I'm an active duty Marine Officer, and a combat veteran. I'm interested in HPSP among other programs. In researching military medicine I came upon this thread, and I have read every post in its entirety. I can say a few things with confidence.
Many of you, simply don't get it. If you joined the military to be a doctor first, or to have your college paid for, IMO you are wrong. The military, and being a leader in the military is a calling, just as being a doctor is a calling. Do not misinterpret what I am saying. I am not saying you must be a soldier first, and a doctor second. I'm saying that both Oaths are of equal importance. Regardless of your education, your rank, or your profession in the military, you must be dedicated to the mission of our military, its troops, and the families that support them. I've seen military docs treat my wounded Marines, and I've been touched by their concern and their dedication. More than touched, inspired. Those doctors get it, or at least they get it for the moment.
I am not a doctor so please excuse what I am about to say. This thread sounds more like a bunch of spoiled whining kids (with exceptions) than it does highly educated and dedicated professionals. You think the troops you serve don't do long hours for crap pay? You think the troops don't get screwed over administratively, or logistically? They do. And some of them get shot at too.
I put forth, that there is no finer group of individuals for which physicians can be responsible for, than the nation's sailors, soldiers, airmen and Marines.
I'm sure the system isn't perfect. It isn't perfect in any part of the military. I wish MEDEVAC helo's took 5 min instead of 20 to 30. I wish one of our corpsman didn't lose a leg to friendly fire. I wish the Marine Corps had the same quality of gear that the other services enjoy. I wish our supply system took days instead of weeks and months to get combat essential gear. But, I work with what I have. I have a responsibility to my Marines, and that is an awesome and weighted responsibility I don't take lightly.
Sure, I could get paid more on the civilian side (the same is true for professions across the military, not just docs.) I could also find a job with less hours, no deployments, less stress, less bureaucracy, and no moves every 3 years. I'm even considering doing just that. But I don't complain about the deal I have in the military.
Remember who you serve, and why you do what you do. If at the end of the day, the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are not worth the aggravation, then please leave the military at your earliest opportunity.
For those of you who do get it, thank you for what you do. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for the men and women who care for the Marines I have had the pleasure of serving with.
I encourage everyone to read this post by a doctor who obviously gets it.
http://www.rb-29.net/html/63erdoctor.htm
If you are frustrated by milmed, take time to talk to the troops. Ask them their stories. If you can't then find the inspiration to continue to do the work we all so desperately need you to do, I'm afraid you are lost...