2011-2012 Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences Application Thread

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Originally Posted by citrusguy2010

just got the "medically qualified" status from dodmerb. anyone know what happens now?

I think now we just wait for our unconditional acceptance letters to come in the mail...assuming we have passed the security inquiry. I received my medial qualification a couple of weeks ago and I am still waiting on my unconditional acceptance...

Originally Posted by citrusguy2010

interviewed 10/6
accepted to Navy 2016
GPA: 3.38
MCAT: 32S (12P, 10V, 10B)
Current MPH candidate, 4 years hospital volunteer, 3 years research

if you need more specifics feel free to PM me

Haha, thanks you guys for the replies of your stats! Must feel so good right now, I bet. Right now, I'm on my 3rd year at UCLA (Honors Track) with GPA: 3.58, 1 year surgical-trauma research, and second year of leading a group of students to running a marathon for charity (going for my 6th personal marathon). NO MCAT yet, but taking it MAY and hoping to apply 2012. Any advice on my stats or what I should do to improve? Would be extremely grateful!

Originally Posted by canislupusblue

Haha, thanks you guys for the replies of your stats! Must feel so good right now, I bet. Right now, I'm on my 3rd year at UCLA (Honors Track) with GPA: 3.58, 1 year surgical-trauma research, and second year of leading a group of students to running a marathon for charity (going for my 6th personal marathon). NO MCAT yet, but taking it MAY and hoping to apply 2012. Any advice on my stats or what I should do to improve? Would be extremely grateful!

I feel if you show genuine interest in the school, that's where its at. You'll probably do well on your MCAT, and your other stuff looks good, so have a good reason for wanting to to go here.
just my two cents

Friendly advice from a USUHS student:

I chose USUHS over a good state school and now regret my choice. Last year went well despite the usual DoD inefficiencies. However, this year most students are forced to carpool and our schedules are all over the place. Attending lectures is inconvenient at best, and our education is suffering as a direct result. Current MS-1's are also having to serve as guinea pigs for the new curriculum.

Most cons are EASILY balanced by pros at USUHS. However, declining quality of life, sinking class morale, and the rise of academic barriers has, in my assessment, shifted the balance in favor of the HPSP route. We rarely hear from the Office of Student Affairs, and when we do they're either taking something away or announcing new barriers to an otherwise quality education at USUHS. Hopefully this will change, but things only seem to get worse. Everyone's assessment is different; consider this account of life for medical students at USUHS in yours.

Congratulations to all who are accepted, and heads-up to all who accept.
However you get there, military medicine is where it's at.

Originally Posted by Anonymous2014

Friendly advice from a USUHS student:

I chose USUHS over a good state school and now regret my choice. Last year went well despite the usual DoD inefficiencies. However, this year most students are forced to carpool and our schedules are all over the place. Attending lectures is inconvenient at best, and our education is suffering as a direct result. Current MS-1's are also having to serve as guinea pigs for the new curriculum.

Most cons are EASILY balanced by pros at USUHS. However, declining quality of life, sinking class morale, and the rise of academic barriers has, in my assessment, shifted the balance in favor of the HPSP route. We rarely hear from the Office of Student Affairs, and when we do they're either taking something away or announcing new barriers to an otherwise quality education at USUHS. Hopefully this will change, but things only seem to get worse. Everyone's assessment is different; consider this account of life for medical students at USUHS in yours.

Congratulations to all who are accepted, and heads-up to all who accept.
However you get there, military medicine is where it's at.

What do you mean by academic barriers and declining quality of life? Can you give an example?

Originally Posted by Anonymous2014

Friendly advice from a USUHS student:

I chose USUHS over a good state school and now regret my choice. Last year went well despite the usual DoD inefficiencies. However, this year most students are forced to carpool and our schedules are all over the place. Attending lectures is inconvenient at best, and our education is suffering as a direct result. Current MS-1's are also having to serve as guinea pigs for the new curriculum.

Most cons are EASILY balanced by pros at USUHS. However, declining quality of life, sinking class morale, and the rise of academic barriers has, in my assessment, shifted the balance in favor of the HPSP route. We rarely hear from the Office of Student Affairs, and when we do they're either taking something away or announcing new barriers to an otherwise quality education at USUHS. Hopefully this will change, but things only seem to get worse. Everyone's assessment is different; consider this account of life for medical students at USUHS in yours.

Congratulations to all who are accepted, and heads-up to all who accept.
However you get there, military medicine is where it's at.

Originally Posted by compshateme85

What do you mean by academic barriers and declining quality of life? Can you give an example?

+1 Compshateme

To be completely honest, these posts freak me out. I understand that NO MATTER where you go in life, there will be people that are unhappy with their situation. I just want to know if A LOT of USUHS students feel this way, or if it's just a few?

Can any current MS-1s at USUHS please comment on being the "guinea pigs" of the new curriculum? Do you honestly feel that you are getting an adequate education? How are USUHS students/grads regarded among their peers?

I would like to hear as many opinions as possible!!! And I'm sure the other other MS-0s would, too...Thanks in advance!

The student panel at my interview included MS-1 and they jokingly spoke about themselves as guinea pigs, but also said that the faculty was asking for feedback and making improvements and tweaks to the curriculum. They seemed happy with the changes/curriculum and felt like they had a voice. Also, some students said they appreciated the overarching structure of the new curriculum while they were talking about it more on the tour of the school. This is just my experience with the students for what it's worth.

Is there anyone headed to USUHS this week? For those that interviewed with no military background, did you look up articles on the challenges and opportunities of military medicine? Are there good sources for this type of information? I guess I don't really know how to prep for this interview!

Originally Posted by tcritty

Is there anyone headed to USUHS this week? For those that interviewed with no military background, did you look up articles on the challenges and opportunities of military medicine? Are there good sources for this type of information? I guess I don't really know how to prep for this interview!

I recommend watching this Nova episode: http://www.hulu.com/watch/23351/nova...one#s-p5-so-i0

Then, check out this youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJF0Yv9Dzsg

I would love to see the whole Fighting for Life movie. I'll buy it eventually...

As for preparation, I went over my secondary essay and had a really good sense as to why I am pursuing this path. Interviews are really laid back. The staff is really kind and knowledgeable and they seem to really be interested in the applicants.

Is the next set of acceptances going out soon?

Originally Posted by Bravo21

Is the next set of acceptances going out soon?

If the stars align correctly, yes.......honesty I do not know BUT I think they are coming in the next few days!

I THINK its the 1st and the 15th. It's definitely the 1st... after I'd missed Dr. Calloway's call twice, when she finally got a hold of me she was like "its the 1st, you should know to keep your phone in hand!" -- so, I'd take that advice if you are waiting! Good luck!

So I submitted my secondary at the beginning of September, but then found out a little while later that I had two AMCAS applications, so no school had my MCAT scores. Everything has FINALLY been merged and is ready for the schools to look at, but do you think it's too late for USUHS? Anyone have any ideas how full they are now or if people are still being contacted for interviews?

Thanks!

I think calls for 8/13 and 8/20 are supposed to go out today. Is anybody else expecting a call today? I was surprised to see no one really posting today.

last time (on nov 1st) they didn't call till like 630 at night eastern time.

I'm hoping they are going to make more calls from 10/6 as that was my interview day and I haven't heard back yet.

Originally Posted by Bravo21

I think calls for 8/13 and 8/20 are supposed to go out today. Is anybody else expecting a call today? I was surprised to see no one really posting today.

did you mean 10/13 and 10/20?

yes, my bad.

Originally Posted by citrusguy2010

last time (on nov 1st) they didn't call till like 630 at night eastern time.

so that magical hour is approaching! nervous

Originally Posted by logankenley

so that magical hour is approaching! nervous

I'm hoping for you guys and gals! C'mon future classmates!!!

Let's hope tomorrow is our lucky day and calls go out!!!

rmnanon, Thanks for the information! Good ole' Nova never disappoints.

Originally Posted by tcritty

rmnanon, Thanks for the information! Good ole' Nova never disappoints.

Absolutely! Yeah Nova is where it's at. I actually copped those links off last year's thread The Fighting for Life movie is definitely at the top of my Christmas list!

Originally Posted by tcritty

Is there anyone headed to USUHS this week? For those that interviewed with no military background, did you look up articles on the challenges and opportunities of military medicine? Are there good sources for this type of information? I guess I don't really know how to prep for this interview!

Most importantly, know why medicine, why military medicine in particular and why USUHS vs. HPSP. Those are the three main topics that came up during my interviews. Also, have some questions for your interviewer in mind - nothing frivolous just to kill time, but something you are generally concerned about (e.g. I asked my interviewers about their deployments, the strengths and weakness of military medicine from their experience, and why they stayed with military medicine beyond their service obligations, etc.). If you would like to know some of the specific answers I gave regarding military medicine and USUHS vs. HPSP, PM me. Just be yourself (unless you're a jerk, then be someone else) and don't approach your interview like this:



Good luck!

Have there been any calls? It's pretty quiet on these boards this time around!

Originally Posted by laylarowe

Have there been any calls? It's pretty quiet on these boards this time around!

I have been my fingers for the last 24hours. Everytime the phone rings I nearly pee myself. So, no I have not gotten a call and it appears they havent gone out yet. thats what i am hoping at least

I'm so with you - I even took my phone with me running today. I really hope that they have not gone out yet.

I know someone who interviewed with me 10/13 and got called on Sunday, but I can't imagine that was all the calls they will be doing because otherwise I feel like there would be at least one person posting on here? Maybe not though, who knows... :-/

Originally Posted by Homunculus222

I know someone who interviewed with me 10/13 and got called on Sunday, but I can't imagine that was all the calls they will be doing because otherwise I feel like there would be at least one person posting on here? Maybe not though, who knows... :-/

The first round of calls was spread over a couple of days. Don't lose hope yet!

Originally Posted by rmnanon

The first round of calls was spread over a couple of days. Don't lose hope yet!

Thank you for repairing the hope train! Honestly I won't really start to be concerned for at LEAST another two weeks since they do say 4-6

Good luck to everyone waiting to hear back!

Originally Posted by Homunculus222

I know someone who interviewed with me 10/13 and got called on Sunday, but I can't imagine that was all the calls they will be doing because otherwise I feel like there would be at least one person posting on here? Maybe not though, who knows... :-/

I also know of someone who was called on Sunday--Interviewed 10/6.

Could any current USUHS students comment on the dog sitch? Does the MS1 and MS2 schedule accommodate having a dog? Thanks!

It's so quiet on this forum. No news for most October folks still? Waiting is torture. USUHS, please let me in!!!!!

Originally Posted by Greenz

It's so quiet on this forum. No news for most October folks still? Waiting is torture. USUHS, please let me in!!!!!

I feel bad for you guys and gals. I hope you hear something soon!

Originally Posted by rmnanon

Could any current USUHS students comment on the dog sitch? Does the MS1 and MS2 schedule accommodate having a dog? Thanks!

I have a friend who is an MS4. He has two dogs. I plan on bringing my two if I get in.

Good luck to those who interviewed today! If you have any questions, feel free to PM me as I tend to read my email much more often than SDN forums lol. Glad to have met you guys today

Originally Posted by Cooperd0g

I have a friend who is an MS4. He has two dogs. I plan on bringing my two if I get in.

Kind of a weird question, but does your friend have a spouse? The reason I ask is because if a spouse has a different schedule he/she may be at home to let the dog out and what not. I just want to make sure it would be possible for a single person to handle a dog with the USUHS schedule

Haven't received the waitlist/hold notice yet, so I guess I'm still alive. But I've lost 10 years of my life each day since the 15th waiting for that call. Is the November notification pretty much done? Should I just relax until 2 weeks later or is there any chance call might come in tomorrow? As some of us got the call on the 13th on Sundays... My interview was 10/20.

Originally Posted by rmnanon

Kind of a weird question, but does your friend have a spouse? The reason I ask is because if a spouse has a different schedule he/she may be at home to let the dog out and what not. I just want to make sure it would be possible for a single person to handle a dog with the USUHS schedule

For the first 2 years it should be possible, but you'll need someone else to take care of the dog during the second two years. It's pretty difficult to get all your rotations in Bethesda during the MSIII year and even if you do you'll have required 24 hr shifts (at least for surgery and peds you'll have several during the rotation). You'll need someone who can feed him/her for those overnight shifts, and possibly have to board the dog during away rotations. I know in San Antonio you can have smaller dogs in the housing we're put up in, but at other locations they don't allow dogs.

Also, I would ask an MSI about the schedule. It's different from what I had - on my schedule during MSI/II, it would have been possible especially if you're not a lecture goer. But the schedule has changed a bit, and I don't know exactly how many breaks they get. You can find the current MSI schedule here:
http://131.158.7.207/oea/ms1.html
(Deans time is student free time)

Originally Posted by rmnanon

Kind of a weird question, but does your friend have a spouse? The reason I ask is because if a spouse has a different schedule he/she may be at home to let the dog out and what not. I just want to make sure it would be possible for a single person to handle a dog with the USUHS schedule

Yes, he is married. I am not, but there are kennels and friends/family to watch dogs when needed.

couple of questions about the unconditional acceptance (for those who got theirs already):

how long did it take between the conditional and getting the unconditional acceptance?
was it by mail? or email?

thanks!

Originally Posted by silverhorse84

For the first 2 years it should be possible, but you'll need someone else to take care of the dog during the second two years. It's pretty difficult to get all your rotations in Bethesda during the MSIII year and even if you do you'll have required 24 hr shifts (at least for surgery and peds you'll have several during the rotation). You'll need someone who can feed him/her for those overnight shifts, and possibly have to board the dog during away rotations. I know in San Antonio you can have smaller dogs in the housing we're put up in, but at other locations they don't allow dogs.

Also, I would ask an MSI about the schedule. It's different from what I had - on my schedule during MSI/II, it would have been possible especially if you're not a lecture goer. But the schedule has changed a bit, and I don't know exactly how many breaks they get. You can find the current MSI schedule here:
http://131.158.7.207/oea/ms1.html
(Deans time is student free time)

Originally Posted by Cooperd0g

Yes, he is married. I am not, but there are kennels and friends/family to watch dogs when needed.

Thank you both for your input. It sounds like having a dog can definitely be done. How hard has it been to find pet friendly apartments in bethesda?

Originally Posted by citrusguy2010

couple of questions about the unconditional acceptance (for those who got theirs already):

how long did it take between the conditional and getting the unconditional acceptance?
was it by mail? or email?

thanks!

It took about 3 weeks between getting the acceptance call and getting my unconditional acceptance in the mail. There was no email.

I'm a current MS1, and I love it. I don't know why people keep coming on here to complain about a bunch of menial stuff. The biggest con about the school is the parking situation... That's what everyone says, but having come from a school in a city, I never expected to have my own personal parking space. Carpooling and a good metro system are both viable options (personally, I bike in everyday).

I would highly recommend this school to anyone. Having no military background, I was nervous at first. After my interview, I knew it was the right choice. The new curriculum is a little tough, but hey, it's medical school!

Does a qualification or disqualification on the physical exam have any bearing on a conditional acceptance? I haven't received my decision yet but I did finish the physical exam.

Is anyone else still waiting for a yes/no for an interview?

I was wondering if any current students know or if there has been any discussion with the administration on how the almost impending 600Bil cut to defense spending is going to affect USUHS

for those who got their unconditional acceptances - did you have to turn anything back in? i'm asking b/c i just turned in my body composition form and i'm going to be out of town (unless they send me my unconditional acceptance within the next three weeks). my conditional letter was dated 11/2

Originally Posted by citrusguy2010

for those who got their unconditional acceptances - did you have to turn anything back in? i'm asking b/c i just turned in my body composition form and i'm going to be out of town (unless they send me my unconditional acceptance within the next three weeks). my conditional letter was dated 11/2

No, nothing else was needed, although I didn't need any waivers for medical stuff, so it might be different for those who do? A current student might be better to answer that question.

still waiting to hear back

my dad ius in armed forces

FL resident