2D Amphibious Assault Battalion, 2D Marine Division on Camp Lejeune, NC
08/1995 to 05/1996 - Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, RI

Glad to see there are other jarheads pursuing careers in medicine. :thumbup:

Holy crap! I just came across this thread for the first time!

I'm a former enlisted Marine turned Navy submarine officer (I know, I know :o ) turned med school applicant.

Here's my Marine Corps history:
12/1992 - Enlisted in CA
02/1993 - Graduated from MCRD San Diego (yes, I'm one of those Hollywood types) - Plt. 2103
04/1993 - Graduated from Phase IV of boot camp (aka Marine Combat Training at Camp Pendleton)
12/1993 - Completed 2841 (Ground Radio Repairman) MOS training in 29 Palms, CA (gotta love that place!)
12/1993 to 12/1994 - Overseas tour at Electronics Maintenance Company (ELMACO), 3D Maintenance Battalion, 3D FSSG on Okinawa
01/1995 to 08/1995 - H&S Company, 2D Amphibious Assault Battalion, 2D Marine Division on Camp Lejeune, NC
08/1995 to 05/1996 - Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, RI

Glad to see there are other jarheads pursuing careers in medicine. :thumbup:

Sup moto, welcome to the thread...I just checked your MDapplicant profile...could you possibly be a bigger nerd if you tried? Well, I'm impressed by your stats and interview profile. Congrats on the multiple acceptances - you earned it.

ForcedEntry, glad you chimed in as well...I really am stoked when I see you guys so keep the updates coming.

Panda, I haven't been on your blog in a while, but I'll hit it up soon. Its a great read for any of you who haven't stumbled across it. The Panda-Man is quite the H. W. Longfellow of our time - a true poet.

Sup moto, welcome to the thread...I just checked your MDapplicant profile...could you possibly be a bigger nerd if you tried? Well, I'm impressed by your stats and interview profile. Congrats on the multiple acceptances - you earned it.

ForcedEntry, glad you chimed in as well...I really am stoked when I see you guys so keep the updates coming.

Panda, I haven't been on your blog in a while, but I'll hit it up soon. Its a great read for any of you who haven't stumbled across it. The Panda-Man is quite the H. W. Longfellow of our time - a true poet.

Thanks for the welcome! Yeah, I think I might have outdone myself with that GPA in Aerospace Engineering. I am a nerd. What can I say?

Diggin' the Panda Bear's blog. Great stuff on there!

Great to see so many motivated people centered on a common goal.

My bio-
Platoon 2101 Parris Island 1997
MCAS Yuma VMA-214 (Avionics technician) 1998-2002
13th MEU U.S.S. Tarawa

Grossmont Community College -2006
Transferred to UC Berkeley for fall 2006
Major- Rhetoric
Over half-way finished with med. pre-req.s
GPA- 3.4

Because of my difficulties with chem., my gpa has fallen to 3.4 so I'm beginning to consider podiatry. Anyone with a similar situation?

Keep working hard and thanks for the thread!!!!

Hey guys,

Do we have to put the courses that we took while in the Marines in our primary app? I'm looking over my SMART transcript and hoping that I don't have to enter this crap in.

Semper Fi,
Wil

Hey guys,

Do we have to put the courses that we took while in the Marines in our primary app? I'm looking over my SMART transcript and hoping that I don't have to enter this crap in.

Semper Fi,
Wil

Were you able to receive credit for these courses towards an undergraduate degree? If you were, how is that reflected on your undergraduate transcript?

I would think that these would not be required to be included in AMCAS. I would just go with your undergraduate, post-baccalaureate (if applicable), and graduate (if applicable) coursework.

Because of my difficulties with chem., my gpa has fallen to 3.4 so I'm beginning to consider podiatry. Anyone with a similar situation?


My gpa was a 3.3 and my MCAT was eh...I would seriously consider being a PA if you're not set on medical school. You can finish training in 2years, get a gig workin' in orthopedics and make 6 figures in no time. Beats 4 and 4 and long ass hours as an intern as resident. Just my 2 cents.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

JMC

Good morning teufelheunden,

JAG pogue-in-training checking in; considering making the switch to Navy medicine (crazy, I know). Much thanks and respect to all of you for your service (especially you crazy combat arms mofos).

USMCR (IRR) 2005-present
- OCS (4th Plt, Charlie Co, PLC-C/OCC-189) at lovely Quantico
- in law school now (PLC Law contract)
- active duty (TBS, NJS, etc) expected in 2008 (this may change if I go to med school)

PERSONAL
- graduated college in 2003
- worked for the Arlington Red Cross
- started law school in 2005
- GPA 3.03/MCAT 35-T

respectfully,
S/F,
4401

Good morning teufelheunden,

JAG pogue-in-training checking in; considering making the switch to Navy medicine (crazy, I know). Much thanks and respect to all of you for your service (especially you crazy combat arms mofos).

USMCR (IRR) 2005-present
- OCS (4th Plt, Charlie Co, PLC-C/OCC-189) at lovely Quantico
- in law school now (PLC Law contract)
- active duty (TBS, NJS, etc) expected in 2008 (this may change if I go to med school)

PERSONAL
- graduated college in 2003
- worked for the Arlington Red Cross
- started law school in 2005
- GPA 3.03/MCAT 35-T

respectfully,
S/F,
4401

Yut, yut!

Well done on your MCAT 4401, but imho, I think you're far better off staying focused on the whole law thing, but I know you didn't ask me. So on that note...welcome aboard and thanks for introducing yourself moto.

JMC

Got out of the marines in 96' didnt think that there were this many of us going into medicine... guess they taught us to put up with anything... lol

mcrd
pendelton MCT
29 palms mcagcs mcces
29 palms 2/7 electronics tech
wiu microbiology/zoology
MBA
3.7gpa/ 23 O mcat
LMU/DCOM medschool 2007 finally

mcrd
pendelton MCT
29 palms mcagcs mcces
29 palms 2/7 electronics tech
wiu microbiology/zoology
MBA
3.7gpa/ 23 O mcat
LMU/DCOM medschool 2007 finally


Welcome Slinkeyooo,

Congrats on your acceptance! Its a long freakin' road man so just standby for some serious downtime mixed in with a lot of exams and sleepless nights.

Semper,

JMC

Just ran across this thread. To echo the sentiments of others, I did not expect to run across many Marine brothers in here. In fact, I just changed my user name to something a little more "inside" from SemperFi because I discovered a couple Marines on the forums. I didn't want to give the impression that I was "one of those." You know, the 10% that just want to go around and holler about being a Marine, but all the Marines knew them as big pieces of $**t. I conclude with a salty ERRRR.

MCRD Parris Island, SC Aug 1999 Platoon Honor Man
MOS 2311 Redstone Arsenal Distinguished Graduate
OIF Kuwait and Iraq Jan 2003-Aug 2003 "Tip of the spear"
with CSSB-18 in support of 1stMarDiv laying waste.
Honorably discharged June 2006 from SMCR
Staff Seargent of Marines

I just ran across this forum as well. A little about myself:

Parris Island, 3046, L Co
School of Infantry,
3d Bn 5th Marines
- TF Wildfire
- 31st MEU (2002)
- Iraq, OIF I (Jan - May 2003)
1st Bn 1st Marines
- Iraq, OIF 3-7, with another deployment on the horizon.

My family and I are at a major crossroads in our lives. I've decided that I would like to pursue medicine. My wife is a bit apprehensive, as I am the sole provider. We have a baby on the way. My EAS is in June of 2009 and I will be 29 years old. At that point, I will probably have to do some post-bac studies to boost my GPA as well as help out on the MCAT. Some of my peers think I'm crazy as I have "missed my window" and I am "too old" but I tend to believe if there is the will, you can take the hill. My only concern is, I plan on going through the military (Navy) to get my M.D. and will most likely go until retirement, however, I'm trying to wargame how to provide a living, tackle school, and keep my family insured medically for those post-bac semesters. Any takers?

I apologize if these questions are answered in another thread or forum. I am still researching. I tell my wife that there are plenty of grants, scholarships and loans for us military types, especially OIF veterans. A penny for your thoughts.

I've been posting for a year, and just saw this thread.

Me:
1992 MCRD San Diego
1993-1995 El Toro MCAS
1995-1998 MSG Bn (Athens,Tokyo,Tegucigalpa)
1998-2002 University of Texas
2002-2006 Texas A&M College of Medicine
Currently - First year pathology resident.

For the previous poster, it will be tough, but there are enough loans out there to get you and your family through medical school. If your wife isn't working it will be hard to get affordable insurance. My wife was at a job without benefits for 2 years in medical school, and we paid $300/month for her health insurance. I signed up with the local VA. I would question whether you really need post-bac work. What was your GPA? As long as it is above 3.0, some schools will look at your application, especially if you score well on the MCAT. Also, I "moonlighted" as a Kaplan instructor during med school and can definitively tell you that college courses aren't particularly good preparation for the MCAT.

Hello all,

I just ran across this thread and it is motivating the heck out of me. I am hoping to do the Navy HPSP thing and serve with the Marines again.

USNA 2000
1st Intel Bn
OIF II
OIF III
Post-bacc pre-med UVM
Accepted UVMCOM class of 2011

My closest friend here in VT, a former LAR Sgt, is going to Yale PA school next year--I have to get him to post too.

Bubblehead-2-MD, any chance you are married to a twin?

S/F,
FNU LNU

I just ran across this forum as well. A little about myself:

Parris Island, 3046, L Co
School of Infantry,
3d Bn 5th Marines
- TF Wildfire
- 31st MEU (2002)
- Iraq, OIF I (Jan - May 2003)
1st Bn 1st Marines
- Iraq, OIF 3-7, with another deployment on the horizon.

My family and I are at a major crossroads in our lives. I've decided that I would like to pursue medicine. My wife is a bit apprehensive, as I am the sole provider. We have a baby on the way. My EAS is in June of 2009 and I will be 29 years old. At that point, I will probably have to do some post-bac studies to boost my GPA as well as help out on the MCAT. Some of my peers think I'm crazy as I have "missed my window" and I am "too old" but I tend to believe if there is the will, you can take the hill. My only concern is, I plan on going through the military (Navy) to get my M.D. and will most likely go until retirement, however, I'm trying to wargame how to provide a living, tackle school, and keep my family insured medically for those post-bac semesters. Any takers?

I apologize if these questions are answered in another thread or forum. I am still researching. I tell my wife that there are plenty of grants, scholarships and loans for us military types, especially OIF veterans. A penny for your thoughts.


DISCLAIMER: I am not busting down on Navy Medicine and I applaud and support anybody who wants to serve our country and our Marines as a Navy physician...OK?

If you're just looking at the HPSP because you think you can't afford medical school and being poor for four years, don't do it. First of all, even though the Navy will pay for your tuition and you'll avoid that debt, unless you plan on a career in Family Medicine or Pediatrics you will come out way ahead in the end because, and I have run the numbers, your real compensation as a residency trained physician in the Navy in a typical specialty (counting your BAS and VHA or whatever they call it now) with all of the incentive and special pay will still only be in the upper $90,000. Hospitalists (internal medicine) start after residency in the 160s to 180s. Emergency Physicians after only a three-year residency start in the low 200s.

You will owe five years post-residency and you run the risk of being asigned as a GMO after you graduate medical school where you wil end up being sent to the fleet as Battalion Surgeon without any additional training at all. In other words, you may have to defer residency training for the majority of your contractually obligated service. You will have no problem getting a civilian residency once you get out, you understand, but you will not get any of the specialty pay when you are a GMO.

And you will still be poor in medical school because the stipend is only $1300 per month and this may come out of the money you can borrow above the cost of attendance for living expenses. In other words, I was able to borrow about $19,000 a year extra for living expenses. You won't be able to borrow any additional because the financial aid office may look at your stipend as your living expenses after which none is required.

The point of medical school with a spouse and a family (I have four kid, three when I was in medical school) is to just get by. The extra 60K you'll borrow for living expenses, in the long run, is chump change and just the cost of being a doctor, especially if you match into a lucrative specialty. In other words, don't fear the debt. I consolidated most of mine at a ridiculously low interest rate and once I am an attending, paying it back won't be too much of a burden. (If you gross $20,000 a month, what's $1000?).

The Navy will pay you more if you get a Navy residency, which is an advantage, but like I said, in the long run, say after ten years, you will be way ahead in private practice if you just suck it up a little now. No question you will have to suck it up. We are sucking big time right now and just barely keeping the wolves from the door but in two years we will be free and clear with no obligation to anybody and free to look for the best offer possible.

If you want to Go Navy, I say eschew the HPSP, suck it up and borrow money for medical school like everybody else, and then, if after four years you are still hot for it (which you may not be) do the Financial Assistance Program) where you match into a civilian residency, owe no miltary obligation for the length of your trainig, will get a stipend that will double your residency salary (about $40K a year from the Navy added to your $40K from residency) and, most importantly, you only will owe service for the length of time you accepted the stipend plus one year. If you matched into Family Medicine, for example, which is a three year residency, you will only owe four years.

At this stage, you don't know jack about medicine, what you want to do, and what you will like. I see you have deployed quite a few times and no doubt your lovely and long-suffering wife is sick of it. She may not be so keen to have you deploying all of the time five or six years from now when you are a brand new GMO assigned to the MEU and she has gotten used to having you at home all the time.

Bottom line: Don't panic and shoot your bolt. The debt is nothing to be afraid of. (It's the struggle through residency that will suck.)

Kind of a bump.

Great post Panda. For Praetorian...Panda gave great advice. That is pretty much what happened with me. I had always figured on going with the HPSP. I started med school at age 27 with a wife and brand new baby. I had even contacted the recruiter, but then I decided there was no rush. I looked at the residency FAP program and thought it looked like a better deal if I still felt so inclined at that time. It's not that you lose your desire to serve. In fact, having been deployed to Iraq actually made me want to more. It's just as you really start to put a lot of work into your education, and not getting any younger, the thought of serving at the bottom of a military totem pole gets a lot less desirable. Also, if you go all the way through and don't want to go active in the military, there is a reserve program for health professionals that will pay up to 50 thousand of loans in exchange for a reserve contract. At that point, you could probably volunteer for as much or as little as you wanted in the way of deployments. Good luck. Plenty of people in my class as old or older than you and me.

Gents, get on your faces...

Who is taking the MCAT soon? I'm taking it May 31st, and I'm in the middle of finals right now...

The last 2 months have been so hectic that I haven't even been able to study for the MCAT at all. So, I'll be studying from May 8th until May 31st, then I start summer semester on June 1st...

That particular semester ends on June 28th, and I'm probably going to retake the MCAT on Aug 14th...

So, that's what I'm looking at right now, what about you guys?

I'm kind of worried because I'm hearing all of these people talk about their studying for 3 solid months, which I don't have...

I take the MCAT August 9th, I plan to take a week off from this semester and relax and then hit it hard all summer. I am going to pound it for five days, one review day then 7th will be rest.

san deigo 95
SOI "ALFATRAZ" 0311
Hawaii 2/3 Echo Company
Undergraduate BS 2003
Graduate MEd 2006
Taking MCAT in May
Applying for 2008

Married 8 years, one kid on the ground, one kid in the oven
basically
hs/deigo/pendleton/hawaii/pendleton/college/teaching/college/Hopefully MEDSCHOOL!

I'm kind of worried because I'm hearing all of these people talk about their studying for 3 solid months, which I don't have...

IMO, the MCAT is the hardest test you'll take on the way to being a doctor. Prepare accordingly.

I just ran across this forum as well. A little about myself:

Parris Island, 3046, L Co
School of Infantry,
3d Bn 5th Marines
- TF Wildfire
- 31st MEU (2002)
- Iraq, OIF I (Jan - May 2003)
1st Bn 1st Marines
- Iraq, OIF 3-7, with another deployment on the horizon.

My family and I are at a major crossroads in our lives. I've decided that I would like to pursue medicine. My wife is a bit apprehensive, as I am the sole provider. We have a baby on the way. My EAS is in June of 2009 and I will be 29 years old. At that point, I will probably have to do some post-bac studies to boost my GPA as well as help out on the MCAT. Some of my peers think I'm crazy as I have "missed my window" and I am "too old" but I tend to believe if there is the will, you can take the hill. My only concern is, I plan on going through the military (Navy) to get my M.D. and will most likely go until retirement, however, I'm trying to wargame how to provide a living, tackle school, and keep my family insured medically for those post-bac semesters. Any takers?

I apologize if these questions are answered in another thread or forum. I am still researching. I tell my wife that there are plenty of grants, scholarships and loans for us military types, especially OIF veterans. A penny for your thoughts.


DISCLAIMER: I am not busting down on Navy Medicine and I applaud and support anybody who wants to serve our country and our Marines as a Navy physician...OK?

Words of Wisdom from Panda Bear.....I would like to back up Panda's words with my own experience. Keeping in mind that your mileage may vary....

I'm about to start my MS3 year, and when I came into med school, I would have thought that Emergency Medicine was my bag. Or maybe Orthopaedic surgery. And truthfully, my mind may still change after my first clinical year. I've spent the better part of two years looking into a bunch of different specialties: Ortho, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, ENT, Trauma surgery, Hand Surgery, Plastics, etc. You get the picture. And what specialty do I keep coming back to over and over?

Neurosurgery.

It's the one specialty that I can't shake. It's endlessly fascinating and I love the clinical problems involved. Competition is pretty stiff to get in - there are ~150 spots nationwide. The training is no joke either - seven years long.

Why am I telling y'all this?

One, I had absolutely no idea that I would even think about this specialty. Would have laughed in your face if you'd have suggested it to me.

Two, if I had joined HPSP when I got here, and I strongly considered it, I would be looking at the following scenario: competing for 1-2 total spots (in the Navy, similar numbers for the Army and Air Force) in Neurosurgery.

Of course, what could happen is that instead of getting a NS slot, I'm told that I have to "earn" such a spot by doing a GMO tour for 2-4 years. Plus, if they DID give me a NS slot after a GMO tour, then that's 7+2-4 = 9-11 years committment in exchange for four years of education. And FYI, private practice neurosurgeons typically start at $400-500K per year.

So don't make any hasty decisions. The loans they do suck, but you and your family can do it.


Good luck to you guys with the MCAT. Don't slack off on studying for this thing.

Cheers!

Hoorah!

Hello all, new to the forum and just saw this thread and thought I would post and get some feedback on my med school chances First-

Me: Parris Island, Sep '99, then 0352 (Tow Gunner) in the Reserves, later 2111 (Armorer). Just got out Nov '06, after two deployments (one to South America, one to Iraq), and a year on recruiting duty (I did a LOT of ADSW).
School: Yale Bio grad '06 (Bio major), GPA- not so hot
Extra-curriculars: Varsity athlete then Assistant Coach @ Yale, Production Officer for Theater Organization. Did insane amounts of volunteer work in high school but not a lot in college.
MCATs- taking in August
Currently: Working as a Clinical Neuropsychiatric Research Assistant on a several research studies. Also in the middle of writing 1-2 papers analyzing fMRI data of psych disorders (PTSD, substance abuse).

Oh, and I'm 28.

My GPA is not great. I graduated, but it was not easy by any means. I know I have to do quite well on the MCATS to stand any chance. Any advice for this former devil who wants to be a doc?

Keep pressing on and let nothing get in your way brother, if you want to be a physician you will, unless you have a terrible criminal record.

Hello all,

I just ran across this thread and it is motivating the heck out of me. I am hoping to do the Navy HPSP thing and serve with the Marines again.

USNA 2000
1st Intel Bn
OIF II
OIF III
Post-bacc pre-med UVM
Accepted UVMCOM class of 2011

My closest friend here in VT, a former LAR Sgt, is going to Yale PA school next year--I have to get him to post too.

Bubblehead-2-MD, any chance you are married to a twin?

S/F,
FNU LNU


As I said in another thread, you know exactly who I am!

bump

USN HM '96-'99
USNA '99-'03

taking MCAT in mid-July, hopefully for admission in Fall '08

Well I dont have a lot of time but wanted to start getting some help.


I am Currently in the Marine Corps and have been for the last 5 years. I have three years left and have found the true calling that I have been hearing for quite a while. I want to start knocking some of my pre-med out of the way. Any suggestions on classes or on steps that I need to take now. Help would be great.



Thanks for the help..



Jeffrey

Whaddup moto?

So, tell me, how are you not deployed right now? Whats ur MOS? Where are you stationed?

Well, I would highly recommend you check out what the physician assistant route has to offer....far less training and you could be making a nice salary in 6 fast years rather than 12 years. Check out ortholpedics, possibly the coolest specialty in all of medicine...ortho PA's do very well. There are many other areas that do very well too.

Having said that, if you still find that medical school is truly what you want to pursue, your path will start off the same so you can always change your mind later. I would recommend getting all the college math and english reqs out of the way (you'll need 1 full year of calculus) this should be enough to get you started....I'm assuming you have no college background, is this the case?

JMC

Well I dont have a lot of time but wanted to start getting some help.


I am Currently in the Marine Corps and have been for the last 5 years. I have three years left and have found the true calling that I have been hearing for quite a while. I want to start knocking some of my pre-med out of the way. Any suggestions on classes or on steps that I need to take now. Help would be great.



Thanks for the help..



Jeffrey

*MCRD San Diego Jan. 2002
*SOI April 2002 0351
1/1 Charlie Company 2002-2006
Deployments to:
Iraq x 2
Tsunami relief effort
Lat moved to
6113 Ch-53 Mechanic


I want to get in to emergency medicine from a lot of my past history of being in the war. I felt helpless watching my friends die in front of me. I want to be able to give something back to the families that come during their time of need with their loved ones and have the knowledge and ability to help and make a difference in someone’s life. It is very humbling to know that someone is entrusting their entire care in someone that they have never met when they are the most vulnerable. I know that this is what I want to do and I have become extremely determined to become an Emergency Medicine Physician.

*MCRD San Diego Jan. 2002
*SOI April 2002 0351
1/1 Charlie Company 2002-2006
Deployments to:
Iraq x 2
Tsunami relief effort
Lat moved to
6113 Ch-53 Mechanic


I want to get in to emergency medicine from a lot of my past history of being in the war. I felt helpless watching my friends die in front of me. I want to be able to give something back to the families that come during their time of need with their loved ones and have the knowledge and ability to help and make a difference in someone’s life. It is very humbling to know that someone is entrusting their entire care in someone that they have never met when they are the most vulnerable. I know that this is what I want to do and I have become extremely determined to become an Emergency Medicine Physician.

Well I certainly can appreciate your motives for wanting to go into medicine. The road is a long and arduous one, but you seem determined....and I suppose that's all it takes.

I still stand by my previous advice....knock out college math (algebra and calculus) if you can and possibly some English classes, you'll need one full year of English.

Best of luck to you and feel free to drop by anytime....there are many others that lurk here who may be inclined to give their two cents from time to time.

Stay Motivated!

JMC

Well I certainly can appreciate your motives for wanting to go into medicine. The road is a long and arduous one, but you seem determined....and I suppose that's all it takes.

I still stand by my previous advice....knock out college math (algebra and calculus) if you can and possibly some English classes, you'll need one full year of English.

Best of luck to you and feel free to drop by anytime....there are many others that lurk here who may be inclined to give their two cents from time to time.

Stay Motivated!

JMC
What you said....It's a long road but the journey is worth it.

BTW, I am beginning Third Year on OB/Gyn, JMC. Hoo-haa!

San Diego boot camp, plt 1118, 1969
Comm school, San Diego
2nd ANGLICO, Camp Lejeune, NC
paratrooper, Forward Observer
Called in Naval gunfire and air strikes for the Army and allied armies

Nursing school- 1973-76
CRNA school 1976-78
Employed 10 yrs as CRNA

Pre-med 1987-89
Med Coll of Wisc 1989-93
Anesth residency - Mayo Clinic 1993-97
Staff anesthesiologist Mayo Clinic 1997 to present

Long path, slow learner, I guess :)

San Diego boot camp, plt 1118, 1969

And I was beginning to feel old with San Diego boot camp in 1995. Good to see some older marines.

San Diego boot camp, plt 1118, 1969
Comm school, San Diego
2nd ANGLICO, Camp Lejeune, NC
paratrooper, Forward Observer
Called in Naval gunfire and air strikes for the Army and allied armies

Nursing school- 1973-76
CRNA school 1976-78
Employed 10 yrs as CRNA

Pre-med 1987-89
Med Coll of Wisc 1989-93
Anesth residency - Mayo Clinic 1993-97
Staff anesthesiologist Mayo Clinic 1997 to present

Long path, slow learner, I guess :)

YUT YUT!

<-- slow learner here too. Damn, dejavu, you are salty!

Glad you stopped by...you motivate me.

Semper Fi

Just got out of the "reserves" in January as a Sgt. (boot camp SD in 2001, Delta co.). Deployed twice to Iraq as an embarker (0431) and enjoyed my time in enough to try and be a Navy doc. Actually the reason I want to do medicine is because during my first deployment I spent time guarding a hospital in An Nasiriyah and the way the corpsmen and the doctors worked with the little they had was pretty motivating. So I took my MCAT in July and it is no joke and I studied for a month and a half pretty hard core. Did well (32Q) but when I left I thought I did terrible, so do not get down if you feel the same way. Also, my pre-med adviser said that I should have a shot at nearly any school (including Duke, my dream) because of my service and demonstration of commitment and my GPA is only a 3.49. In other words we have experienced it all and admission committees recognize it. Great to see this type of forum!

good early morning gents

got out this past april...stationed at nmcp, 2/6 marines, 3/5 marines, nhsd...made my humps to and from and back and forth to the sandbox and excited as ever to have that behind me...still nothing beats knowing that the guy whose hugging his wife, kids, or family is able to because of something you did...i guess thats why we are all still persuing medicine...

any tips for a guy getting back to school? and how much will my experience as a "doc" help for my admission into med school? thanks alot for everything ya'll did and continue to do...

anthony hartsock
"...not on my watch..."

good early morning gents

got out this past april...stationed at nmcp, 2/6 marines, 3/5 marines, nhsd...made my humps to and from and back and forth to the sandbox and excited as ever to have that behind me...still nothing beats knowing that the guy whose hugging his wife, kids, or family is able to because of something you did...i guess thats why we are all still persuing medicine...

any tips for a guy getting back to school? and how much will my experience as a "doc" help for my admission into med school? thanks alot for everything ya'll did and continue to do...

anthony hartsock
"...not on my watch..."

Its good to have you here Doc, welcome. I would say that your experience as a Navy Corpsman will unquestionably be your 'selling' feature. You will need to do extremely well on your MCAT if you want to stay in SD and go to UCSD...as I was reminded on my interview there that they "have more Nobel Laurettes here per capita than anywhere in the world." Having said that, if you don't do that well, your service will still be looked upon favorably. You've matured greatly in the process and you've done a lot of stuff that most have not.

Ooh rah Doc. Ooh rah.

For those of you who care...I've declared for and sumbitted my apps this year for psychiatry. I'm following in Teufel's footsteps, well sort of, he's paying off his HPSP obligation and I'll have none of that nor would I have any of that.

Word to the wise for those of you considering the HPSP...you served your time. You did it honorably and courageously, don't do it unless you have a strong desire to give more of yourself to your fellow man and country.

Good luck,

JMC

psych? Interesting. Why'd you choose it? I loved my psych rotation. Now I'm on surgery rotation and loving it more. hrmmm

psych? Interesting. Why'd you choose it? I loved my psych rotation. Now I'm on surgery rotation and loving it more. hrmmm

I really wish I had discovered it sooner, it never appeared on my radar until my clerkship.

I thinks its an exciting field, with fascinating pathology...I enjoy the treatment aspect of it with both the psychopharm and psychotherapy. I think its a very intellectual field heading in a direction of great discoveries wrt understanding more deeply the how and why and wrt more selective therapies and targets.

Additionally, it has what I perceive to be a nice lifestyle conducive to raising a family and a very high demand for its services. Psychiatry is the best kept secret in medicine.

I hope everyone is doing well and have a safe new year's

I really wish I had discovered it sooner, it never appeared on my radar until my clerkship.

I thinks its an exciting field, with fascinating pathology...I enjoy the treatment aspect of it with both the psychopharm and psychotherapy. I think its a very intellectual field heading in a direction of great discoveries wrt understanding more deeply the how and why and wrt more selective therapies and targets.

Additionally, it has what I perceive to be a nice lifestyle conducive to raising a family and a very high demand for its services. Psychiatry is the best kept secret in medicine.
I just realized that I never responded to you, JMC. Sorry bout that!

Psych sounds like a great field. Not one for me, but I definitely enjoyed the heck outta the rotation. How have interviews gone? Any leading contenders right now???

As for me, I'm currently divided between EM and Surgery.


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Marines!

I just realized that I never responded to you, JMC. Sorry bout that!

Psych sounds like a great field. Not one for me, but I definitely enjoyed the heck outta the rotation. How have interviews gone? Any leading contenders right now???

As for me, I'm currently divided between EM and Surgery.


Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Marines!


YUT YUT!

EM v. SX - well, that's tough man...both are stressful, each one unique in their stressors. EM = 5 years off your life expectancy 2ary to circadian rhythm disturbances. Sx = stress from malpractice + 80 hour work weeks during your 5 years of residency. Good luck w/ that one, you'll do well in either one Evo, just not at all for me. I'm looking for that highly coveted admin job - and I found it - and its in high demand!

Interviews have gone well...many, many opportunities!

Stay motivated...Semper.

JMC

-MCRD San Diego 99

-MCB Butler Oki Camp Foster (4066 Computer guy) 00-02. Thailand was fun.

-MCRD San Diego (0656 slightly different variety of computer guy) 02-03. San Diego was nice, wearing chucks every day sucked.

-Sergeant

-Graduated from the U. of Colorado 2006, great GPA courtesy of good ole' fashion Marine Corps blood and sweat.

-Worked in a clinic for 6 months then switched to healthcare research for the VA in the bay area. I wasn't fully convinced medicine was for me until recently. Luckily I have all the pre-reqs already.

-Studying for June MCAT and will apply this year if I can figure out the inner workings of the AMCAS and how to get my military credits in there (which accounted for 0% of my education ... what a waste of time and energy).

San Diego boot camp, plt 1118, 1969
Comm school, San Diego
2nd ANGLICO, Camp Lejeune, NC
paratrooper, Forward Observer
Called in Naval gunfire and air strikes for the Army and allied armies

Nursing school- 1973-76
CRNA school 1976-78
Employed 10 yrs as CRNA

Pre-med 1987-89
Med Coll of Wisc 1989-93
Anesth residency - Mayo Clinic 1993-97
Staff anesthesiologist Mayo Clinic 1997 to present

Long path, slow learner, I guess :)

So you were at least 36 or so when you started pre-med? That takes conviction.

MCRD San Diego 2000 Plt 2057
SOI Camp Pendleton (Charlie Company, 0311)
Reserves
MCAT in 2002
AMCAS in 2002
Deployed to Djibouti in 2003
Withdrew AMCAS and AACOMAS
Filled them out again in Djibouti
Accepted UNECOM '08
Now finishing up my 4th year
Headed to Bethesda for internship

God bless the Corps!

CPL Landry reporting for duty!
I just found this thread after over two years on the threads. My Bio:

MCRD SD 7/97 Golf 2123
SOI 10/97
2/4 WPNS CO HMG PLT 1/98-7/01
31st MEU SOC 97-98 and 00-01 with the BLT
Metro State 01-07 Bio Major Chem minor
RVUCOM inagural Class 2012


Is there still a myspace group? if so can someone please lead me to it. My myspace is www.myspace.com/libolandry

Libo for everyone!!!

Hi all,
Just completed 5 year enlistment, at Pendleton the entire time (except for training and 2 trips to Iraq)...HMLA 169 and 303. Took enough classes at the local CCs so that I only have 3 semesters of full time school to get my BS in bio (UNR). USUHS is my #1 choice, and I will be taking the MCATs in July.

Looks like we're not such a rare breed afterall...seems to be a good number of us -- even better!

Welcome...glad to see everyone doing so well. Congrats to those of you recently accepted. Anyone approaching match day this March? Just curious what specialties and where you may end up.

I'm looking at psych in SoCal or possibly CO or AZ. We'll see on March 20th.

Stay motivated.

www.myspace.com/psychopharmalicious

JMC

P.S. The MySpace USMC group fell off when my MS account got hacked and I had to re-register. Plus there was only 3 of us total :thumbdown

Two, if I had joined HPSP when I got here, and I strongly considered it, I would be looking at the following scenario: competing for 1-2 total spots (in the Navy, similar numbers for the Army and Air Force) in Neurosurgery.

Of course, what could happen is that instead of getting a NS slot, I'm told that I have to "earn" such a spot by doing a GMO tour for 2-4 years. Plus, if they DID give me a NS slot after a GMO tour, then that's 7+2-4 = 9-11 years committment in exchange for four years of education.


Hmm, not sure where you're getting this info.

1) The combined Navy-Army program at Bethesda takes only one person per year.

2) Deferments have been liberal in Neurosurgery for the Navy the past couple years. My year there were 4 given out, I believe it was the same this past year. So yes, you are competing for one spot if all you want is a military residency. But if you would accept a civilian residency, your odds get a lot better.

3) The odds of getting back into Neurosurgery if you were not accepted to the Neurosurgical Categorical internship are basically zero, unless someone drops out after their intern year.

Raised my hand in Sept 1994
San Diego 2nd Bat Hotel Co.
MOS 6173 CH-53D/E Crewchief
MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii 1996-98
Tandem Thrust 1997
MCAS New River, NC 1998-2002
Med Float 2000
over 1000 hours in Super Stallions (CH-53's)
A&P (airframes and powerplants license)

NOW....

Southern Oregon University - Premed
Major: Applied Physics (3.55)
Minor: Chemistry

MCAT: will take this Spring 2008
Applying to MD schools: this June 2008

I'm praying for California schools or OHSU, maybe Mayo!!!
I'm thinking Radiology.

Wish me luck.... Ooh-Ra and Semper Fidelis!

Raised my hand in Sept 1994
San Diego 2nd Bat Hotel Co.
MOS 6173 CH-53D/E Crewchief
MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii 1996-98
Tandem Thrust 1997
MCAS New River, NC 1998-2002
Med Float 2000
over 1000 hours in Super Stallions (CH-53's)
A&P (airframes and powerplants license)

NOW....

Southern Oregon University - Premed
Major: Applied Physics (3.55)
Minor: Chemistry

MCAT: will take this Spring 2008
Applying to MD schools: this June 2008

I'm praying for California schools or OHSU, maybe Mayo!!!
I'm thinking Radiology.

Wish me luck.... Ooh-Ra and Semper Fidelis!
Hey man I was also stationed at New River from 97-00. I was with MWSS 272, last float I was on was 99-00 with HMM-261.

Ooo-rah! Welcome to the Other Suck...medicine, that is.

Heh.

Nice to see some new blood around here. Sorry that I haven't been more participatory, but I've been buried on rotations. Let me know if y'all have questions! :thumbup:






Oh, and specialties that I can definitely rule out: Psych, OB-Gyn, and Peds. That only leaves Surgery and EM at this point....

Well if you will permit a Green Side HM to weigh in

1991 HM8404 FMSS
1991 VMFA125 NAS Lemoore (TDY for paramedic school)
1992-1995 Camp Pendleton - STA 1/9, A 1/9, A 2/1, TDY to D Co 1st Force Rcn for Operation Restore Hope,Somalia
RIF'ed by Clinton 1995

Now trauma/thoracic/vascular surgery and FBI tactical med physician assistant....MCAT in August for (hopefully) 2009 OHSU or UW class

Well if you will permit a Green Side HM to weigh in

1991 HM8404 FMSS
1991 VMFA125 NAS Lemoore (TDY for paramedic school)
1992-1995 Camp Pendleton - STA 1/9, A 1/9, A 2/1, TDY to D Co 1st Force Rcn for Operation Restore Hope,Somalia
RIF'ed by Clinton 1995

Now trauma/thoracic/vascular surgery and FBI tactical med physician assistant....MCAT in August for (hopefully) 2009 OHSU or UW class

That's an impressive C.V. you've got there...Welcome HM FBIDoc...good luck!

USMCR here myself. Went to PI. 0861. Work as a social worker and going back to do my basic science courses to pursue medicine. Semper Fidelis and Good Night, Chesty......

Parris Island, MCRD: 2005 (03xx)
SOI, Camp Lejuene (0311)
RIP, Camp Lejeune: 2006
INDOC, ARS, Little Creek, VA: 2006
RECON Marine, Battalion: 2006-07
Deployed: Iraq, Afganhistan: 2006-07
Honorably Discharged: Medical: 2007

Semper fi, Marines. I got the boot half way through my first tour because of problems with my eyes. Loved every second of blood and sweat, while I was there, though. Loved RECON, miss it. Looking forward to getting the ball rolling and becoming a doc, though. Pursuing a B.S. in Biology. Hoping to get into med school with minimal resistance :rolleyes:. Good to know there are some other grunts making something of themselves. Good luck

-MCAS Beaufort SC, VMFA-251, Sergeant UGA pharmacy 2008, MCG Dental 2012




I'm calling you out MARINES.

I'm trying to to keep tabs on all the Marines-turned-docs that post on SDN. There aren't many of us, thus it shouldn't be too hard to keep up with one another. Please post here or PM with your story and progress. This includes residency folks and beyond as well, if ya'll don't mind.

I'll go first:

-Parris Island, 0311/8152 (Security Forces)
-North Island, San Diego (MCSFCo)
-Pendleton 2/1, WestPac '97, 15th MEU, USS Boxer (LHD-4)
-'93-'97, E-4
-Married 10 years
-2 kids, 7 and 3
-Biochem major/Occidental College
-2 years cancer clinical trials research/radioimmunotherapy

1st year student at COMP in Pomona, CA. So far so good. Want to match Ortho ot EM three years from now.

So I know we got Evo (by the way Evo, like the new avatar) and there is an old salt dog named Teufel around here. Panda Bear too.

Let's go gents, fall-in! If you're the quiet type...PM please. That'll work just as well.

Parris Island, MCRD: Oct 2000
MCT, Camp Lejuene: Jan 2001
29 Stumps, CA: Feb 2001 (0621-Comm Bubba)
4th ANGLICO, WPB Fla.: thru' Oct 2006
Deployed Iraq in 2003
Currently E-5 in IRR.
Married 6 1/2 yrs, 2 kids (2 1/2 yrs & 6 mths)
Matriculating to med school Fall 2008 (still trying to decide where).

Still lean and mean!

Semper Fi

What's up guys? Welcome to the newcomers, and congratulations to all those accepted to medical and professional school. For those of you just starting out, keep it strong and you SHALL achieve your goals. :thumbup:

Hey JMC, you've got the match in just a few weeks? Or have you guys already finished?

As for myself, I think that I'm going to be doing either GenSurg or Ortho. Should know soon!

Y'all have any questions, feel free to drop me a line.

Cheers!

Hey JMC, you've got the match in just a few weeks? Or have you guys already finished?


I'll know where this Thursday. Yut yut!

I just started rugby, anyone on here play? These guys are in terrific shape and are intense, I like it.

I'll know where this Thursday. Yut yut!

I just started rugby, anyone on here play? These guys are in terrific shape and are intense, I like it.
Good :luck:! Please be sure to let me know where you end up, man. :)

As for Rugby...damn, that's hardcore. I should learn how to play though...

2003 - RTC @ Great Lakes, IL
2003 - Navy HM "A"-School @ Great Lakes, IL
2004 - Field Medical Service School, Camp Pendleton, CA
2004 to 2008 - 1st Marine Division
(04 - 06) 1st Battalion, 4th Marines (OIF & 11th MEU)
(06 - 08) Headquarters Battalion (Desk job)

End of Active Service Obligation coming up on May 5, 2008.

Accepted to Univ. of Miami as a transfer student for Fall 2008.

Still waiting to hear back from Stanford, USC, UCSD, UCI, U of Arizona, and U of Hawaii at Manoa.

Bump for the Jarheads!

To whom it may concern,

My name is jeromi. I just recently got out of the marine corps i was an 0311/8152 MCSFCO bangor, wa. I am currently enrolled at the University of Toledo. The one thing is im enrolled for online courses towards my BS in criminal justice. Like alot of infantry marines i got out thinking oh crap all I will be good at is being a police officer. I dont want that for my life. I really want to go to medical school. Yes I am married that's why I am enrolled in online classes. I have read alot of stuff including the Princeton Review which stats that you dont need your degree in the science field and that medical schools actually like to see students with a degree or wide spread backround so to speak. I wasn't sure if that is true or not, and also I just wanted to see someone's input on wether I could ever get into medical school. Also im only 22 about to be 23 so I know im still young. by the time i get into med school it will still be at least 2 more years, cause i have to finish my degree. If anyone can help please let me know.

Semper Fidelis
Jeromi

To whom it may concern,

My name is jeromi. I just recently got out of the marine corps i was an 0311/8152 MCSFCO bangor, wa. I am currently enrolled at the University of Toledo. The one thing is im enrolled for online courses towards my BS in criminal justice. Like alot of infantry marines i got out thinking oh crap all I will be good at is being a police officer. I dont want that for my life. I really want to go to medical school. Yes I am married that's why I am enrolled in online classes. I have read alot of stuff including the Princeton Review which stats that you dont need your degree in the science field and that medical schools actually like to see students with a degree or wide spread backround so to speak. I wasn't sure if that is true or not, and also I just wanted to see someone's input on wether I could ever get into medical school. Also im only 22 about to be 23 so I know im still young. by the time i get into med school it will still be at least 2 more years, cause i have to finish my degree. If anyone can help please let me know.

Semper Fidelis
Jeromi

Congrats Marine. You don't have to have a science degree, but you do have to do the required courses for medical school. Basically 1 year of Gen chem, organic chem, physics, and biology. Need to take the MCAT...its a sweet test. There is a ton of info on these boards to guide you, and a lot of fellow Marines looking out for one another which you can ask. The only input you neeed to decide whether you can do medical school is yourself man, if you want it bad enough you will get it. Don't limit yourself, just take the bull by the horns! I would go talk to an advisor and look into taking the pre-requisites at a college, and go from there. Goodluck brother, and Semper Fi

To whom it may concern,

My name is jeromi. I just recently got out of the marine corps i was an 0311/8152 MCSFCO bangor, wa. I am currently enrolled at the University of Toledo. The one thing is im enrolled for online courses towards my BS in criminal justice. Like alot of infantry marines i got out thinking oh crap all I will be good at is being a police officer. I dont want that for my life. I really want to go to medical school. Yes I am married that's why I am enrolled in online classes. I have read alot of stuff including the Princeton Review which stats that you dont need your degree in the science field and that medical schools actually like to see students with a degree or wide spread backround so to speak. I wasn't sure if that is true or not, and also I just wanted to see someone's input on wether I could ever get into medical school. Also im only 22 about to be 23 so I know im still young. by the time i get into med school it will still be at least 2 more years, cause i have to finish my degree. If anyone can help please let me know.

Semper Fidelis
Jeromi

You have a tough road ahead. First of all, your Criminal Justice degree will get you no respect in the medical school application process. Neither will your online courses. You need to suck it up and get a traditional Bachelors Degree.

As to whether you can get in, sure you can. But it is the college degree in a rigorous major with all the usual prerequisites that will prepare you intellectually to go from being a dumb grunt to a sharp physician. If you try to shortcut the process you will probably fail. You need to make the commitment.

Email me if you have any specific questions. And check out my blog which is still up even though I have quit blogging.

Sincerely,

Panda Bear, MD (Former Sergeant, USMC, O331 and former dumb grunt.)

Congrats Marine. You don't have to have a science degree, but you do have to do the required courses for medical school. Basically 1 year of Gen chem, organic chem, physics, and biology. Need to take the MCAT...its a sweet test. There is a ton of info on these boards to guide you, and a lot of fellow Marines looking out for one another which you can ask. The only input you neeed to decide whether you can do medical school is yourself man, if you want it bad enough you will get it. Don't limit yourself, just take the bull by the horns! I would go talk to an advisor and look into taking the pre-requisites at a college, and go from there. Goodluck brother, and Semper Fi

I agree. But the key is that the Marine has to take the initiative. He does not have an easy task ahead. On the other hand, he's only 22 so he really is only four years behind most other prospective pre-meds (but lightyears ahead in maturity and leadership) so he should consider using his MGIB (which I hope the mother****er signed up for) to get a real college degree.

I agree that it doesn't need to be in the hard sciences but it should be in something rigorous like History or Economics. On the other hand he shouldn't necessarily be selling himself short either. Why couldn't he get an engineering degree, for example? We're Marines, we're not stupid.

I've been a long time lurker at SDN, but I saw this post and decided it was time...

I was a computer nerd in the Corps, originally 4066, now they call it 06xx I believe. I was stationed at Camp Pen for 4 years, and I pumped on West Pac twice with the 15th MEU Command Element. I spent about 30 days in Afghanistan on the JTFE (field satellite / telephone / comms) starting in the opening hours of the war. After the Corps I worked as a network engineer for Lockheed Martin for 3 years. I never cared for computers, it was always something I was good at and it paid the bills. During this time my wife completed her degree and is now a practicing dental hygienist.

Once my wife became financially stable, I decided it was time to retire my keyboard for something more interesting. Before I joined the Corps I had aspirations of becoming a doctor, but honestly I lacked the initiative and the dedication to see it through. Two years ago I started a micro/molecular biology degree courtesy of the MGI bill at my local community college. I'm transferring to Portland State University this coming fall. I've completed all of my general education requirements as well as the pre-medical science requirements. My MCAT is scheduled for July 8th at 8:00am.

Semper Fi!

I'm transferring to Portland State University this coming fall. I've completed all of my general education requirements as well as the pre-medical science requirements. My MCAT is scheduled for July 8th at 8:00am.

Welcome, we were in during the same time and have the same MOS. We might have even gone to school together (I was 5-00 at 29 stumps). Congrats on figuring out what you'd like to do but I have to wonder ... why are you taking the MCAT now?

The score is only valid for 3 years for most schools and it sounds like you still have some coursework ahead of you. Are you sure you're not taking it too early? Of course, disregard if you've already considered this; I just want to make sure that you've given the issue some thought.

Make sure you're killing the practice tests (under timed conditions) before you go into it if you're not already. Definitely don't be afraid to postpone to allow for more study time. I found the MCAT to be rather difficult even after consistently doing well on the practice tests.

Semper Fi!

I was at 29 Palms from May-July of 1999 if I recall correctly.

I'm taking the MCAT now rather than later because I've finished all of the basic sciences which are tested on the MCAT. I'd rather get it done and out of the way this summer so I can focus on my major as well as applications next year.

I was at 29 Palms from May-July of 1999
I got there in November of 99 so I guess I missed you by a bit. Good luck on the MCAT and your application! Feel free to PM me if you ever need anything.

Welcome guys! Glad to have y'all aboard. Let me know if I can answer any questions. We have Marines here from premed --> residents. So someone ought to know the answer.

Cheers!

Cpl P.D (USMC former)

Boot Camp - West Coast - Plt. 1011 Jan - April 1989 (yes, I remember it like it was yesterday)

Schools: MOS: 1833 (Amtrac'r YAT YAS) Del Mar/Ocean Side May - August 1989

B Co. 1st, 2nd AAV BN 2nd Mar Div Court House Bay
1989 - 1991 (attached to 6th Marines for Desert Shield/Storm)

B Co, 2nd AAV BN - The rock 1991 -1992

D Co, 2nd AAV Feb. 1992 - Jan 1993

Started undergrad 2 days after discharge finished undergrad and law school in 6.5 years. Now Practicing Lawyer, looking to change to Doc.

I could not have done what I have done without my Corps Experience, I always work harder and smarter than the other guy - SURRENDER IS NOT IN MY CREED.

This thread is motivating!

Parris Island, Oct 2003
2822 - Electronic Switching Equipment Technician
1 Year in 29 Palms
2 Years in Okinawa
2 Years at Miramar

I've spent the last two years deciding what I want to do with the rest of my life, as I've always been a bit of an intellectual and I don't feel like the Marine Corps is helping me fulfill my potential any longer.

I dropped out of college before joining with an impressive GPA of about 1.8, but so far in the night classes I've been taking (english comp/college algebra/general biology) I have a 4.0. I'll be starting school towards a B.S. in Biochem in September, looking at graduating in 3 years and applying for medical school after the second. If I get a solid 4.0 I'll only be able to raise my cumulative up to about 3.6, but I probably shouldn't count on that. Will that cause problems or will most schools see that the poor grades are far behind me?

I'm planning on applying for the combined MD/PhD programs, when it comes to that. Any of you guys have any advice?

Well you just tell anyone who questions you about your life before the Corps, that back then you were just a little puke, but the Corps changed your life and your now a hard charging, hardworking, no-sleeping, getting the job done right the first time, Devil Freakin Dog, and that your record post active duty shows it. If they ask you about night school, you just tell them Marines fight better at night.

Any Marine can become a med student, but not every med student can become a Marine.

Semper Fi

PD
Cpl, USMC Former
89 - 93

Any Marine can become a med student, but not every med student can become a Marine.

Semper Fi

PD
Cpl, USMC Former
89 - 93

Well said.

CPL Landry reporting for duty!
I just found this thread after over two years on the threads. My Bio:

MCRD SD 7/97 Golf 2123
SOI 10/97
2/4 WPNS CO HMG PLT 1/98-7/01
31st MEU SOC 97-98 and 00-01 with the BLT
Metro State 01-07 Bio Major Chem minor
RVUCOM inagural Class 2012


Is there still a myspace group? if so can someone please lead me to it. My myspace is www.myspace.com/libolandry

Libo for everyone!!!


I was with the 31st MEU with you.

I was with 3rd Recon's Direct Action Platoon.

LMAO

Small world

I was with the 31st MEU with you.

I was with 3rd Recon's Direct Action Platoon.

LMAO

Small world
I was with the 31st MEU when it re-started back in 92. :laugh:

I maintain that it has the best unit patch of anyone in the Corps. :thumbup:

I was with the 31st MEU when it re-started back in 92.

We called it the "thirty-worst" MEU when I was in OKI. A life-long reputation based on just a few f***kups from years ago ... much in the same vein as 7th crime division. I honestly felt sorry for anyone attached to either of those. They put up with the most restrictions at the most restricted place in the Marines. When I was there they made people who got caught with untucked shirts spend their weekends outside of the PX in uniform catching others with untucked shirts. They had it all: libo cards, alcohol prohibitions, and cinderella curfews were just the beginning. I had it pretty easy with base; sure we had longer workdays, but at least we could go to the gym or PX without signing out of a book with a buddy to leave the barracks.

I've always thought 3rd Recon's patch was the best btw.

We called it the "thirty-worst" MEU when I was in OKI. A life-long reputation based on just a few f***kups from years ago ... much in the same vein as 7th crime division. I honestly felt sorry for anyone attached to either of those. They put up with the most restrictions at the most restricted place in the Marines. When I was there they made people who got caught with untucked shirts spend their weekends outside of the PX in uniform catching others with untucked shirts. They had it all: libo cards, alcohol prohibitions, and cinderella curfews were just the beginning. I had it pretty easy with base; sure we had longer workdays, but at least we could go to the gym or PX without signing out of a book with a buddy to leave the barracks.

I've always thought 3rd Recon's patch was the best btw.

Yeah, I was in Oki at Base as well, and many of my friends were with 7th Comm. I remember one kid getting NJP'd the week after getting promoted to Cpl for signing out with his LCpl friend of almost two years.

Wow, lots of activity on here...glad to see it.

Welcome to all the new guys...just wanted to reassure you that your education and experience at the University of Science, Music and Culture will serve you well in every aspect of the medical school application process, cramming for multiple system-based exams once admitted, board exams and long hours on a neurosurgery service. I haven't done any q3d call yet though, so I can't say for sure if it will come in handy there, but if I were to venture a guess, I'd say that it will. Panda can speak to this point as he's done not one, but TWO internships...

Good luck with the upcoming interviews and please PM the salts with specific questions or feel free to run with the big dawgs and share with the group.

Update: I'm in Fresno now, just started my psych residency...living out of a hotel for the past 2 weeks with my wife, three children and dog as we patiently wait for our rental to become available on July 1. While I still have to move all of my stuff from storage and unpack, I'm quite happy with the way everything worked out.

Additionally, I just thought I'd add that I was going to do EM or Ortho when I started....but really enjoyed the crazy-ass stuff I saw in PSYCH, so my words of advice...set some goals, but keep an open mind. Semper Gumby.

And always remember this.....

Marines die, that's what we're here for...but the Marine Corps lives forever, and that means YOU live forever...

STAY MOTIVATED RECRUITS...Yut Yut!

JMC

Corporal of Marines, Retired
0311/8152
1993-1997

Add me as your friend at www.myspace.com/psychopharmalicious and let me know how you're doing.

We called it the "thirty-worst" MEU when I was in OKI. A life-long reputation based on just a few f***kups from years ago ... much in the same vein as 7th crime division. I honestly felt sorry for anyone attached to either of those. They put up with the most restrictions at the most restricted place in the Marines. When I was there they made people who got caught with untucked shirts spend their weekends outside of the PX in uniform catching others with untucked shirts. They had it all: libo cards, alcohol prohibitions, and cinderella curfews were just the beginning. I had it pretty easy with base; sure we had longer workdays, but at least we could go to the gym or PX without signing out of a book with a buddy to leave the barracks.

I've always thought 3rd Recon's patch was the best btw.

I was at Camp Schwabb in 1985-1986. It was still kind of old-school back then. We had liberty cards, strict requirements for civilian attire, and the whole nine yards but that was considered normal and customary back then so nobody really complained.

I also remember that for a few months (before they started pushing direct deposit) the paymaster came every two weeks and we could get paid in cash.

I was with the 31st MEU with you.

I was with 3rd Recon's Direct Action Platoon.

LMAO

Small world

It is funny how many former 31st MEU Marines we have here, myself included:

Parris Island 95'
4641 (combat photographer)
MCAS Yuma 96' - 97'
31st MEU Command Element 97' - 99'

Currently an MSII at SUNY Downstate

If you were with the MEU then, you will probably remember the Lieutenant that I worked for as she was very popular eye candy for every Marine and Sailor on the Belleau Wood.

A funny story. In 1998 during operation Desert Fox in Kuwait I was attached to the BLT and I was in the CP trying to get a ride back to the rear to send my photos out. I chatted with a Marine in the CP, I think that he was a radio operator. He told me how he planned on going to college then medical school when he finished his enlistment. I was very impressed, because as another Marine said on this thread, most of us wind up becoming cops.

Medicine was the furthest thing from my mind then, but as fate would have it here I am.

And I do remember the plaque in the 31st MEU CE at Camp Hansen that listed all the "Plank Owners" when the unit was reformed in 92'

Semper Fi

Current Active duty CPL. out of Camp Lejeune

Mar-June 06 Parris Island "K" Co.
July-Oct 06 29 Stumps-Comm
Dec 06-Feb 08 RCT 6- Fallujah-Security PLT.
Mar-Jul 08 II MHG- TT cell
Jul 08-Jul 09 *Insert multiple locations* Iraq 7 IAD MTT
EAS 2010

Just trying to get my foot in the door.:thumbup:

I've ultimatly Decided that the medical feild is what I want to do with my life after the corps. I understand that the GI bill has been updated and Im looking into what has changed. I've tried mulitple times to go and talk to my education officer, But it seems every time I have free time to do so, there is more meaningless work for me to complete. That or my chain of command would rather have me talk to the career retention officer.

My question is: How hard is it to get into some sort of medical program/school? Are there any exams or classes I would need to take before hand? Im currently enrolling myself in online classes through the Phoniex academy. So I can complete what classes I need to do during my tour. Other than the basic's im not sure what else other classes I would need to take. I would like to go the Physicians Assistant route or working with children.

I would like to find a school in the New England area but Im not sure what schools my GI will work with. Or the fact that if im recalled to active duty that the school will keep a slot open for me to return to once my time is complete.


I appreciate any replys and information! Semper Fi!:thumbup:

Current Active duty CPL. out of Camp Lejeune

Mar-June 06 Parris Island "K" Co.
July-Oct 06 29 Stumps-Comm
Dec 06-Feb 08 RCT 6- Fallujah-Security PLT.
Mar-Jul 08 II MHG- TT cell
Jul 08-Jul 09 *Insert multiple locations* Iraq 7 IAD MTT
EAS 2010

Just trying to get my foot in the door.:thumbup:

I've ultimatly Decided that the medical feild is what I want to do with my life after the corps. I understand that the GI bill has been updated and Im looking into what has changed. I've tried mulitple times to go and talk to my education officer, But it seems every time I have free time to do so, there is more meaningless work for me to complete. That or my chain of command would rather have me talk to the career retention officer.

My question is: How hard is it to get into some sort of medical program/school? Are there any exams or classes I would need to take before hand? Im currently enrolling myself in online classes through the Phoniex academy. So I can complete what classes I need to do during my tour. Other than the basic's im not sure what else other classes I would need to take. I would like to go the Physicians Assistant route or working with children.

I would like to find a school in the New England area but Im not sure what schools my GI will work with. Or the fact that if im recalled to active duty that the school will keep a slot open for me to return to once my time is complete.


I appreciate any replys and information! Semper Fi!:thumbup:

Welcome Marine!

I'm not really sure about the PA route, but I assume the pre-requesites are close or if not the same for medical school. What I would do is contact the school that you think you are going to go to when you EAS and make sure that the online classes that you are taking will transfer to that school. Next just find out what classes you need by searching around, or looking up the schools site and go to the admissions part/future students. Be greatfull that you found this site when you did, there is a lot of good info here and of course fellow Marines looking out for one another, but there is alot of bull**** on this site too. Keep pressing on man, and enjoy your time in the Corps!

Current Active duty CPL. out of Camp Lejeune

Mar-June 06 Parris Island "K" Co.
July-Oct 06 29 Stumps-Comm
Dec 06-Feb 08 RCT 6- Fallujah-Security PLT.
Mar-Jul 08 II MHG- TT cell
Jul 08-Jul 09 *Insert multiple locations* Iraq 7 IAD MTT
EAS 2010

Just trying to get my foot in the door.:thumbup:

I've ultimatly Decided that the medical feild is what I want to do with my life after the corps. I understand that the GI bill has been updated and Im looking into what has changed. I've tried mulitple times to go and talk to my education officer, But it seems every time I have free time to do so, there is more meaningless work for me to complete. That or my chain of command would rather have me talk to the career retention officer.

My question is: How hard is it to get into some sort of medical program/school? Are there any exams or classes I would need to take before hand? Im currently enrolling myself in online classes through the Phoniex academy. So I can complete what classes I need to do during my tour. Other than the basic's im not sure what else other classes I would need to take. I would like to go the Physicians Assistant route or working with children.

I would like to find a school in the New England area but Im not sure what schools my GI will work with. Or the fact that if im recalled to active duty that the school will keep a slot open for me to return to once my time is complete.


I appreciate any replys and information! Semper Fi!:thumbup:

Any medical school is going to laugh at your university of phoenix credits. So will most four year universities. Find out where you're going to finish your undergraduate degree at, and then make sure you're not wasting your time and TA.

Don't worry about getting recalled. It probably won't happen, but if it does there isn't anything you can do about it at this point. What I would do is find a community college in your area (I was never stationed in LJ, so I don't know of any) and knock out your general education in the evenings. College Algebra/Freshman English/Critical Thinking/Etc. Decide where you want your undergraduate degree from, then start taking classes that will translate into their degree. For example, your future university might require college algebra to transfer, but your degree only requires calculus. If you can find a school that allows you to take calculus without algebra (i.e. scoring well on placement test), you're killing two birds with one stone.

Edit: Also. I'm not well versed in PA programs, but I think they generally accept people already practicing in health care. i.e. nurses, EMTs, etc. If you do an undergraduate degree along those lines and get a part time job in the same field, you'll find it much easier to get accepted.

Just back from 9th realm of hell. Dante and I are now friends. I was accepted to pod school more than a year ago but I was called back to serve. After my year of love in the desert, and slowly approaching the big 3-0 mark I feel like I owe myself and my family the dignity of a great career with reasonable hours, so, I am applying for AA schools instead of med or pod schools. I hope to start in June 09.

Any OCS and TBS leathernecks? Anyone with train tracks or higher on their shoulder?

Glad to see and read marines on this post. And the corpsmen...yall are aight. I have two cousins who were navy airplane drivers that are on this forum and I constnatly nag them about the "ladies" department of the navy.

About getting recalled.......I was out a year and a half and got recalled a few months after 9-11. I wasn't really mad about getting recalled because the terrorists attacks really hit home, but it was at an inconvenient time! I was a full time student, had my own place, working full time....yea 12 days notice to be back in North Carolina. It was such a cluster f@ck. I get down to NC, and they had us sleeping in these huts on cots, no heat while the base lodging was vacant, go figure. The next morning it was 22 degrees.....standing in formation this staff sergeant tells us we have to do a PFT. The Marine Corps never changes, whatever no big deal for me, but a few of the guys that got recalled were pushing 300lbs. They initially told us we would be activated for a year. A few months went by and they told us we were going to stay for two years and we were getting deployed to Kuwait for the initial invasion of Iraq. Roughly 6 weeks before Kuwait, they said that they no longer need us. I honestly think that they did not want to keep paying us over a 1000. a month per diem on top of a few other things any longer, especially tax free.

Anyways, getting recalled does happen!

Wow BP, that sucks. That would really irritate me. Not just getting recalled, but the sheer uselessness of it.

They had us working night and day shifts, 4am until 6pm usually, and 4pm to 6am...my favorite. The hours were long but we worked two on two off had every other weekend off, so it was not too bad. It was the only time in my life I fell asleep standing up. We would get off work, go to the gym, shower, eat press camies, polish boots, and then try to get in bed to get a few. Ephedra was our friend, we would take 150mg roughly a day, If we only knew how dangerous that was.

You newer Marines don't even polish your boots right?

That's right. They still take a little bit of care to make them look nice, but many people don't bother and I haven't been in a unit yet where anyone really places emphasis on it. The new cammies are like pajamas compared to the old ones, too.

How times have changed. I remember when we would soak our cammies in buckets full of scalding hot water, with starch and elmers glue mixed in. You could literally have your pants stand on their own. We also used to take fishing line and run it down our creases, then melt it so we would have permananet creases. Looked great in uniform, but so uncomfortable.

I will never forget those times as long as I live.

How times have changed. I remember when we would soak our cammies in buckets full of scalding hot water, with starch and elmers glue mixed in. You could literally have your pants stand on their own. We also used to take fishing line and run it down our creases, then melt it so we would have permananet creases. Looked great in uniform, but so uncomfortable.

I will never forget those times as long as I live.

I used to pay the mamasans to do it in Oki: five bucks a set. They can do some magic to cotton. Uncomfortable as hell in that heat and humidity. A buddy of mine caught me by surprise and threw his cover at me one day as I was walking around a corner ... it broke my f**king glasses right in half and gave me a bloody nose. I had to wear my BCGs for a week until I could get my normal glasses fixed.

I did a change of command in camis for the base general once under black flag conditions where almost 20 people (out of roughly 250) fell out from heat exhaustion. Who knows how many of them would have made it if not for their non-breathable, sharp looking uniforms.

ahh, good times indeed.

How about the ****ing gas chamber in the old charcol NBC suits. We once had to do it when there was a 115 degree heat index, I wish I had picturs of us coming out and unsuiting.

They had us working night and day shifts, 4am until 6pm usually, and 4pm to 6am...my favorite. The hours were long but we worked two on two off had every other weekend off, so it was not too bad. It was the only time in my life I fell asleep standing up. We would get off work, go to the gym, shower, eat press camies, polish boots, and then try to get in bed to get a few. Ephedra was our friend, we would take 150mg roughly a day, If we only knew how dangerous that was.

You newer Marines don't even polish your boots right?I am *so* glad that I never signed that reserve contract after my IRR committment was up. I was actually talking to the Navy officer recruiter right before 9/11 about signing up, as a reserve Intel Officer. I told him that I'd see how my first semester of grad school (Aug-Dec 2001) went and then I'd be back. Of course, all the O intel friends that I had at the time, who were out and living their lives were recalled after the attack...

That's right. They still take a little bit of care to make them look nice, but many people don't bother and I haven't been in a unit yet where anyone really places emphasis on it. The new cammies are like pajamas compared to the old ones, too.Jeez. You know, there is a whole generation of SNCOs who probably had an aneurysm when it was announced that there would be no more polishing of boots. :laugh:

How times have changed. I remember when we would soak our cammies in buckets full of scalding hot water, with starch and elmers glue mixed in. You could literally have your pants stand on their own. We also used to take fishing line and run it down our creases, then melt it so we would have permananet creases. Looked great in uniform, but so uncomfortable.

I will never forget those times as long as I live.Yep, yep. And "holla" to the Oki mamasans. :thumbup: I personally think that they used floor wax (for the buffers) to stiffen them up. I noticed that my cammies would only last about a year and then the collars would literally begin falling apart.

Good times, good times.

I was recalled from IRR, I did not go into the reserves after EAS.

When I went back I was in the PX one day and I saw my senior drill instructor, holding a case of beer and a fifth of wild turkey haha. I walked up to him and asked to make sure, and he totally remebered me. He goes why the **** are you still a corporal, I told him what happened about getting recalled and what not. I was way over the score for sergant, and they still would not promote me because I did not have a valid rifle score, go figure.

No more polishing Boots? are you for real, what do they issue Thongs and maid uniforms in Boot camp too?

I wanted to re-up in 92 before my EAS, but the only option was to go to supply, and there was no way I was going from Tracs to supply

I think there are plenty of ways to teach new Marines attention to detail without making them put floor polish in their cammies. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like the Marine Corps had an injection of common sense when they switched to the new boots and cammies.

The one change I don't like is hazing. Being able to make someone fill sand bags or w/e was a very useful leadership tool. A few people took it to extremes, and now the only tool we have is paperwork. Since nobody wants to give anyone a page 11, our hands are often tied when we have a junior Marine who doesn't learn very fast. As a result there's a lot of relatively undisciplined Marines these days.

I think there are plenty of ways to teach new Marines attention to detail without making them put floor polish in their cammies. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like the Marine Corps had an injection of common sense when they switched to the new boots and cammies.

The one change I don't like is hazing. Being able to make someone fill sand bags or w/e was a very useful leadership tool. A few people took it to extremes, and now the only tool we have is paperwork. Since nobody wants to give anyone a page 11, our hands are often tied when we have a junior Marine who doesn't learn very fast. As a result there's a lot of relatively undisciplined Marines these days.
Totally agree on the cammies, and the thrashing. When I got called back in 2002 I had a young PFC from another platoon put in mine because he was a trouble maker/ belligerent. I caught his ass sleeping in the fetal position while he was on post, I woke him up and asked him sweat or paperwork. When we showed up in the morning to turn in weapons he was soaking wet and covered in dirt, out top was like WTF. I told him that I was showing him some grappling moves, he warned me that they are hanging people out to dry for that **** now. That Marine turned out to be a really great guy, he just needed some old school negative re-enforcement.

Unfortunately there are many undisciplined Marines now because of the new orders they have.

Totally agree on the cammies, and the thrashing. When I got called back in 2002 I had a young PFC from another platoon put in mine because he was a trouble maker/ belligerent. I caught his ass sleeping in the fetal position while he was on post, I woke him up and asked him sweat or paperwork. When we showed up in the morning to turn in weapons he was soaking wet and covered in dirt, out top was like WTF. I told him that I was showing him some grappling moves, he warned me that they are hanging people out to dry for that **** now. That Marine turned out to be a really great guy, he just needed some old school negative re-enforcement.

Unfortunately there are many undisciplined Marines now because of the new orders they have.

That reminds me of a story a friend of mine recently returned from Iraq told me. Two PFCs from his unit got caught playing video games on their PSPs while on post in the middle of the night, with headphones in. By the CO and SgtMaj. Needless to say, they got hung out to dry big-time

Wow, I've been searching through the SDN for a while, didn't even think to look for other Marines. Semper Fi! So I was wondering, for those who have already applied/interviewed/been accepted, did serving in the corps help your chances? By the way, I was a 6176, V-22 Osprey Crew chief, new river air station, nc, for five yrs, got out just over a year ago.

Wow, I've been searching through the SDN for a while, didn't even think to look for other Marines. Semper Fi! So I was wondering, for those who have already applied/interviewed/been accepted, did serving in the corps help your chances? By the way, I was a 6176, V-22 Osprey Crew chief, new river air station, nc, for five yrs, got out just over a year ago.

Welcome Marine!

I am in the process of applying, I think being in the Marine Corps will help little.....it's a little better than the meals on wheels volunteering.

I was at New River myself, the last time I was there was 2002.

Unfortunately there are a lot of sh*tbirds in the Corps now. I heard recently that they are hanging NCOs out to dry for "hazing" and that leaves NJP as the only resort. I used to "haze" my Marines by making them all run at 5am with me every day. You can get away with a lot of stuff as long as you are participating in the event. That's why you make sure you're in better shape than the rest and you can still get the job done.

Unfortunately there are a lot of sh*tbirds in the Corps now. I heard recently that they are hanging NCOs out to dry for "hazing" and that leaves NJP as the only resort. I used to "haze" my Marines by making them all run at 5am with me every day. You can get away with a lot of stuff as long as you are participating in the event. That's why you make sure you're in better shape than the rest and you can still get the job done.

I assure you that we had ****-birds galore back in the early eighties, early nineties. There was no "Golden Age" when things were perfect. I'd venture to say that Marines today are a lot better trained in the important things than we were way back in 1983 when I enlisted.

I was in the infantry (Kilo 3/8) and even back then we didn't haze our Marines but instead relied on leadership and (occasionally) the judicial process. You cannot make a ****-bird dig holes or take him out back and beat him. ****-birds are first and foremost barracks lawyers so to abuse this kind of guy is to put your own career in jeopardy.

Unfortunately there are a lot of sh*tbirds in the Corps now. I heard recently that they are hanging NCOs out to dry for "hazing" and that leaves NJP as the only resort. I used to "haze" my Marines by making them all run at 5am with me every day. You can get away with a lot of stuff as long as you are participating in the event. That's why you make sure you're in better shape than the rest and you can still get the job done.

All of my dirtbags are perpetually on light/limited duty, so the only people I can "haze" at 5am on a long run in the hills are the ones I like.

I assure you that we had ****-birds galore back in the early eighties, early nineties.
There has always been that 10% for sure. I'm really commenting on the overall level of discipline which I think has gone to hell. I used the term "hazing" in quotations to refer to practices which are often called hazing (such as organized PT, loss of liberty, etc.) but are really not. Making someone dance around in their skivvies or dig holes for your enjoyment is hazing, but I never found such blunt methods to be effective anyway. The issue to which I am referring is that of NCOs being disciplined or counseled for using organized PT or working parties as a disciplinary tool. Ultimately this leads NCOs to non-recommendation and NJP as their only remedial actions.

There has always been that 10% for sure. I'm really commenting on the overall level of discipline which I think has gone to hell. I used the term "hazing" in quotations to refer to practices which are often called hazing (such as organized PT, loss of liberty, etc.) but are really not. Making someone dance around in their skivvies or dig holes for your enjoyment is hazing, but I never found such blunt methods to be effective anyway. The issue to which I am referring is that of NCOs being disciplined or counseled for using organized PT or working parties as a disciplinary tool. Ultimately this leads NCOs to non-recommendation and NJP as their only remedial actions.


Of course, as I enlisted 25 years years ago and was discharged in 1991 I have no real basis for comparrison but if it's any consolation, we used to say the same thing back when I was a brand-new NCO.

Just after I enlisted the random drug testing had almost completely weeded out the last of the post-Viet Nam era **** bags and I understand that in the late seventies we really had some discipline problems (but never as bad as in the Army and the Navy of that era). I mention this just for perspective. Surely the Marine Corps of today, as it is loaded with combat veterans, can dispense with a little of the boot polishing and all of the other stuff. I used to keep my boots polished and my hair cut to regulation but I wasn't exactly nuts about lining up socks and I never devoted hours to putting a mirror finish on my boots. It just seemed silly.

I also think that you guys enlisting today are different than we were back then. We had no computers, no internet, rudimentary video games and a much different cultural background, probably as different to yours today as ours was different from those few Korean War veterans who were still in when I enlisted.

I mean, I think a good Marine has to be squared-away but it can get ridiculous. We all don't have to be "8th and I."

...Of course, as I enlisted 25 years years ago..



Jesus. The years go by, don't they?

Jesus. The years go by, don't they?
Yep. I enlisted something like 16 years ago. Where'd the time go?

It's already been 10 years since I enlisted...wth!

It seems like it took you guys a few years after you separated to decide you wanted to do Medicine? What did you all do in the meantime?

It has been 12 years since I enlisted!

Getting recalled back in between a semester put me back a year and a half.
I was going to do the chiropractor gig, and then I pulled my head out of my ass!

I worked for Lockheed Martin for a couple of years as a network engineer. I did that so my wife could finish her degree. Now our roles are reversed.

It seems like it took you guys a few years after you separated to decide you wanted to do Medicine? What did you all do in the meantime?

9 years since enlistment:

4 years USMC
3 years college
0.5 year retail
0.5 year VA clerk
~1 year VA research.

time keeps slipping away ...

complacency is a bitch, and sets in hard.

6173 CH-53D/E Crewchief/Mechanic 94-02 E-5

I feel like I'm right on the edge of being great and then sometimes I feel like I dont have a chance in hell. I was in the corps, straight out of H.S. 8 years. Then worked for a few as an aircraft mechanic and got my but into college. Picked up a physics degree (GPA 3.4) minor in chemistry, too. But, I feel like I'm bombing...

It all started last year with organic. Went from a C first term to a C- second term to a D- third term. It really took the wind out of my sails. Had a good GPA but, Orgo killed it. So, being almost broke, just split with my girl (+ custody battle X2) unemployed, fresh out of college, got a mortgage, visa bills, school loans and trying to apply to med school this year. Put the MCAT off twice, now I'm scheduled for Sept 12 (almost the last possible day) Plus, I registered up at University of Oregon to take a 3 week Organic retake for the spring term D-.

I don't know what is going on. Can't get motivated. I have been studying MCAT but, been getting like 23's on Brett's Gold Standard exams. I'm just so stressed and can't figure out how to calm down and realize this is the rest of my life I'm fooling with. Can't get on track, I supose I need a little bit of motivation. Just can't get on track.

How do I figure this thing out, .... ideas? plz, help a jarhead out!:(

6173 CH-53D/E Crewchief/Mechanic 94-02 E-5

I feel like I'm right on the edge of being great and then sometimes I feel like I dont have a chance in hell. I was in the corps, straight out of H.S. 8 years. Then worked for a few as an aircraft mechanic and got my but into college. Picked up a physics degree (GPA 3.4) minor in chemistry, too. But, I feel like I'm bombing...

It all started last year with organic. Went from a C first term to a C- second term to a D- third term. It really took the wind out of my sails. Had a good GPA but, Orgo killed it. So, being almost broke, just split with my girl (+ custody battle X2) unemployed, fresh out of college, got a mortgage, visa bills, school loans and trying to apply to med school this year. Put the MCAT off twice, now I'm scheduled for Sept 12 (almost the last possible day) Plus, I registered up at University of Oregon to take a 3 week Organic retake for the spring term D-.

I don't know what is going on. Can't get motivated. I have been studying MCAT but, been getting like 23's on Brett's Gold Standard exams. I'm just so stressed and can't figure out how to calm down and realize this is the rest of my life I'm fooling with. Can't get on track, I supose I need a little bit of motivation. Just can't get on track.

How do I figure this thing out, .... ideas? plz, help a jarhead out!:(
Hey Man,

First thing I want to say is that you've already accomplished alot. You're definitely not a failure.

The second, however, is that you might want to try and get a handle on your life before you take the MCAT and apply to med school.

Look, you've got a ton on your plate right now, what with the split, custody battle, unemployment, etc. And those problems aren't going away if you get into med school. Though it may seem like med school is the glorious promised land, it's actually an even bigger stress ball than you can imagine. If you're not really ready, stable, and prepared to take the MCAT, let alone start school, maybe you ought to take a deep breath, concentrate on getting your personal life squared away, and then take the MCAT/apply. I'm pretty sure that your scores will improve. And maybe all that stress has something to do with the suboptimal performance this year????

Just a thought man.