2009-2010 Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences Application Thread

[Segovia]

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I have already taken biochem and anatomy, but wanted to revisit the topics using the USMLE as a guidepost. I don't look at self-studying as nerdy since I enjoy the material anyway. Besides, I was also not told to start studying for the MCAT too early either, but the only reason I got accepted to med school this year was because I didn't take that advice....I had multiple F's and plenty of W's on my transcripts and was still able to get into a Cali school because of my MCAT, and I'll be damned if I get forced into a specialty because of a lackluster USMLE. And yes, I will be one of those ROADS guys. Nerdy? Yes. Will I land my specialty? Yes.

Maybe the advised trip doesn't really sound all that appealing to me since I just got out of the Navy and have been to plenty of places, but I can definitely see the allure. To each his/her own.

 

[NavyCy]

1. Train for a marathon and a triathalon

If you ever get a chance you should really try to do the Marine Corps Marathon. It runs through downtown D.C. and the entire 26 miles ends up lined with people. I tried to get a spot all 4 years in MD and never managed to get a lottery draw, but I had a lot of friends who completed and they said it was a fantastic marathon. Its also supposed to be a pretty good place to run a personal best time or qualify for Boston.

 

[xmsr3]

If you ever get a chance you should really try to do the Marine Corps Marathon. It runs through downtown D.C. and the entire 26 miles ends up lined with people. I tried to get a spot all 4 years in MD and never managed to get a lottery draw, but I had a lot of friends who completed and they said it was a fantastic marathon. Its also supposed to be a pretty good place to run a personal best time or qualify for Boston.

Heck yeah, I'll try! And if I'm lucky enough to get in I'll be running the thing in the USUHS t-shirt I just ordered from the alumni bookstore website, (Thanks Teacherman😀)

 

[caniac]

If you ever get a chance you should really try to do the Marine Corps Marathon. It runs through downtown D.C. and the entire 26 miles ends up lined with people. I tried to get a spot all 4 years in MD and never managed to get a lottery draw, but I had a lot of friends who completed and they said it was a fantastic marathon. Its also supposed to be a pretty good place to run a personal best time or qualify for Boston.

Amen to that!!! I ran it this year and it was AWESOME! There's a run to register event in march that will guarantee entry if you're in NoVA. Otherwise, become a fan on fb and they'll announce the first day reg is open. I think I registered on day 2-3 last march and it was 81% full. there's also the MCM historic half in fberg and runstock at quantico--they're really nice events and I've def seen USU shirts at both.

I don't know if I'd run the MCM in Mil garb though--I had a much more positive cheering section wearing a bright green "will run for margaritas" shirt. A few army guys got screamed at by the marine 2Lts. -- "why are you walking

on my course!!!" etc. also, don't run a marathon in a cotton shirt. That's just poor planning.

 

[pombeMD]

I just got a call saying I have been put on the wait list for the Navy. While I am very excited, I now face the choice of staying on the Navy wait list, or accepting another service.

While I am willing to accept another service, right now I really want to do Navy. Therefore my question is, at this point what are the chances of me being accepted off of the Navy wait list?

 

[xmsr3]

Amen to that!!! I ran it this year and it was AWESOME! There's a run to register event in march that will guarantee entry if you're in NoVA. Otherwise, become a fan on fb and they'll announce the first day reg is open. I think I registered on day 2-3 last march and it was 81% full. there's also the MCM historic half in fberg and runstock at quantico--they're really nice events and I've def seen USU shirts at both.

I don't know if I'd run the MCM in Mil garb though--I had a much more positive cheering section wearing a bright green "will run for margaritas" shirt. A few army guys got screamed at by the marine 2Lts. -- "why are you walking

on my course!!!" etc. also, don't run a marathon in a cotton shirt. That's just poor planning.

You're right, Under Armour for me, its just common sense.

 

[mslall]

I have already taken biochem and anatomy, but wanted to revisit the topics using the USMLE as a guidepost. I don't look at self-studying as nerdy since I enjoy the material anyway. Besides, I was also not told to start studying for the MCAT too early either, but the only reason I got accepted to med school this year was because I didn't take that advice....I had multiple F's and plenty of W's on my transcripts and was still able to get into a Cali school because of my MCAT, and I'll be damned if I get forced into a specialty because of a lackluster USMLE. And yes, I will be one of those ROADS guys. Nerdy? Yes. Will I land my specialty? Yes.

Maybe the advised trip doesn't really sound all that appealing to me since I just got out of the Navy and have been to plenty of places, but I can definitely see the allure. To each his/her own.

which specialty is that? Pathology? those guys like studying biochem.....they even come to help with our small group discussions. And, not to bust your bubble (i'm sure you've researched this already anyway), but there's a lot more than USMLE scores that go into landing your specialty in milmed. 1st year grades, 2nd year grades, and step 1 scores get you a combined total of 2 points with the joint service graduate medical education selection board.

You as someone who just gout out of the navy will get a few bonus points (2pts if you were involved in a medical capacity....1 if you weren't), but again....you probably knew that already 😉

 

[mslall]

for those of you who haven't done your research....or were looking for some more

reference
http://www.militarygme.org/3.html

under scoring sheets.

Also, to the person that was asking about what happens if with PGY 2 and not getting picked up for it.....browse that site...i'd bet the answer is there somewhere.

 

[KingJamesX]

I just got a call saying I have been put on the wait list for the Navy. While I am very excited, I now face the choice of staying on the Navy wait list, or accepting another service.

While I am willing to accept another service, right now I really want to do Navy. Therefore my question is, at this point what are the chances of me being accepted off of the Navy wait list?

I was just wondering when did you interview? I figured most of the admissions staff would be out for Holiday Break; good to see they are working hard to get this knot out of my stomach.

 

[pombeMD]

I was just wondering when did you interview? I figured most of the admissions staff would be out for Holiday Break; good to see they are working hard to get this knot out of my stomach.

I interviewed 10/28/2009. The only reason they called me in the first place was to confirm my address.

 

[NoMoreAMCAS]

How do we receive the final decision on our medical status? Email/Snail Mail/check it online?

 

[NoMoreAMCAS]

you NERDS......including you dwb8p. You're going to be studying your nuts off for the next 4 years and then working yourself like a dog for at least 3 more after that.....probably the rest of your life (unless you're one of those derm, rads, path, optho kind of guys). ENJOY this time!.....and the first year of medical school.....its not that hard

Hellllllll yeah.

 

[Erald Coil]

Re: Housing

Thanks mslall & Silverhorse84 for the insight. My fiancé (be married next spring) was visiting family near Bethesda today and went to check out both Rosedale and The Metropolitan. She's leaning toward Rosedale, but I'll be cruising Bethesda in April/May to view places and make a decision. It's just the two of us; no kids.


Re: EVERYTHING ELSE

AF Core Values are Integrity, Service, and Exellence. So there's that.

Also, there's this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVXGC896Jdw

🤣

 

[NoMoreAMCAS]

How do we receive the final decision on our medical status? Email/Snail Mail/check it online?

^^^^Do it Do it!!!!

 

[silverhorse84]

How do we receive the final decision on our medical status? Email/Snail Mail/check it online?

I think I heard from Rebecca because I was keeping close tabs on everything (I needed a waiver). You will get a snail mail unconditional letter with which you can assume you are medically cleared - this is probably how most people find out. DoDMERB won't tell you anything unless you call and ask (and pray you get someone who knows how to find out )

 

[NoMoreAMCAS]

I think I heard from Rebecca because I was keeping close tabs on everything (I needed a waiver). You will get a snail mail unconditional letter with which you can assume you are medically cleared - this is probably how most people find out. DoDMERB won't tell you anything unless you call and ask (and pray you get someone who knows how to find out )

Cool, thanks.

 

[DKDawg]

Hey, I'm interviewing next week. I'm trying to find out if any hosts are available, i've e-mailed the form and followed up once, but haven't heard anything. Is the campus closed for the holidays or something? Also, how many of you stayed for the simulation center tour? I have to get back to work on Friday, and the last flight out on Thursday is at 7:30 (southwest). What did you guys think of the tour? I also didn't get a security form after I called last week (thanks SDN posters for posting that beast). Happy New Year!

 

[Soba]

Cool, thanks.

Yeah, I have been faithfully calling DoDMERB every day for the past 7 business days. Finally medically cleared (official letter mailed on 29th), thank goodness.

Hey, I'm interviewing next week. I'm trying to find out if any hosts are available, i've e-mailed the form and followed up once, but haven't heard anything. Is the campus closed for the holidays or something? Also, how many of you stayed for the simulation center tour? I have to get back to work on Friday, and the last flight out on Thursday is at 7:30 (southwest). What did you guys think of the tour? I also didn't get a security form after I called last week (thanks SDN posters for posting that beast). Happy New Year!

Did you do the follow up via e-mail or phone? People are still working since I just called them today to verify the arrival of my transcripts.

I missed the sim tour since I had drive back ASAP for work the following day. Since the traffic is pretty bad over there, you wouldn't be able to make it to the 7:30pm flight considering that the tour ends around... 6:15pm?

As for the security form, call them again. Or just do the search function on SDN or Google and finish it ASAP. You are interviewing next week, so time is of the essence.

 

[NoMoreAMCAS]

Yeah, I have been faithfully calling DoDMERB every day for the past 7 business days. Finally medically cleared (official letter mailed on 29th), thank goodness.

Ok cool, so they actually send you a letter? If you don't mind me asking, when did you complete your physical/optometry appointments?

 

[Soba]

Ok cool, so they actually send you a letter? If you don't mind me asking, when did you complete your physical/optometry appointments?

1. Physical/Optometry done on 2009-10-20
2. Additional papers request notice received and sent on same day: 2009-11-12
3. Another papers request notice received (2009-11-26) and sent (2009-12-14)
4. Official approval (after all that fuzz, no medical waivers were needed after all 🙄) mailed by DoDMERB on 2009-12-29

I always sent my stuff my express mail. So you can see, in my case DoDMERB generally responds within 2 weeks from the day it receives the material.

How long have you been waiting for your response? Hope you can get it over with as soon as possible. Good luck!

 

[NoMoreAMCAS]

1. Physical/Optometry done on 2009-10-20
2. Additional papers request notice received and sent on same day: 2009-11-12
3. Another papers request notice received (2009-11-26) and sent (2009-12-14)
4. Official approval (after all that fuzz, no medical waivers were needed after all 🙄) mailed by DoDMERB on 2009-12-29

I always sent my stuff my express mail. So you can see, in my case DoDMERB generally responds within 2 weeks from the day it receives the material.

How long have you been waiting for your response? Hope you can get it over with as soon as possible. Good luck!

Thanks again for the info. I've been waiting about a month and a half. Hopefully i'll hear back soon.

 

[dru2002]

How do we receive the final decision on our medical status? Email/Snail Mail/check it online?

Both when I applied to the Naval Academy and for USUHS the status shows up on their website as soon as they make it. I also got an email from Rebecca about two days after I was qualified. And then within two weeks I got a letter in the mail. Hope that helps. I was ADD with the DodMERB status website; don't be me.

 

[DKDawg]

I did call to try and get the security forms, and the guy said he would e-mail me the forms after I emailed him, but haven't heard anything back. I just downloaded the form that someone posted earlier in the thread. Do I just bring the completed form with me on interview day with my passport?😕

I have not called about the student hosts. I can't really find a phone number for the office of student affairs. Has anyone had any experience with the hosting program? When do hosts usually get in touch with you? I figure if I don't hear anything early next week I'm going to overpay for a short-notice hotel and a cab to and from the campus? Is this feasible? 😕

 

[silverhorse84]

I did call to try and get the security forms, and the guy said he would e-mail me the forms after I emailed him, but haven't heard anything back. I just downloaded the form that someone posted earlier in the thread. Do I just bring the completed form with me on interview day with my passport?😕

I have not called about the student hosts. I can't really find a phone number for the office of student affairs. Has anyone had any experience with the hosting program? When do hosts usually get in touch with you? I figure if I don't hear anything early next week I'm going to overpay for a short-notice hotel and a cab to and from the campus? Is this feasible? 😕

Students are still on break until Monday. They've emailed us a few times about hosting, but I would imagine most students haven't been checking their email too religiously while on break (not that we check it religiously at any time).
I would be careful about cabs. You'll need to specify that you're going on base and there may be cab companies that don't have the clearance to do that. I've never taken a cab to school, so I'm sure there's some company that can do it, but just make sure when you call them. When I was at training over the summer in Newport, only about half the companies in the area could come on base. There is a metro stop just outside the main gate, and I believe there is a shuttle that will take you to the school. I don't have much experience with it though, so that may be something to call Metro about (http://www.wmata.com/) I have seen interviewees get contacted by a student just a couple of days before the interview, so don't give up hope - on the flip side though you may want to see about hotels early next week just in case.

Good luck!

 

[mslall]

Students are still on break until Monday. There is a metro stop just outside the main gate, and I believe there is a shuttle that will take you to the school. I don't have much experience with it though, so that may be something to call Metro about (http://www.wmata.com/) I have seen interviewees get contacted by a student just a couple of days before the interview, so don't give up hope - on the flip side though you may want to see about hotels early next week just in case.

Good luck!

It's about a 15-20 minute walk from the metro stop. If its not raining its actually a pretty nice walk. Although I did it in September of last year.....probably a bit colder in January. There are signs at almost every intersection pointing to the school so its tough to get lost.

 

[ahowardmd]

It's about a 15-20 minute walk from the metro stop. If its not raining its actually a pretty nice walk. Although I did it in September of last year.....probably a bit colder in January. There are signs at almost every intersection pointing to the school so its tough to get lost.

Make sure to bring an umbrella! I'm from Florida, so I was totally unprepared for rain when I came for my interview. I stood at the main gate for 20 minutes waiting for the guards to figure out that I was allowed on base, and I then made the 15 minute walk to the school, still raining. I wonder if the admissions folks took my soaking wet suit to mean that I'm determined?

Also, if you aren't used to wearing dress shoes, don't make that walk in them without band-aids or duct tape on your heels. My blisters didn't heal for what seemed like weeks.

 

[kcmedic]

I interviewed 10/22 and still haven't heard back. No call or letter. I sent a letter of intent with updates and my new autumn quarter grades a few days ago. Any idea what I should do next? This waiting game is so ridiculous.

 

[NavyCy]

I interviewed 10/22 and still haven't heard back. No call or letter. I sent a letter of intent with updates and my new autumn quarter grades a few days ago. Any idea what I should do next? This waiting game is so ridiculous.

Well, USUHS pretty much shut down for the holidays in mid December. That is only about 7 weeks after your interview and I think your expected wait time was 6-8 weeks. They probably haven't even seen your grades update yet. If you'd rather not wait, you could give the admissions office a call and see what they say. The waiting sucks but hopefully it works out for you soon.

On another topic, for those of you at USUHS, what are your prior classmates doing during the first summer when the rest of you are experiencing the fleet? I know it was talked about in general during our interview, but I'm curious about the specific opportunities that people are digging up.

 

[kcmedic]

Well, its been 10 weeks but yeah I hear you. I was getting worried because some others on here who were 10/22 have already heard back and those who interviewed after me appears to have gotten calls already. I'm just taking an empty mailbox as a good sign!

 

[silverhorse84]

I figure if I don't hear anything early next week I'm going to overpay for a short-notice hotel and a cab to and from the campus? Is this feasible? 😕

Ok, so in case you still haven't heard about a host and want to take a taxi to school for your interview day - I asked the gate guard this morning about companies. He said any company is fine, the cab will be searched when you get on base, and you have to be on the access list (which the admissions office automatically puts you on for that day). I would go through the main gate on Wisconsin because they are most likely to actually have the list and have it updated - and make sure you have a government issued ID. (I say this assuming you're non-prior and don't have a military ID)

 

[Erald Coil]

I was just viewing the 2009-2010 MS1 class schedules here and noticed a lot of scheduled "Dean's Time" but no explanation of what that is.

Can anyone tell me what "Dean's Time" is...?
I'm hoping it's personal study time. 👍

 

[silverhorse84]

I was just viewing the 2009-2010 MS1 class schedules here and noticed a lot of scheduled "Dean's Time" but no explanation of what that is.

Can anyone tell me what "Dean's Time" is...?
I'm hoping it's personal study time. 👍

Yeah, its just what they put for time not in class.

 

[Erald Coil]

Yeah, its just what they put for time not in class.

Thanks again Silverhorse84 - looks like a fair schedule.
Do you know where I can find new student orientation info? For example Chain of Command, sick call procedures, etc... I know this will all come (and possibly change) in time, but I need something to feed my impatient mind while doing repetitive research lab bench work for the next 6 months.

 

[ahowardmd]

Yeah, its just what they put for time not in class.

I was just looking through the schedule, and it looks like the schedule is different every week. Is there any rhyme or reason to this? I figured with the military, the schedule would be the same all semester, like undergrad was.

 

[mwilso30]

Well, its been 10 weeks but yeah I hear you. I was getting worried because some others on here who were 10/22 have already heard back and those who interviewed after me appears to have gotten calls already. I'm just taking an empty mailbox as a good sign!

I completely understand how you feel. I interviewed 10/28, emailed a letter of intent, yet no word. So I think that the next step is to call.
I just received a remedial from dodmerb. asking for more paperwork and another exam.... Did any of you require remedial exams or paperwork??

 

[ruiner]

I completely understand how you feel. I interviewed 10/28, emailed a letter of intent, yet no word. So I think that the next step is to call.
I just received a remedial from dodmerb. asking for more paperwork and another exam.... Did any of you require remedial exams or paperwork??

Yes I had to retake the piss test. Not the drug test, the UA. Something was off and apparently wasn't the second time.

 

[Segovia]

Has anybody received an email from the school asking for Fall Grades? A few days I ago I got this request, and was wondering if anyone has heard the same. By the way, I interviewed on 10/28...good luck to those still waiting.

 

[ahowardmd]

Has anybody received an email from the school asking for Fall Grades? A few days I ago I got this request, and was wondering if anyone has heard the same. By the way, I interviewed on 10/28...good luck to those still waiting.

I sent in my Fall grades before Christmas, but I never received an email about it. I just remember hearing at the interview that we have to send in our grades at the end of each semester.

 

[Dr Buddy]

I called admissions today because time had went past the timeline I was told for an admissions decisions (I interviewed 10/29)

I was told a couple pieces of information thought you guys might want to know:

1) The next round of calls will be on 15JAN. There were no calls toward the end of December due to the holidays.

2) Navy is NOT on a waitlist yet.

Good luck all...looks like everyone can take a few deep breaths for the next 11 days

 

[pombeMD]

2) Navy is NOT on a waitlist yet.

I do not think this is true, since I was put on the Navy wait list. Who did you hear this from?

 

[Tenbusu]

Has anybody received an email from the school asking for Fall Grades? A few days I ago I got this request, and was wondering if anyone has heard the same. By the way, I interviewed on 10/28...good luck to those still waiting.

I was going to wait till this week to send in my fall grades, but I got a request for them on 30 Dec. I interviewed 19 Nov. In my reply I asked if they could tell me how many AF spots are left. The response: "yes, there are still AF spots available".

 

[DKDawg]

Thanks for all the info. My host got in touch with me today, and I filled out the security form last night. Looks like I was just getting too anxious . Thanks again!😀

 

[Toketa]

I was going to wait till this week to send in my fall grades, but I got a request for them on 30 Dec. I interviewed 19 Nov. In my reply I asked if they could tell me how many AF spots are left. The response: "yes, there are still AF spots available".

Thank goodness for that! AF was my first choice and I was starting to get a little paranoid. Thanks Tenbusu and I hope that we hear good news on the 15th!

 

[WoWdoc]

Hey guys, I am interviewing this Thursday and I have a little question.

If I select no preference for the branch I'm interested in will that improve my odds of getting an acceptance letter?

The reason I ask is
A) I know it's sort of late in the interview cycle and my number one priority is to get an acceptance into USU
B) I realize each branch has their own pros/cons. At the end of the day though I'll still be practicing medicine. I'm sure I'll be happy in whatever branch I end up.

I just wanted to make sure whether or not it will hurt my cause by selecting no preference.

 

[Tenbusu]

Her are the BAH rates for 20814, in case anyone was wondering. Sorry for all the hyphens, I couldn't figure out how to format the list! Very little change in 2010:

-----------O-1 w/dep----O-1 w/o dep----O-1 w/dep-----O-1E w/o dep
2009--------1662------------1964----------1917-------------2346
2010--------1647------------1977----------1941-------------2340
change------(-15)-----------(+13)---------(+24)-------------(-6)

dep=dependents

http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/bah.html

 

[silverhorse84]

Her are the BAH rates for 20814, in case anyone was wondering. Sorry for all the hyphens, I couldn't figure out how to format the list! Very little change in 2010:

-----------O-1 w/dep----O-1 w/o dep----O-1 w/dep-----O-1E w/o dep
2009--------1662------------1964----------1917-------------2346
2010--------1647------------1977----------1941-------------2340
change------(-15)-----------(+13)---------(+24)-------------(-6)

dep=dependents

http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/bah.html

You've got some of these switched. With dependents should be more than without (so O-1 w/o dep is 1647 and O-1 w/ dependents is 1977. Haha, I was so confused - I was thinking "I sure don't get $1977 right now!" 😛

 

[Tenbusu]

Yeah, I reversed all of them. Sorry! Here's the corrected version:

-----------O-1 w/o dep----O-1 w/dep----O-1 w/o dep-----O-1E w/dep
2009--------1662------------1964----------1917-------------2346
2010--------1647------------1977----------1941-------------2340
change------(-15)-----------(+13)---------(+24)-------------(-6)

 

[mslall]

Hey guys, I am interviewing this Thursday and I have a little question.

If I select no preference for the branch I'm interested in will that improve my odds of getting an acceptance letter?

The reason I ask is
A) I know it's sort of late in the interview cycle and my number one priority is to get an acceptance into USU
B) I realize each branch has their own pros/cons. At the end of the day though I'll still be practicing medicine. I'm sure I'll be happy in whatever branch I end up.

I just wanted to make sure whether or not it will hurt my cause by selecting no preference.

I'm not really sure how this would work. I think putting 'no preference' may not hurt your application, but I don't think its going to help you out either. Your best bet, at least judging from last year, is to put Army first. For the Class of 2013 they pulled several people off of the alternate list.

 

[Soba]

How soon did you receive your orders from HRC to move/PCS/etc to Bethesda? I have been to OBC already, and I would prefer to have ample time to clear post and move my meager household goods. Thanks!

Question #2: USUHS students get paid FLPP/FLPB or its Navy/AF equivalent, right?

 

[stevesavi]

Hey, I have 3+ yrs enlisted time in service prior to taking a green to gold scholarship. Will these years in service count towards pay while at usuhs, it is a difference of approx $600/month i think.