My family and I arrived here in Okinawa, Japan a couple weeks ago. Everything is radically different than in the states. As a health care provider it seems like you are doing more than just handing out entitlements. There is no HMO and everything is family and mission oriented. The health care needs of the active duty and dependents population are prioritized. We are the only providers- there is no "out in town". For example, all beneficiaries see a Navy dentist. All the health care professionals I've come across have better morale as well.

My family and I arrived here in Okinawa, Japan a couple weeks ago. Everything is radically different than in the states. As a health care provider it seems like you are doing more than just handing out entitlements. There is no HMO and everything is family and mission oriented. The health care needs of the active duty and dependents population are prioritized. We are the only providers- there is no "out in town". For example, all beneficiaries see a Navy dentist. All the health care professionals I've come across have better morale as well.

that is exactly what I have heard from other docs and senior USAF admin........that one of the only "quality" USAAF FP slots left on the planet is overseas.

When I was stationed there the docs loved it....at least on the hospital side they loved it.

Glad you're enjoying the rock. Has Hanson completely turned into a resort? Have you made it up to Schwab? It's quite a beautiful area on the North end of the island.

Have fun. I think it's a great duty station, especially with a family.

that is exactly what I have heard from other docs and senior USAF admin........that one of the only "quality" USAAF FP slots left on the planet is overseas.

That may be, but when I was overseas most of the AF FP's got out when their time was up. I'm not so sure it makes that much difference.

My family and I arrived here in Okinawa, Japan a couple weeks ago. Everything is radically different than in the states. As a health care provider it seems like you are doing more than just handing out entitlements. There is no HMO and everything is family and mission oriented. The health care needs of the active duty and dependents population are prioritized. We are the only providers- there is no "out in town". For example, all beneficiaries see a Navy dentist. All the health care professionals I've come across have better morale as well.

Enjoy the impending Typhoon.

That may be, but when I was overseas most of the AF FP's got out when their time was up. I'm not so sure it makes that much difference.

I agree that most overseas docs get out too. Even if Primary care clinics were even close to most civ clinics in quality (for pt and doc) many mil docs would still get out for increased autonomy,money,location etc. However,some would stay, and ceratinly more than currently do. At my last base, several docs, including me, had about 10+ years in, with strong feelings to stay, yet 100% left or are counting the days till DOS. All but one of the others also "wanted" to stay, but were basically forced to leave by a system broken and sinking. With even a reasonable health care system,I think about 25% + of new docs would stay in the clinics vs. the near ZERO%.

My family and I arrived here in Okinawa, Japan a couple weeks ago. Everything is radically different than in the states. As a health care provider it seems like you are doing more than just handing out entitlements. There is no HMO and everything is family and mission oriented. The health care needs of the active duty and dependents population are prioritized. We are the only providers- there is no "out in town". For example, all beneficiaries see a Navy dentist. All the health care professionals I've come across have better morale as well.

You're not the new MACG-18 Surgeon are you?

Enjoy the impending Typhoon.

Funny you should say this. Typhoon didn't even hit us. This year's been a real dissapointment when it comes to typhoons...I can't remember the last time we had a three day weekend or just days off for a typhoon...