Air Force Possible to serve during medical school without HPSP?

[indebtmd]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if it is possible to be on reserve during medical school without qualifying for HPSP. I have spoken to a recruiter, but because I have a 7 in PS I do not qualify for HPSP. I am still however interested in being an officer with the Air Force during my time in medical school. Does such a program exist?

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[DrMetal]

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if it is possible to be on reserve during medical school without qualifying for HPSP. I have spoken to a recruiter, but because I have a 7 in PS I do not qualify for HPSP. I am still however interested in being an officer with the Air Force during my time in medical school. Does such a program exist?

Possible, but not a good idea. If youre part of a drilling reserve unit, youd be expected to drill at least one weekend/month, and 2 weeks a year. That doesnt sound like much, but it is, especially for a medical student. You can join the mil later, as a resident or as an attending (theres plenty of entry points into the medical corps, aside from hpsp).

What do u mean by 7 in PS? You talking about your mcat score? If so, whats the rest of it look like?? At this point, Id be more concerned about getting into medical school period, nevermind hpsp.

 

[indebtmd]

Yes sadly, my MCAT was a mere 7ps/10vr/8bs. I'm not a particularly strong candidate for MD programs, but I've recently submitted my apps broadly for DO school so I'm hoping I'll be able to find some love somewhere.

Ah I didn't realize that the reserve drilling would be different for non-hpsp students. I assume you wouldn't be drilling at a base nearest to your institution either, but rather they'd send you off somewhere for the time that you'd need to drill?

 

[DrMetal]

Yes sadly, my MCAT was a mere 7ps/10vr/8bs. I'm not a particularly strong candidate for MD programs, but I've recently submitted my apps broadly for DO school so I'm hoping I'll be able to find some love somewhere.

Ah I didn't realize that the reserve drilling would be different for non-hpsp students. I assume you wouldn't be drilling at a base nearest to your institution either, but rather they'd send you off somewhere for the time that you'd need to drill?

I know the Army NG has some program for med students, that might be feasible (see another thread here).

I would refrain from joining a non-medical reserve unit, or one that doesnt understand the time demands of a medical student.

 

[indebtmd]

Thanks a lot for your help and input. I'll definitely look into the Army NG. It's a lot easier to get realistic feedback here on the forums than to call recruiters in my opinion. I feel they often don't paint very realistic pictures and just want you to sign on.