2009-2010 Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences Application Thread

[I Doctor]

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Is anyone planning on driving to USUHS after OBLC? Also anyone planning on driving to OBLC? Who do we contact about getting the per diem and mileage pay etc?

 

[I Doctor]

Also got an email from Tracy Coffin and it says that we need ASUs for OBLC? Is this true? Can we purchase that at Ft Sam? Will we need them at USUHS?

 

[dru2002]

Is anyone planning on driving to USUHS after OBLC? Also anyone planning on driving to OBLC? Who do we contact about getting the per diem and mileage pay etc?

You'll fill out a travel claim when you get to USUHS. Then in a week to several months you will get your per diem and per mile and other authorized travel expenses.

 

[I Doctor]

I apologize for the stupid/repetitive questions but will the army pay me per diem to move myself to OBLC and then to USUHS while I still have my stuff shipped?

 

[Erald Coil]

Then in a week to several months you will get your per diem and per mile and other authorized travel expenses.

I'm considering driving my POV from TX to COT (AF) and USUHS, but waiting to see exactly what my AF orders will cover. If any AF get their orders then please share the intel. 👍

 

[dru2002]

I apologize for the stupid/repetitive questions but will the army pay me per diem to move myself to OBLC and then to USUHS while I still have my stuff shipped?

Yuppers. Moving your household goods is seperate from moving you. Also, I'm making these statements based on my prior experience and seeing the army generated orders which authorize POV travel. As long as your orders have that line authorizing POV travel then my statements are factual. If they don't then I'm not sure.

 

[Tenbusu]

I'm considering driving my POV from TX to COT (AF) and USUHS, but waiting to see exactly what my AF orders will cover. If any AF get their orders then please share the intel. 👍

Mr. Kush at AFPC told me not to expect orders till late April or May, since the SECDEF has to sign off on something or other authorizing us to go to USUHS. Not sure if this was only for priors or for all AF.

 

[xmsr3]

Can anyone at USUHS now tell me if there is a dining facility at the NNMC? I know that major bases/posts have them and service members can get super cheap, subsidized meals there for like $2-3.

If such a facility is located at the NNMC then I would seriously consider just eating there 3X per day since $6-9/day is about half as expensive as my current food expenses.

 

[lockf117]

should we book our flights to OBLC yet?

 

[teacherman84]

Most hospitals have dining but why would you want to eat cafeteria food for every meal? Youre going to be making over 50k/yr...i think you can afford a trip to the grocery store once a week and make some meals at home.

 

[Erald Coil]

...i think you can afford a trip to the grocery store once a week and make some meals at home.

hahaha - well, you never know where someone's coming from, financially. My wife can make a pretty mean enchilada, so as long as she's cook'n I'll be brown-bag'n it. 👍

Thanks for the heads-up Tenbusu. I'll try to wait patiently until "Maypril" for those AF orders.

 

[I Doctor]

Do people plan on buying their ASU's before OBLC or buying them there?

 

[silverhorse84]

should we book our flights to OBLC yet?

No they'll be booked for you. On your orders to OBLC should be a phone number that you call, and tell them where you're going and when you need to be there - a flight will be booked and you'll be emailed the details. At least that's how it worked for me and ODS last year.

 

[ahowardmd]

Do people plan on buying their ASU's before OBLC or buying them there?

I was wondering when we absolutely need them as well. I purchased my ACU's a few days ago, and two sets of those + 2 PT uniforms + 2 pairs of boots cost me over $600. I imagine a complete ASU will cost at least another $300 (and I think we only need 1 set) so I'm hoping we can wait to buy it til after we get our pay advance. Any current student advice here?

Thanks!

 

[lockf117]

when you buy ACU boots... its just any boots that is "authorized for use with ACU"? doesnt matter brand, model, etc.?

 

[xmsr3]

I was wondering when we absolutely need them as well. I purchased my ACU's a few days ago, and two sets of those + 2 PT uniforms + 2 pairs of boots cost me over $600. I imagine a complete ASU will cost at least another $300 (and I think we only need 1 set) so I'm hoping we can wait to buy it til after we get our pay advance. Any current student advice here?

Thanks!

Andrew, how did you go about buying your uniforms? Have you received orders? Did you go to a local Army post? Or did you buy them online?

If online have they arrived yet? How do they fit? Is the online size guide accurate?

 

[ahowardmd]

Andrew, how did you go about buying your uniforms? Have you received orders? Did you go to a local Army post? Or did you buy them online?

If online have they arrived yet? How do they fit? Is the online size guide accurate?

I bought them online, from uspatriottactical. They're supposed to arrive tomorrow, so I'll update you as to how the sizes work out. For what it's worth, I liked this site because they sell packages that make it easy to buy the uniform (i.e., coat+pants+cover+belt+name, rank, and service tapes, etc). They also sell a pre-shaven, pre-formed beret that I received a week ago, and it is 'inspection ready' right out of the box. Can't have asked for a better looking product.

 

[Tenbusu]

Sorry I haven't mentioned this sooner, but if there are any people in central FL that need to purchase AF uniforms, I'd be more than happy to take you to Patrick AFB. I'm also up at Robins AFB in GA roughly every 2 months, so that can be arranged as well.

 

[dru2002]

http://grad-schools.usnews.rankings...duate-schools/top-medical-schools/items/04044

63 in research and 97 in Primary Care. Not great but better than nothing.

122 schools provided enough data to calculate research rankings so we are right about in the middle. Not a bad place to be if you ask me. Considering the caliber of US medical schools in general. And yes I know the rankings are largely useless but still fun.

 

[Erald Coil]

http://grad-schools.usnews.rankings...duate-schools/top-medical-schools/items/04044

63 in research and 97 in Primary Care. Not great but better than nothing...

The "76.4% of graduates admitted to their first-choice residency program" is what makes me nervous. Most other schools only show "N/A" for that bit of data. I know the civilian school I'm turning down for USUHS was ~ 95% this year. But... I met an Air Force Infectious Disease fellow last night who had some generally reassuring things to say about the military match system. 👍

 

[silverhorse84]

The "76.4% of graduates admitted to their first-choice residency program" is what makes me nervous. Most other schools only show "N/A" for that bit of data. I know the civilian school I'm turning down for USUHS was ~ 95% this year. But... I met an Air Force Infectious Disease fellow last night who had some generally reassuring things to say about the military match system. 👍

I don't have a complete understanding of the residency selection process, however part of the 23.6% who don't may include those folks (Navy especially) who go into a GMO slot before residency. There are some specialties that you most likely won't be competitive enough without a being a GMO first (unless you're already prior service).

Although, maybe that doesn't come into play in that statistic. I'm not sure.

 

[Erald Coil]

...however part of the 23.6% who don't may include those folks (Navy especially) who go into a GMO slot before residency. There are some specialties that you most likely won't be competitive enough without a being a GMO first...

That's what I mean. I don't want to be forced into GMO 'standby' while waiting for an opening in whatever my residency of choice ends up being. As a civilian, 'slots' would translate into 'programs', and there would be many more of all kinds. The AF guy I met last night said that most everyone who went GMO/Flight Surgeon were not denied their chosen residencies, but actually WANTED what they got... and ultimately it all depends on what AF needs in 2014, so there isn't much sense in worrying now. All we can do is study, prepare, and enjoy our time at USUHS. 👍

For a taste of 4th year anxiety, check this thread out.

For a glimpse of the dark side, check this blog out. 👎

 

[teacherman84]

This is one of the more frequent criticisms of milimed, navy and af especially.

As AF is the branch with the smallest MC it would translate you being put into a GMO spot and waiting on residency if you were applying to a popular or competitive program. My impression in working with many active, former, and retired AF docs is that getting put in a GMO slot is very common for everything but primary care specialties and maybe general surgery.

I just met the FS for the thunderbirds this weekend at an air show and he is on his second 2-year tour as a FS waiting to do radiology

 

[dru2002]

This is one of the more frequent criticisms of milimed, navy and af especially.

As AF is the branch with the smallest MC it would translate you being put into a GMO spot and waiting on residency if you were applying to a popular or competitive program. My impression in working with many active, former, and retired AF docs is that getting put in a GMO slot is very common for everything but primary care specialties and maybe general surgery.

I just met the FS for the thunderbirds this weekend at an air show and he is on his second 2-year tour as a FS waiting to do radiology

I haven't heard of navy docs putting in two gmo tours to get their residency, well provided they were competitive in the first place. With the seven year commitment I am not too concerned about having to do a GMO tour because unless I do neuro it comes out neutral to my commitment.

 

[teacherman84]

Maybe the second was to burn up his commitnent after not getting it initially or maybe the AF had few spots for rads this past match...he didnt say. He made it sound like he deferred into a pretty competitive civilian internship so i wouldnt think it was a reflection of his application.

i was just addressing eraldcoils post and how my feedback differed. IM spots are pretty definite in the AF and ID isnt really a popular fellowship...maybe the reason for his good experience with the match. Someone going for ortho, gas or rads would prob have a vastly different experience

 

[dru2002]

Maybe the second was to burn up his commitnent after not getting it initially or maybe the AF had few spots for rads this past match...he didnt say. He made it sound like he deferred into a pretty competitive civilian internship so i wouldnt think it was a reflection of his application.

i was just addressing eraldcoils post and how my feedback differed. IM spots are pretty definite in the AF and ID isnt really a popular fellowship...maybe the reason for his good experience with the match. Someone going for ortho, gas or rads would prob have a vastly different experience

I wasn't trying to bash the dude you know. I was just try to say that I think the navy may be a bit different being a slight bit larger.

 

[dwb8p]

I feel sorry for you air force and navy guys. The air force surgeon general came and spoke to us a few weeks back. He said GMOs/Flight surgeon billets for PGY1 grads are likely not going away. And I quote, they have "no downsides."

 

[teacherman84]

I wasn't trying to bash the dude you know. I was just try to say that I think the navy may be a bit different being a slight bit larger.[/QU

didnt take it as bashing...just clarifying. That is quite possible in regards to the Navy...i only know 2 navy docs and havent really discussed gme with them so i dont really know.

 

[I Doctor]

Just fiy, army non-prior from Cali, got my orders for USUHS yesterday, but not for OBLC.

Quick question, it says "TVL BY POV IS AUTH" does this mean if I drive to USUHS from OBLC they will reimburse me? How do they figure the days of how long it took for me drive there, mileage, etc? Anybody with any info would be great. Thanks!

 

[dru2002]

Just fiy, army non-prior from Cali, got my orders for USUHS yesterday, but not for OBLC.

Quick question, it says "TVL BY POV IS AUTH" does this mean if I drive to USUHS from OBLC they will reimburse me? How do they figure the days of how long it took for me drive there, mileage, etc? Anybody with any info would be great. Thanks!

1)Yes.
2) They calculate the miles from OBLC to USUHS. The first day they allow you 400 miles and 350 for each day after. They have a nifty program that tells them the miles and it will vary a bit from google maps. You will get paid for each mile traveled (the one they calculated) and per diem for each day you travel (up to the maximum calculated above). So it really behooves you to take the maximum time to travel.

For a more thorough explanation:
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/travelpay/a/travel.-v1l.htm

Hope this helps.

 

[0919mmk]

wait, does GMO/FS time count towards the 7 years payback?? I didnt think so, but one of the posts above made me think that it does?

 

[teacherman84]

Yes, you are no longer in training and being utilized as a physician so it will count as part of your 7 years

 

[I Doctor]

1)Yes.
2) They calculate the miles from OBLC to USUHS. The first day they allow you 400 miles and 350 for each day after. They have a nifty program that tells them the miles and it will vary a bit from google maps. You will get paid for each mile traveled (the one they calculated) and per diem for each day you travel (up to the maximum calculated above). So it really behooves you to take the maximum time to travel.

For a more thorough explanation:
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/travelpay/a/travel.-v1l.htm

Hope this helps.

Thanks dru, so since its per diem plus mileage I don't need to hang on to receipts or anything right? do I have to contact someone that I plan on driving to OBLC and USUHS instead of flying?

 

[ahowardmd]

Andrew, how did you go about buying your uniforms? Have you received orders? Did you go to a local Army post? Or did you buy them online?

If online have they arrived yet? How do they fit? Is the online size guide accurate?

Received my ACUs today, everything seems to fit right. Oh, I also got my orders for USUHS today. I wonder when I'll get the OBC orders...

 

[lockf117]

i received my ACUs too! everything fits well except the patrol cap.. its the same size as my beret but too small for my head.. Andrew i bought from uspatriottactical also.. do you know how their return/exchange policy is like? their website is down for some reason

 

[dru2002]

Thanks dru, so since its per diem plus mileage I don't need to hang on to receipts or anything right? do I have to contact someone that I plan on driving to OBLC and USUHS instead of flying?

So it depends how the orders are worded because TDY falls under a different boat. There is still per diem and the like but receipts are kept. I'm anal and save everything and then sit down with the pay folks and figure it all out. Any other priors with more experience about TDY pay can you comment?

 

[Erald Coil]

So it depends how the orders are worded because TDY falls under a different boat. There is still per diem and the like but receipts are kept. I'm anal and save everything and then sit down with the pay folks and figure it all out. Any other priors with more experience about TDY pay can you comment?

I can only speak for 8 years in enlisted Air National Guard: Save every receipt until you get reimbursed for everything you're entitled to. You may not need them, but you'll never regret SAVING a receipt. 👍

 

[xmsr3]

Andrew and I Doc (and any other Army who have gotten orders to USUHS) would you mind confirming what Locke117 told us about orders?

Specifically regarding the Aug 3 report date to USUHS and that travel by POV (personal occupancy vehicle) is TDY?

 

[ahowardmd]

Andrew and I Doc (and any other Army who have gotten orders to USUHS) would you mind confirming what Locke117 told us about orders?

Specifically regarding the Aug 3 report date to USUHS and that travel by POV (personal occupancy vehicle) is TDY?

confirmed.

i received my ACUs too! everything fits well except the patrol cap.. its the same size as my beret but too small for my head.. Andrew i bought from uspatriottactical also.. do you know how their return/exchange policy is like? their website is down for some reason

I think the policy is that you pay the shipping, and it has to be returned within 14 days in unused condition. About the patrol cap: I'm not sure how they're supposed to fit, but mine is also the same size as my beret, and it's really tight. Maybe it's just supposed to be that way?

 

[xmsr3]

To anyone currently at USUHS, I would like to ask how many ACUs do we really need? Major Collins sent the document that says 3, but is is a good idea to get 1 or 2 extra, (one army student I talked to told me she bought 1 extra)?

 

[silverhorse84]

That's what I mean. I don't want to be forced into GMO 'standby' while waiting for an opening in whatever my residency of choice ends up being. As a civilian, 'slots' would translate into 'programs', and there would be many more of all kinds. The AF guy I met last night said that most everyone who went GMO/Flight Surgeon were not denied their chosen residencies, but actually WANTED what they got... and ultimately it all depends on what AF needs in 2014, so there isn't much sense in worrying now.

The whole GMO thing doesn't really bother me. I took time off between collage and med school just to get a break from training, and I think I might want that again between internship and residency anyway. Also, there's no guarentee I'll know what specialty I want by then, so it's more time to figure that out.
Also, I'm not sure if this is right, but it seems like Army would pull more residency trained docs to fill what used to be GMO slots before they got rid of them. Personally, I'd rather delay training than get pulled out and have skill atrophy. I've talked to a few docs here who've had that done, including a neurologist, so it's not all FP/Peds guys.
Especially if I decide on something like Peds, it'd be cool to try and go work with the Marines for a while or something - it'd be my chance before working with kids the rest of my career.
I do know of one Navy guy who did two GMO tours but that's because he was dead set on Derm and would rather do GMO until he could get there. He got it, it just took him two tours instead of one.

 

[silverhorse84]

To anyone currently at USUHS, I would like to ask how many ACUs do we really need? Major Collins sent the document that says 3, but is is a good idea to get 1 or 2 extra, (one army student I talked to told me she bought 1 extra)?

I'm not sure what the Army guys/girls do. I only have 2 sets of BDUs and that's definitely enough. There's talk of having 3 by this summer (for our two weeks of training/playing patient), but that's a way off for you and you can always get more in the year you're here.

 

[dru2002]

Andrew and I Doc (and any other Army who have gotten orders to USUHS) would you mind confirming what Locke117 told us about orders?

Specifically regarding the Aug 3 report date to USUHS and that travel by POV (personal occupancy vehicle) is TDY?

It's privately owned vehicle. Unless the army uses the acronym differently.

 

[dru2002]

I'm not sure what the Army guys/girls do. I only have 2 sets of BDUs and that's definitely enough. There's talk of having 3 by this summer (for our two weeks of training/playing patient), but that's a way off for you and you can always get more in the year you're here.

Dude I had two for 30 days in 120 degree weather playing with the Marines. For one and two week ops we would only have the uniform on our backs. But like all things in the military you do what you are told, so if they say three they mean three. I for one wouldn't want to hump around anything I didn't have to.

 

[stevesavi]

hey for bolc if we have dependents do we get Bah or just base pay?

also I am commsionioning through rotc in may, I have heard both that i have to attend bolc and that I dont, anyone know which is correct?

 

[xmsr3]

Just got orders to USUHS, 4/16/2010, non prior army. Aug 3 is report date, TDY for those driving.

One question though, the orders say that I am to proceed to USUHS from my current destination.

Does that mean my house or OBLC? The difference between the distances from my house to USUHS and OBLC to USUHS is 500 miles so it is rather important to figure out what how the Army will calculate the distance (will I have 4 days or 5 to drive to USUHS from OBLC).

Any one out there who can answer this for me?

 

[ahowardmd]

Hypothetically, if I get a D in my current biochem class (which is fine for me to graduate from undergrad), will this affect my matriculation to USUHS? 😕

 

[dru2002]

Hypothetically, if I get a D in my current biochem class (which is fine for me to graduate from undergrad), will this affect my matriculation to USUHS? 😕

I'm hypothetically in the same boat. It doesn't say anything on my acceptance letter other then to get a degree.

 

[silverhorse84]

hey for bolc if we have dependents do we get Bah or just base pay?

also I am commsionioning through rotc in may, I have heard both that i have to attend bolc and that I dont, anyone know which is correct?

If you have dependents you should get BAH for the area in which your dependent lives while you are at OBLC. However, you'll have to fill out paperwork, which may not happen until a few weeks in to OBLC (if it's similar to how we did it at ODS), so you may not get it right away.

For Navy, NROTC officers do not go to ODS, however the Army is weird and tends to send people to OBLC even if they've done other officer training, so my answer to that is I don't know. My advice is to call Rebecca Patterson.

Just got orders to USUHS, 4/16/2010, non prior army. Aug 3 is report date, TDY for those driving.

One question though, the orders say that I am to proceed to USUHS from my current destination.

Does that mean my house or OBLC? The difference between the distances from my house to USUHS and OBLC to USUHS is 500 miles so it is rather important to figure out what how the Army will calculate the distance (will I have 4 days or 5 to drive to USUHS from OBLC).

Any one out there who can answer this for me?

Ok, here's how it works. When you get to USUHS you will fill out a travel claim paper. It will have several lines and you will put what you did over the summer on each line - For example, mine read:
1. California to ODS by plane paid for by government
2. ODS to California by plane paid for by me (gave them a copy of receipt)
3. California to Bethesda, MD, by POV (if you have toll receipts then give those, otherwise they don't need receipts for hotel or gas)

They will use this form to figure out how much to pay you. By the way, your report date may or may not be Aug 3rd. Go by what USUHS tells you, not your orders. There will be a week where Army/AF comes in one day and Navy/PH another.

 

[ftrflyr29]

Hypothetically, if I get a D in my current biochem class (which is fine for me to graduate from undergrad), will this affect my matriculation to USUHS? 😕

I'm hypothetically in the same boat. It doesn't say anything on my acceptance letter other then to get a degree.

I think you are required to complete the courses and graduate. I would assume since Biochem is not a requirement, as long as it doesn't prevent you from graduating, you should be fine. Hypothetically speaking.