2009-2010 Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences Application Thread

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Its a PBS documentary - so they replay it every once in a while. They replayed it about a month before I went to ODS (which was good for my family who wanted to see it) so it may be a while before they play it again. USUHS played it at the second look this past year. I believe there are some second years who have copies, so when you come for an interview, you can always ask around and see if someone can loan you a copy or something 😳
 
I just read this whole thread from start to finish. LOL

@ xms3r - You'll be fine, but don't expect "Utopia"... o.0
@ USUHS - pair xms3r up with a solid prior service wingman, or we may lose him to The Dark Side.

@RLTW - I was thinking the same as you at post #84, although I can also appreciate the concern of applicants who might be fixated on certain specialties. If you're gunning for USUHS, then patients > prestige or profit. If you're going to be bitter and angry if you don't get your choice career path, then civilian practice is more appropriate for you. There's nothing worse than an officer with a rotten attitude.

I didn't get my secondary to USUHS Admissions until 8/18. I hope that doesn't put me at the bottom of some gimongous stack of anonymous applicants. My stats are ~ average, but I've lived a bit, and I have a pretty good idea of what I'm trying to get myself into... I think.
 
http://more.studentdoctor.net/interv....php?school=89

Here is a great link to other people's experiences at the USUHS interview.

Here is a summary.

2 interviews, most 30 minutes, with a 4th year student and a faculty member.

Everyone agrees the interviews are very low key, conversational tone and standard.

Top 4 questions

1. why medicine
2. why military medicine
3. why USUHS
4. Tell us of your leadership experience

Also be preped to answer ethical questions, such as your opinion regarding Euthinasia or how you would tell a patient terrible news.

Most people agree that the host program is worthy partaking in if you can and make sure to get to campus very early as its easy to get lost.

Also bring a printout of your interview invite along with ID so that security will let you through.

Just got around to looking at the feedback... I think the link is broken so I found the unbroken one:

http://more.studentdoctor.net/interviewlist.php?school=89

Thanks for posting the concise wrap-up. Should be a low stress interview. Some of the what would you do (if you saw cheating, drug user, etc) should be (sarcasm)fun to answer(/sarcasm).
 
I just read this whole thread from start to finish. LOL

@ xms3r - You'll be fine, but don't expect "Utopia"... o.0
@ USUHS - pair xms3r up with a solid prior service wingman, or we may lose him to The Dark Side.

@RLTW - I was thinking the same as you at post #84, although I can also appreciate the concern of applicants who might be fixated on certain specialties. If you're gunning for USUHS, then patients > prestige or profit. If you're going to be bitter and angry if you don't get your choice career path, then civilian practice is more appropriate for you. There's nothing worse than an officer with a rotten attitude.

I didn't get my secondary to USUHS Admissions until 8/18. I hope that doesn't put me at the bottom of some gimongous stack of anonymous applicants. My stats are ~ average, but I've lived a bit, and I have a pretty good idea of what I'm trying to get myself into... I think.

Welcome to the thread. Good luck! Love the avatar, great show.
 
dru2002's post made me remember something else I wanted to add in my other post. xmsr3 mentioned that the interviews were one 4th year student and one faculty member, but that may not be the case. There are some 4th year students who conduct interviews, but I believe most of the interviewers on my day were faculty, so most of us had two faculty members for interviewers.

Not a very important point, but just a clarification I wanted to make 😛
 
Can someone PM me with the secondary essay prompt, if there is one, so I can update it on the first post?
 
i just got a call from USUHS saying they want to interview me. however, i was told that it might be difficult/impossible for me to get in given my history with asthma.

the director said that it's possible for me to get a waiver if i pass some pulmonary tests. i was wondering if anyone knows what these tests include? can i train for them?

i can run an 8 minute mile without an inhaler...do you think it's worth giving it a shot?

help please!
 
i can run an 8 minute mile without an inhaler...do you think it's worth giving it a shot?

help please!

How old are you, and what service would you like to be in? If you are over 26 then a 12 minute 1.5 mi PRT is passing (barely) for Navy. I know people who have been offered at USUHS with asthma, but it didn't require an inhaler.
 
i just got a call from USUHS saying they want to interview me. however, i was told that it might be difficult/impossible for me to get in given my history with asthma.

the director said that it's possible for me to get a waiver if i pass some pulmonary tests. i was wondering if anyone knows what these tests include? can i train for them?

i can run an 8 minute mile without an inhaler...do you think it's worth giving it a shot?

help please!


I wouldn't worry too much - just know it may take a while to get medically cleared. I have a hx of asthma too. I did the original physical, writing on it (and having the physician write on it too) that I've completed half-marathons and triathlons with no problem and no medication (so have both you and the physician write your 8 mi/mile on yours). Make sure you also state that you no longer require medication (if that's true).

For the Navy, if the asthma was resolved when you were under 13 years of age you won't need a waiver. Unfortunately for me, I stopped taking meds before 13, but it wasn't on my record that I stopped, so I had to get a waiver.

After the original physical, I waited for quite a while to hear back from DoDMERB, and when I did they wanted a pre- and post- bronchodilator spirometry test (I think that's how you spell it). I'm told it's not bad, but don't take the test if you are sick! I don't think you can train for it. Here's the kicker - I wrote a nice formal letter to the waiver committee stating my case (grew out of it, stopped medication before 13 years of age, having completed X amount of activity without problems) and they gave me the waiver without any other question and I never had to take the test.

Now, your case may be different, but don't stress about it now, there's no point. Just try, it's all you can do. And make sure you stay in contact with Rebecca Patterson - you'll meet her at the interview. She was instrumental in me getting cleared! And she's super super nice and helpful!!

Good luck :luck: and congrats on the interview! 😀


Edit: not knowing whether you're male or female, grotto's PRT score is correct, but for males. If you're female and under 25, the 1.5 mile passing time is 15:15 so you'd be more than good.
 
Invite today for the 24th! Will be going for the Navy.
 
I am in sort of a weird situation in that I was accepted off the waitlist at USUHS in June and was so, so disappointed to have to decline the spot because of my current research (I would have had to be at OCB within one week).
I submitted my application pretty much right away for the 2009-10 cycle and was complete on 8/17 (I suppose that is only 8 days ago- man, how time goes slowly).

I am, of course, paranoid that the AdComm will look poorly upon my re-application because I turned them down 2 months ago. However, I am SO in love with this school (interviewing in February was a great experience) and would love to get an interview again. I wrote them a letter in June explaining my situation re: research and Joan Stearman (really awesome AdComm lady) put it in my "file".

So, my question to you all is, if you were the AdComm, what would you think? Am I a lost cause? Should I just shut it and wait? 😉
 
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I don't think you are a lost cause. Choosing USUHS is obviously a huge commitment and really shows the quality of your character. They accepted you so they already think you would be a great addition to the military. If you are genuine about your interest in serving, then you are fine. I think you could be in a bad position if you were the kind of applicant that simply applied to USUHS as a back-up without thinking about the commitment first. Good luck.

I am in sort of a weird situation in that I was accepted off the waitlist at USUHS in June and was so, so disappointed to have to decline the spot because of my current research (I would have had to be at OCB within one week).
I submitted my application pretty much right away for the 2009-10 cycle and was complete on 8/17 (I suppose that is only 8 days ago- man, how time goes slowly).

I am, of course, paranoid that the AdComm will look poorly upon my re-application because I turned them down 2 months ago. However, I am SO in love with this school (interviewing in February was a great experience) and would love to get an interview again. I wrote them a letter in June explaining my situation re: research and Joan Stearman (really awesome AdComm lady) put it in my "file".

So, my question to you all is, if you were the AdComm, what would you think? Am I a lost cause? Should I just shut it and wait? 😉
 
I'm sure you already know this but if your prior-military and had a secret clearance they are good for ten years. To avoid filling out the 13 pgae security paperwork I called and found out my security clearance is still good to go even though I've been a civilian for almost 3 years. So that kinda made my day.
 
Got an email yesterday with an invite for the 24th as well. Going Army or AF, haven't quite decided yet.
 
Yesterday the security office sent out the security form 86 in PDF form.

You can print it out and fill it out in ink or fill it in online and print but can't save.

It is 13 pages long but if you filled out an HPSP application then you can use the same info and finish pretty quickly.

Still haven't heard about the physical yet.

Congrats to Ruiner for his invite and to everyone else as well. I always said we SDN gunners were a cut above and the fact that we are all getting invites proves it😀
 
I'm sure you already know this but if your prior-military and had a secret clearance they are good for ten years. To avoid filling out the 13 pgae security paperwork I called and found out my security clearance is still good to go even though I've been a civilian for almost 3 years. So that kinda made my day.

dru, thank you for that info, that will save me some trouble, as well. Do you have to submit anything in lieu of the form 86? A letter from a security manager or anything? Or can they just look up your clearance in the system (I think it's called JPAS)?
 
Yesterday the security office sent out the security form 86 in PDF form.

You can print it out and fill it out in ink or fill it in online and print but can't save.

It is 13 pages long but if you filled out an HPSP application then you can use the same info and finish pretty quickly.

Still haven't heard about the physical yet.

Congrats to Ruiner for his invite and to everyone else as well. I always said we SDN gunners were a cut above and the fact that we are all getting invites proves it😀

Hah, I'm so not a gunner it's not even funny...

Did anyone else think it was wierd that the email from the security office had ALL our email addresses visible?? Not that it's a big deal, we're all going to meet each other anyways, I would just expect a BCC or something more "secure" 🙂
 
Hah, I'm so not a gunner it's not even funny...

Did anyone else think it was wierd that the email from the security office had ALL our email addresses visible?? Not that it's a big deal, we're all going to meet each other anyways, I would just expect a BCC or something more "secure" 🙂

My buddy and I were talking about the same exact thing yesterday... you could also tell who all the Sept 17th interviewees were because they sent out a second security email that just added Sept 24th ones (not that I was analyzing it that closely, I just noticed).
 
Wait WHAT are you guys talking about? I have an interview for the 24th but I haven't gotten any sort of security clearance form. Is this ONLY for people without clearances or for everyone??
 
Wait WHAT are you guys talking about? I have an interview for the 24th but I haven't gotten any sort of security clearance form. Is this ONLY for people without clearances or for everyone??

I don't have it yet delicate
 
I don't have it yet delicate

Didn't mean to startle anyone - you will definitely get it, its just an email telling you to fill out an DOD SF 86 national security questionnaire and bring it with you to your interview. If you are already in the military and have a clearance just send it along to the office. Might want to check your junk email, or if they just haven't sent it yet google "SF86" and fill out the long form that comes up.
 
dru, thank you for that info, that will save me some trouble, as well. Do you have to submit anything in lieu of the form 86? A letter from a security manager or anything? Or can they just look up your clearance in the system (I think it's called JPAS)?

They looked me up in the system and said I was good to go. I asked if I needed any update form? and they said nope, not until I expire in 2013. I would just call the security office and have them look up your clearance. So glad I don't have to deal with the SF86.
 
Congrats to Ruiner for his invite and to everyone else as well. I always said we SDN gunners were a cut above and the fact that we are all getting invites proves it😀

Thanks buddy!
 
Still haven't heard about the physical yet.

I applied to the Naval Academy a while back so I can already log into the dodmerb status site. USUHS was added as an agency for me today. So most of you were probably added as well. Once DODMERB gets all the info they send us each a packet on how to schedule physicals and the like. Last time they were pretty fast and I went from getting my physical to approved inside a month (that'ss without any waivers of course). Here is the link to DODMERB you could check if you can create an account.

https://dodmerb.tricare.osd.mil/default.asp

As I'm sure you all know this stuff takes time so if you can't login yet don't freak it will be fixed soon enough.
 
I just did the SF86 National Security Clearance form and oh sweet god was it long!

13 pages with 9 pages of questions seems short and my HPSP application was pretty ok, especially since I had already done my AMCAS so most of my personal info was there, but the SF86 is a beast that took the longest 3.5 hours of my life to complete.

They wanted to know about my jobs from 7 years ago! The month I spent as a Cashier at a grocery store! My manager for that store is long since gone and I just looked up the name of the current manager online.

Also wanted to know Selective service registration number, (look up online) and certificate numbers for myself and my parents, (naturalized citizens).

I ended up hunting for a lot of stuff and I can only imagine the hell someone who dosn't have an AMCAS complete must go through.

Can anyone who has gotten a security clearance tell us how much more paper work is involved? The form said this is just the beginning but I can't imagine what more they could subject us to.

Also, is the SF86 more of a formality or should we be worried that they will hunt through our pasts like some grand inquisitor and try to deny us clearance for some small reason?

Its not that I have anything to hide, but there was one part of the form where they asked about employment and being fired where I didn't have room to explain.

I worked for 2.5 years as an office assistant and got only glowing employee reviews.

Then I took a semester off to study for the MCAT and enrolled in 0 credits. I didn't realize that I had to have 6 credits to keep my job and so I was automatically let go on the first day of classes.

I didn't have room to put that and I didn't want to put that I had been fired or let go under bad circumstances but I am worried what will happen if they call my boss and she tells them I was let go and they think I was trying to hide a firing, which isn't the case.

Then there is the fact that I had a polish passport and was born in poland but renounced citizenship and mailed my passport to the embassy in accordance with USAREC 601-105 but only had room to tell them that I had a polish passport and duel citizenship which I renounced in a letter and mailed my expired passport to the embassy.

I plan to ask my recruiter on Friday, (I am going in to sign some paperwork) about it, but I just don't want my dreams of mil med going up in smoke because of a technicality.

Anyone who has gone through the security clearance process, can you shed some light on the process and, hopefully, give the rest of us some peace of mind?
 
I have succesfully created a DODMERB account and recieved a temporary
password, which I cut and pasted into the log in screen. The next screen
tells me I have a temporary password and that I need to change it.

I cut and paste the same password into "current password" and enter a new
one. I am then told on the next screen that the current password I entered
does not match what is on file.

I have tried this several times and re-pasted the temporary password just
to make sure I am useing the same one. Indeed I am and the result is always the same.

I have sent an email to the webmaster explaining the above so hopefully this problem gets resolved before most people create their accounts.

Thanks Dru for the link. Good to get these things out of the way early to minimize stress🙂
 
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I have succesfully created a DODMERB account and recieved a temporary
password, which I cut and pasted into the log in screen. The next screen
tells me I have a temporary password and that I need to change it.

I cut and paste the same password into "current password" and enter a new
one. I am then told on the next screen that the current password I entered
does not match what is on file.

I have tried this several times and re-pasted the temporary password just
to make sure I am useing the same one. Indeed I am and the result is always the same.

I have sent an email to the webmaster explaining the above so hopefully this problem gets resolved before most people create their accounts.

Thanks Dru for the link. Good to get these things out of the way early to minimize stress🙂

Yea that happened to me several times and then the next day when I tried it it worked. Weird.

As for as the Secret Clearance I do not rememeber filling out anything beyond the SF86. A Secret Clearance is run on the computer. As long as you don't have a scary criminal past or significant debt with multiple deliquent accounts you will pass it no problem. So I wouldn't worry about not being able to fully explain something on the form. If it causes any problems the security folks will ask for clarification and get it figured out.
 
A word of advice: when you print out a copy of the security clearance form, print a copy for yourself and keep it! Even through the move out here and into the start of orientation!! We (my class) filled them out like you are now, turned them in at interview time, and then during orientation they directed us to a website where we have to do it all over again 🙁 I haven't actually done it yet, so I don't know if it's exactly the same as the one you're filling out now, but I'm sure it'll be helpful. I have a copy of my old form somewhere, but in the move it's gotten temporarily lost, so I'll probably have to start from scratch.

Congrats to those of you that have gotten interviews! 😀
 
So I was able to change the temporary password and now have access to the DODMERB site. It appears that we will be recieving a packet in the mail with info about how to schedule an interview.

Has anyone here done a DODMERB physical? Was it one day? How long did it take? Are you suppose to bring in the 20 different forms they have listed on their site, all the questionares?

Does anyone know how it compares to the MEPS physical?

I have heard horror stories about that one, a 9 hour ordeal where you strip down, make a complete fool of yourself in front of other naked young men and wait in endless lines for hours on end.
 
hahaha,

I went through the MEPS physical last year for another program I almost did. Maybe thats how it used to be but its not that bad. You do some range of motion exercises in your undies with a few other guys (or girls) but for the most part it was pretty private.
 
So I was able to change the temporary password and now have access to the DODMERB site. It appears that we will be recieving a packet in the mail with info about how to schedule an interview.

Has anyone here done a DODMERB physical? Was it one day? How long did it take? Are you suppose to bring in the 20 different forms they have listed on their site, all the questionares?

Does anyone know how it compares to the MEPS physical?

I have heard horror stories about that one, a 9 hour ordeal where you strip down, make a complete fool of yourself in front of other naked young men and wait in endless lines for hours on end.


DoDMERB is TOTALLY different from MEPS in terms of experience. With DoDMERB, you will get a packet in the mail that has a physician and an optometrist in your area that contract with the DoD - you will call them, make an appointment and then go. You'll bring forms that you've filled out (I don't remember how I got the forms, I want to say email or they came in a packet) - give them to the docs and they'll fill out their portion and send it to DoD. After that it becomes a waiting game.

MEPS - the actual physical isn't 9 hours! What you're hearing from are the enlisted members who get dropped of at MEPS by their recruiter - they do the physicial, take their exam that aids in determining their rate and then sit around waiting for the time when they go to the airport to head to basic training. That is a long process! The physical does take a while though - definately longer than DoDMERB, since you're shuffled around to different stations and have to wait at each. I think I got there about 7am, and left around 11am (I think) - but that included turning in papers to my processor and getting fingerprinted after completing the physical.
 
i just got a call from USUHS saying they want to interview me. however, i was told that it might be difficult/impossible for me to get in given my history with asthma...
help please!

If you really want USUHS, then it's certainly worth pursuing a waiver. Nothing is guaranteed, but your situation sounds waiverable, I think... 👍

A word of advice: when you print out a copy of the security clearance form, print a copy for yourself and keep it! Even through the move out here and into the start of orientation!! ...we have to do it all over again...

This is so, SO key! Great advice - will save those who heed it a LOT of time and anxiety! ^_^ Mine expires in 2012...

...
Has anyone here done a DODMERB physical? Was it one day? How long did it take? Are you suppose to bring in the 20 different forms they have listed on their site, all the questionares?
Does anyone know how it compares to the MEPS physical?

Good question - I'd also like to know how DODMERB compares to MEPS. MEPS wasn't as bad, in my opinion, as people make it out to be. I expect DODMERB would be fine, except you'll have WAY more personally invested in being cleared... :scared:

I'm enjoying reading all o' y'all's updates.
Hoping to get my own interview invite some day soon...

I submitted my application pretty much right away for the 2009-10 cycle and was complete on 8/17 (I suppose that is only 8 days ago- man, how time goes slowly).

You said it BluSkye. I haven't even gotten the "application complete" email yet! 🙁
 
If it helps I got the complete email on the 5th, so there was a couple weekes between it and invite.
 
This DODMERB is a pain for active duty. I had to get a full physical with opto, audiology, the works for my LOA back in the spring... now I have to go back and do it again. Although I am excited for another hernia check.

But, a complaining sailor is a happy sailor.
 
So I was able to change the temporary password and now have access to the DODMERB site. It appears that we will be recieving a packet in the mail with info about how to schedule an interview.

Has anyone here done a DODMERB physical? Was it one day? How long did it take? Are you suppose to bring in the 20 different forms they have listed on their site, all the questionares?

Does anyone know how it compares to the MEPS physical?

Yeah, having done DoDMERB for USUHS last year and MEPS for a potential HPSP, I can say that DoDMERB is a breeze (at least in the San Francisco area) and much, much better than MEPS.
I am slightly biased against MEPS, though, since I was there for 7 hours when I probably could have been there for 3-4. And I missed a phone interview for a job because of it. Slightly inefficient process...
DoDMERB, on the other hand, was really quick and the optometrist I went to was really nice.
 
Could someone here please clear up a question I have?

Does getting your dodmerb physical early help with speeding up hearing from USU regarding a final decision?

In other words if you get into the school but don't do the physical until oct 13, will USU withhold telling you that you got in? Or do they let you know you have a conditional acceptance?

I know that USU moves faster than most schools and I am hoping to be able to cancel all of my other interviews as soon as, and if USU let's me know I'm in.

Of course I still have 2 inches to lose around my waist to meet the %body fat standards and I would love to meet the weight standards as well. I started training on Jan 1 at 335 lbs, changed my lifestyle (USU literally saved my life and has already made me into a better, healthier and more confident man) and am down to 237, just 25 lbs away from the army standard of 212. I estimate that I will be at weight in mid October, but if it helps to get into USU faster I can probably pass the tape test around oct 1.
 
Could someone here please clear up a question I have?

Does getting your dodmerb physical early help with speeding up hearing from USU regarding a final decision?

In other words if you get into the school but don't do the physical until oct 13, will USU withhold telling you that you got in? Or do they let you know you have a conditional acceptance?


It doesn't matter. If they accept you, you'll get a conditional acceptance - conditional on getting physically qualified


I know that USU moves faster than most schools and I am hoping to be able to cancel all of my other interviews as soon as, and if USU let's me know I'm in.

Of course I still have 2 inches to lose around my waist to meet the %body fat standards and I would love to meet the weight standards as well. I started training on Jan 1 at 335 lbs, changed my lifestyle (USU literally saved my life and has already made me into a better, healthier and more confident man) and am down to 237, just 25 lbs away from the army standard of 212. I estimate that I will be at weight in mid October, but if it helps to get into USU faster I can probably pass the tape test around oct 1.

They will work with you. If you're over weight/body fat standards there is a spot on the sheet where it says something about "not qualified, but recommend loosing _____ within ____ time" or something like that. I haven't talked to someone who was over, but it looks as though if you're only a little over, they'll put you on some sort of plan to get you within standards. This would be something to ask Rebecca about on your interview day!
 
How old are you, and what service would you like to be in? If you are over 26 then a 12 minute 1.5 mi PRT is passing (barely) for Navy. I know people who have been offered at USUHS with asthma, but it didn't require an inhaler.

I know this is a little far back in the thread but what PRT standards are you looking at? A 12 minute or under 1.5 mile PRT is at least a good low for anyone over 20. If you are 25 or over it is a good medium. If this guy can do an 8 minute mile pace for 1.5 miles he should be fine. He won't be a PT hard charger but he won't be put on FEP either.
 
In other words if you get into the school but don't do the physical until oct 13, will USU withhold telling you that you got in? Or do they let you know you have a conditional acceptance?


Even if you are accepted before Oct 13th, you will not know until after Oct 15th.

per AAMC....."the AAMC recommends that:.......each school notify all applicants -- other than combined college/M.D., Early Decision Progam (EDP), and deferred matriculation applicants -- of acceptance to medical school only after October 15 of each admission cycle."
 
I know this is a little far back in the thread but what PRT standards are you looking at? A 12 minute or under 1.5 mile PRT is at least a good low for anyone over 20. If you are 25 or over it is a good medium. If this guy can do an 8 minute mile pace for 1.5 miles he should be fine. He won't be a PT hard charger but he won't be put on FEP either.

You're right, I swim it so my times were off. By the way - I recommend swimming the PRT - if you have any experience swimming then it is a easy Excellent.
 
You're right, I swim it so my times were off. By the way - I recommend swimming the PRT - if you have any experience swimming then it is a easy Excellent.

+1 to that! I always swim the PRT when I can. Still had to do the run in ROTC so that is why I familiar with the times. I would clock in with the good low range for the run and excellent high for the swim. If you are even moderately experienced with swimming you you really need to look into it.
 
Even if you are accepted before Oct 13th, you will not know until after Oct 15th.

per AAMC....."the AAMC recommends that:.......each school notify all applicants -- other than combined college/M.D., Early Decision Progam (EDP), and deferred matriculation applicants -- of acceptance to medical school only after October 15 of each admission cycle."

I think he is more concerned that if he waited to do the physical he wouldn't hear from USUHS until after he gets the final word from DODMERB which takes about a month after the physical. I also don't know if that October 15th thing is observed because USUHS does not follow the AAMC universal dates.

However, until I had an unconditional acceptance I wouldn't cancel any other interviews. Anything can happen once DODMERB gets there hand on your physical.
 
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Got my physical information today. Scheduled for Sep 28 (earliest date available 🙁 ). Basically, they tell where to get your exams performed, you call and make an appointment. Go to a website and complete the medical history and indentifying information on the medical exam form and let them know when you have your doctor appts. Easy peasy until the beaurocrats get a hold of your completed exam.
 
I wouldn't worry too much - just know it may take a while to get medically cleared. I have a hx of asthma too. I did the original physical, writing on it (and having the physician write on it too) that I've completed half-marathons and triathlons with no problem and no medication (so have both you and the physician write your 8 mi/mile on yours). Make sure you also state that you no longer require medication (if that's true).

For the Navy, if the asthma was resolved when you were under 13 years of age you won't need a waiver. Unfortunately for me, I stopped taking meds before 13, but it wasn't on my record that I stopped, so I had to get a waiver.

After the original physical, I waited for quite a while to hear back from DoDMERB, and when I did they wanted a pre- and post- bronchodilator spirometry test (I think that's how you spell it). I'm told it's not bad, but don't take the test if you are sick! I don't think you can train for it. Here's the kicker - I wrote a nice formal letter to the waiver committee stating my case (grew out of it, stopped medication before 13 years of age, having completed X amount of activity without problems) and they gave me the waiver without any other question and I never had to take the test.

Now, your case may be different, but don't stress about it now, there's no point. Just try, it's all you can do. And make sure you stay in contact with Rebecca Patterson - you'll meet her at the interview. She was instrumental in me getting cleared! And she's super super nice and helpful!!

Good luck :luck: and congrats on the interview! 😀


Edit: not knowing whether you're male or female, grotto's PRT score is correct, but for males. If you're female and under 25, the 1.5 mile passing time is 15:15 so you'd be more than good.

thank you for your help and advice! you too, grotto!

what is the physical exam like? will my flat feet be a problem? maybe i'm not meant for this school. =(

i'm female, and i don't think that running 1.5 miles in 15:15 will be too difficult. i don't really know which branch i want to go into. i also don't know what to expect on interview day. is it two days? interview on one day then physical exam on the next day?
 
thank you for your help and advice! you too, grotto!

what is the physical exam like? will my flat feet be a problem? maybe i'm not meant for this school. =(

i'm female, and i don't think that running 1.5 miles in 15:15 will be too difficult. i don't really know which branch i want to go into. i also don't know what to expect on interview day. is it two days? interview on one day then physical exam on the next day?


You do the physical exam on your own, not as a part of the interview. The interview is just one day - they're always on Thursdays.

You'll get information on how to do your DoDMERB physical, but basically they will tell you what doctor in your area contracts with DoDMERB. You'll call them, make an appoint, fill out some paperwork, go to the appt, and the doc will turn in your paperwork.

I don't know much about flat feet. I do know from a Naval flight surgeon that he used to see Navy guys with it all the time - so it sounds like it's waiverable. You'll get kicked out of the Marine's for flat feet, but since they don't have physicians, you don't have to worry about that 😛
 
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