Medical Requirements for FAP Programs

[no oxygen]

I'm another matched MS4 looking over his options in the military. Some pros, some cons, to be sure. I've looked through the stickies and haven't found much info regarding the qualification process for FAP programs (specifically Air Force, but I'm sure all branches are similar). In particular, I was wondering about the medical requirements. While I'm a healthy male speicimen (i.e. not a fatty, non-smoker, etc) I do have a blip or two in my PMH. Specifically, I've had a couple of Sz (the last being about 5 yrs ago and the first being about 11 yrs ago). I'm not on any meds. Workup completely negative, of course.

Just wondering if a background like that would disqualify me anyway and I can stop considering this as an option for my family and I.

Thanks!

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[militarymd]

I'm another matched MS4 looking over his options in the military. Some pros, some cons, to be sure. I've looked through the stickies and haven't found much info regarding the qualification process for FAP programs (specifically Air Force, but I'm sure all branches are similar). In particular, I was wondering about the medical requirements. While I'm a healthy male speicimen (i.e. not a fatty, non-smoker, etc) I do have a blip or two in my PMH. Specifically, I've had a couple of Sz (the last being about 5 yrs ago and the first being about 11 yrs ago). I'm not on any meds. Workup completely negative, of course.

Just wondering if a background like that would disqualify me anyway and I can stop considering this as an option for my family and I.

Thanks!

Seriously...do you have a pulse? If the answer is yes....you can get a waiver.

 

[Galo]

Seriously...do you have a pulse? If the answer is yes....you can get a waiver.

Unfortunately this is very true. The following is a direct quote from the train wreck lecture given by the general/vasc surgery consultant to the surgeon general.


Thus, a number of problems are colliding. For the last 5 GME selection boards, we have had only 15-19 qualified applicants for general surgery. One third of our surgeons have more than 4 years in practice but they are leaving and not being replaced. I saw a list the other day that there are many reserve openings for general surgeons as well. Although the recruiters are out beating the bushes for direct accessions and for financial assistance program applicants, this is not a panacea. During my 6 months as consultant, I have evaluated 4 surgery residents for the FAP program. Two were US born but had to go to the islands for medical school, one is an osteopath at the bottom of his class and one has had two felony arrests. Of the two general surgeons, they have 9 and 10 malpractice claims respectively, one of which had his privileges limited and closed his practice months ago.

I have posted links to this lecture before, they are at the beginning of the CON post. What was said in that lecture in 2003, is more true than ever. Like I've said before. Military medicine is a big looser right now. Certainly from a subspecialist standpoint as per my experience, and unfortunately from a primary care standpoint, exusafdoc has posted extensively about the problems there. Let me not say they sky is falling and be blamed for being excessive, the truth is, it not only is falling, it has fallen.

Make sure you look at this forum well, and make sure you make an active effort to call up places and talk to physicians on AD now. It will allow you to make a much more informed decision.

 

[Croooz]

Careful Galo. People will say you're anti-military.

 

[Galo]

Careful Galo. People will say you're anti-military.

I am anti mediocracy, anti-BS, and anti bonehead leaders who are there out of attrition, and have run military medicine into the ground!