2009-2010 Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences Application Thread

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What does 'Student Acceptance Rate' mean? The PDF says it's 61%, but I have no idea of the context of this number. Even if you take the #spots/#interviewed, this is roughly 20%.



Hey Army folks, have you started doing the online homework yet? I just started on the CBRNE short course, but I hear it takes 8 hours to finish. It was also a pain in the @ss to set up the AKO account.

I assumed that student acceptance rate means % of students who accepted their spot when offered. So I guess that means that 39% of the class is made up of waitlist students.
 
I assumed that student acceptance rate means % of students who accepted their spot when offered. So I guess that means that 39% of the class is made up of waitlist students.

If you're correct, 39% waitlist offers isn't too shabby. I'm still waiting though! :whistle:
 
Do you know when the physical fitness test will be given? Beginning/end of OTC or something? Not too worried-- soccer should have me in shape, but I stuggle with any upper body stuff (soccer players just have to have a good core and strong legs-- arms are overrated🙂)

I really hope this is a joke? If you're athletic enough to compete at the varsity level in any sport (with maybe golf being the exception) you should be able to complete 40 push-ups as a male and 17 as a female (if you're army...the other service standards for barely passing are similar) unless you're a 6'7, rail-thin keeper with a 7'4 wingspan. Now if you're an intramural soccer "stud" or played soccer in high-school and have played twice a year since, it might be a little more difficult.

That being said if you're having trouble start working now so when you show up to your respective service training you can at least pass the APFT, PFA, or whatever the AF calls theirs. The minimum standards for passing are more than achievable for anyone. Now, as an officer [even if it is in the Medical (Service) Corps], you're still looked on as a leader and should strive to excel physically (read somewhere at or above 270 if not a 300....this doesn't work for the navy since they don't do a numerical score). If you don't pass you will have to do remedial (read 0530 to 0700 MWF), you also will not technically graduate OBC (in the Army). You can still come and attend school, but you're creating a paperwork hassle for yourself because once you actually do pass PT you'll have to apply for constructive credit for OBC.

Congrats to everyone that has gotten in and to those getting in off the waitlist. If anyone has questions about Bethesda/DC, living arrangements, or school in general feel free to send me a PM.
 
I really hope this is a joke? If you're athletic enough to compete at the varsity level in any sport (with maybe golf being the exception) you should be able to complete 40 push-ups as a male and 17 as a female (if you're army...the other service standards for barely passing are similar) unless you're a 6'7, rail-thin keeper with a 7'4 wingspan. Now if you're an intramural soccer "stud" or played soccer in high-school and have played twice a year since, it might be a little more difficult.

That being said if you're having trouble start working now so when you show up to your respective service training you can at least pass the APFT, PFA, or whatever the AF calls theirs. The minimum standards for passing are more than achievable for anyone. Now, as an officer [even if it is in the Medical (Service) Corps], you're still looked on as a leader and should strive to excel physically (read somewhere at or above 270 if not a 300....this doesn't work for the navy since they don't do a numerical score). If you don't pass you will have to do remedial (read 0530 to 0700 MWF), you also will not technically graduate OBC (in the Army). You can still come and attend school, but you're creating a paperwork hassle for yourself because once you actually do pass PT you'll have to apply for constructive credit for OBC.

Congrats to everyone that has gotten in and to those getting in off the waitlist. If anyone has questions about Bethesda/DC, living arrangements, or school in general feel free to send me a PM.

yes, i was half-joking, half-asking how difficult this physical fitness test actually is. I hadn't looked up the test previous to posting, but after looking at it realized I really have nothing to worry about. My bigger concern now is making sure I'm re-acclimated to the humid weather of DC after living up north for undergrad
 
yes, i was half-joking, half-asking how difficult this physical fitness test actually is. I hadn't looked up the test previous to posting, but after looking at it realized I really have nothing to worry about. My bigger concern now is making sure I'm re-acclimated to the humid weather of DC after living up north for undergrad

Yeah, this one took me a while. It was a freakishly cold summer in Newport for ODS without much humidity so that didn't help. Coming from the coast of CA, I'm used to it being cold when it's dark and cold when it's raining no matter what time of year! Today it's raining, but still above 70 and humid. Even after moving here and running outside last August, I'm still not used to it at all. I still reflexively grab a sweatshirt if I walk out of my apartment after dark, only to realize once I open the front door that I really don't need it one bit! :laugh:
 
Army has y'all starting your computer based training already!? :laugh:

Yeah, they budget time for it during OBC, but they are giving us the opportunity to complete it before. I'm guessing I'll have more free time this way...or rather probably time to work on other tasks.

I assumed that student acceptance rate means % of students who accepted their spot when offered. So I guess that means that 39% of the class is made up of waitlist students.

Ohhh, this makes sense. Good call.
 
Yeah, this one took me a while. It was a freakishly cold summer in Newport for ODS without much humidity so that didn't help. Coming from the coast of CA, I'm used to it being cold when it's dark and cold when it's raining no matter what time of year! Today it's raining, but still above 70 and humid. Even after moving here and running outside last August, I'm still not used to it at all. I still reflexively grab a sweatshirt if I walk out of my apartment after dark, only to realize once I open the front door that I really don't need it one bit! :laugh:

I grew up here in DC and hated the summers. After living and training in Cleveland for 3 summers, and spending another 3 summers in Atlanta (which is hot, but the humidity doesn't compare) I'm not used to the heat anymore. I was reminded of this last weekend when I went to play a 3pm soccer game and got out of my car already sweating. I used to refuse to turn on the A/C before Memorial Day, but with it supposed to hit 91 on Thursday, I'm not sure I'm gonna make it🙂
 
Yeah, they budget time for it during OBC, but they are giving us the opportunity to complete it before. I'm guessing I'll have more free time this way...or rather probably time to work on other tasks.

I wouldn't spend free time doing CBRNE or whatever training unless I was getting paid for it - actively. But then again I've been guard so long that all the mandatory training BS has started to sound like a joke to me. If it gives you free time on base, during training, to run errands or whatever then it's probably well worth doing in advance! 👍 👍 👍

I really hope this is a joke?

Good comments on PT overall. However, I'm an average Joe who hasn't been
working out more than 1X weekly for the last 3 years and AF standards recently changed, according to my guard unit's Public Health dude, so I might actually have to put some effort into my next PT test... >_<

But, like you said, "the minimum standards are achievable for anyone..." [who meets DODMERB requirements and puts a little effort into passing]. It's important, but not the first thing you should be concerned about. PT will be a way of life for us occifers, not just a requirement, right...? Right. 😎

Can anyone tell me what the past drop-out rates are for MS-1's at USUHS? Just curious...
 
Can anyone tell me what the past drop-out rates are for MS-1's at USUHS? Just curious...


I believe that we (the MSIs), have lost 4 so far this year. 2 asked to leave, 1 went out of the area without submitting a leave request, and the last just left due to grades (but since this person was hardly ever seen, even at required classes, I think this person failed due to lack of effort, not lack of smarts).
 
I have to ask... Why were 2 asked to leave?


They weren't asked to leave, they approached their leadership and requested to leave. I didn't know them personally, so I don't know the exact circumstances, but I assume they just decided medical school wasn't for them.
 
I finished my third and final online required training course a couple of days ago and here are my thoughts. The terrorist training and risk management course are no big thing, common sense stuff and easy multiple choice tests.

The CBRNE short course is power point hell, yes it takes 8 hours and the tests are harder, though there is no particular cutoff for passing, they just want you to complete every slide to get certified.

From what Major Toffin has sent us it appears if you don't do them ahead of time you must do them after regular classes at OBLC, after 1730-1800 when your scheduled classes end.

I would highly recommend doing them all now, especially the CBRNE short course. I can't imagine how terrible it would be to spend all day looking at power point slides in my regular classes and then have to spend hours more in my free time with the online courses.

Get them done now and you will have the evenings off to get to know your service mates, workout or just relax.
 
Quick question for anyone at USUHS who has been taped.

What are the rules regarding the tape test, in terms of sucking in your stomach?

From google searches it appears that they allow people to scrunch down their heads, (to make their necks thicker) and suck in their stomachs. Is that true?

I am currently at a 36 inch waist (stomach sucked in) and 15.5 inch neck so I pass by 2 inches and am working hard on hitting my weight cutoff, (10 lbs over most of it water weight I think) and I want to make sure I am checking my progress using the official Army method.
 
Quick question for anyone at USUHS who has been taped.

What are the rules regarding the tape test, in terms of sucking in your stomach?

From google searches it appears that they allow people to scrunch down their heads, (to make their necks thicker) and suck in their stomachs. Is that true?

I am currently at a 36 inch waist (stomach sucked in) and 15.5 inch neck so I pass by 2 inches and am working hard on hitting my weight cutoff, (10 lbs over most of it water weight I think) and I want to make sure I am checking my progress using the official Army method.

B-4. Circumference sites and landmarks for males
a. Abdomen. The soldier being measured will be standing with arms relaxed. The abdominal measurement is taken at a level coinciding with the midpoint of the navel (belly button) with the tape placed so that it is level all the way around the soldier being measured. Record the measurement at the end of a normal expiration. It is important that the soldier does not attempt to hold his abdomen in, thus resulting in a smaller measurement. Also the tape must be kept level across the abdomen and back.
b. Neck. The soldier being measured will be standing, looking straight ahead, chin parallel to the floor. The measurement is taken by placing the tape around the neck at a level just below the larynx (Adam's apple). Do not place the tape measure over the Adam's apple. The tape will be as close to horizontal (the tape line in the front of the neck should be at the same height as the tape line in the back of the neck) as anatomically feasible. In many cases the tape will slant down toward the front of the neck. Therefore, care should be taken so as not to involve the shoulder/neck muscles (trapezius) in the measurement. This is a possibility when a soldier has a short neck.

-army reg 600-9
https://www.benning.army.mil/bolc/content/ICP/regulations/ICP Army Regulation 600-9 SHO.doc

From there it depends on who is doing the taping on how strictly they enforce the no sucking rule. You've been busting your ass to get there so I'm sure you can make it under body fat. Good luck dude! See ya in a few months.
 
Sad. Also-- with the leave request person. Was that one time or had they had a history of leaving the area without leave?

I don't really know. We're only first years, so it's not like any of us has a long history of leave. I'm sure it was worse considering that the person traveled to another country.
 
I believe that we (the MSIs), have lost 4 so far this year...

If Class of 2014 makes it to MS2 without losing a single member for any reason, then I'll dress like a Blue Man Group dude (or maybe just MOP4) and run 5 laps around the White House. Anyone wanna join me on this challenge? 😀
 
If Class of 2014 makes it to MS2 without losing a single member for any reason, then I'll dress like a Blue Man Group dude (or maybe just MOP4) and run 5 laps around the White House. Anyone wanna join me on this challenge? 😀

I'm totally holding you to this 😀
 
If Class of 2014 makes it to MS2 without losing a single member for any reason, then I'll dress like a Blue Man Group dude (or maybe just MOP4) and run 5 laps around the White House. Anyone wanna join me on this challenge? 😀

Can you imagine the headlines that would follow this little episode?

I am also gonna hold you to this.
 
Can you imagine the headlines...

Just to be clear, I meant the White House perimeter - whatever is publicly accessible. I will not be gate-jumping. And you can definitely hold me to this. 👍

I would be happy to keep up my end of the challenge if we all make it through MS1 intact. :xf:

Anybody going to join me in this challenge...?
 
Just to be clear, I meant the White House perimeter - whatever is publicly accessible. I will not be gate-jumping. And you can definitely hold me to this. 👍

I would be happy to keep up my end of the challenge if we all make it through MS1 intact. :xf:

Anybody going to join me in this challenge...?
If I get in, I'll join you🙂
 
Just to be clear, I meant the White House perimeter - whatever is publicly accessible. I will not be gate-jumping. And you can definitely hold me to this. 👍

I would be happy to keep up my end of the challenge if we all make it through MS1 intact. :xf:

Anybody going to join me in this challenge...?

I'm in!
 
I finished my third and final online required training course a couple of days ago and here are my thoughts. The terrorist training and risk management course are no big thing, common sense stuff and easy multiple choice tests.

The CBRNE short course is power point hell, yes it takes 8 hours and the tests are harder, though there is no particular cutoff for passing, they just want you to complete every slide to get certified.

From what Major Toffin has sent us it appears if you don't do them ahead of time you must do them after regular classes at OBLC, after 1730-1800 when your scheduled classes end.

I would highly recommend doing them all now, especially the CBRNE short course. I can't imagine how terrible it would be to spend all day looking at power point slides in my regular classes and then have to spend hours more in my free time with the online courses.

Get them done now and you will have the evenings off to get to know your service mates, workout or just relax.

Good job getting them done. I really want to start on the CBRNE course, but whenever I'm in JKO and I click on "take courses", I always get a 'problem loading page' thing from firefox. It's worked a few times, but the majority of the time it doesn't work for me. Is this happening to anybody else?
 
If Class of 2014 makes it to MS2 without losing a single member for any reason, then I'll dress like a Blue Man Group dude (or maybe just MOP4) and run 5 laps around the White House. Anyone wanna join me on this challenge? 😀

Do we get issued chem gear at USUHS? If so, I'm in!
 
I'd think twice about making that deal. (and I'm not that sane what with jumping into the chesapeake during a 20 degree blizzard in January to raise money for the Special Olympics, but that's another story). First, our class lost someone the first week (from West Point no less, so it definitely wasn't the military isn't a fit for me deal) with many more to follow after that. Plus, I think a large group in chem gear near the white house might attract the wrong kind of attention from those guys in suits standing around the perimeter. Just saying. 🙄

And on a random note, if anyone is still looking for housing, I'm graduating next week so we've drastically dropped the asking price for our condo by the metro 10 min from USUHS driving and 3 stops away on the Red line metro in an effort to get a lease this month. Take a gander!

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/apa/1724880076.html

$1690 / 3br - Beautiful Garden Condo Near Metro. ALL utilities incl. Pet friendly. (Rockville) (map)

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Date: 2010-05-04, 7:57PM EDT
Reply to: [email protected] [Errors when replying to ads?]

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Property Description:
- 1,145 square foot garden condo community with a cherry tree right outside your patio door (Bethesda Park staff will clean up the petals)
- Close to NIH, NNMC, USUHS, Walter Reed, Walter Reed Annex, and a short commute to DC/Pentagon.
- 30-45 min commute to Andrews AFB, Ft Belvoir, Ft Meade, Bolling AFB
- 1 mile from Twinbrook Metro (bus stop immediately in front of complex)
- Close to Rockville Pike/shopping centers and multiple grocery stores
- School bus stop 50ft from back door; nationally ranked school system
- Numerous parks and biking trails close-by

Unit Features:
- First floor with private patio and easy access to common court yard
- All utilities (i.e. gas, electricity, water, garbage, and recycling) and appliances (i.e. refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and garbage disposal) included
- Walk-in closet; outside storage closet
- Bright adjustable halogen track lighting in living room (see picture on left)
- Den/study large enough to be a bedroom (12’X8’)
- Comcast cable and Verizon FIOS ready
- ADT alarm equipment pre-installed

Property Features:
- Washer and dryer 5 feet from front door
- Three parking spaces included
- Year-round use of tennis courts and playgrounds
- Outdoor swimming pool open in the summer
- Grounds maintained by Bethesda Park at no additional cost
- Property patrolled by off-duty police officers

Leasing information:
- $1690/month; payment by credit or check
- 1 month rent deposit
- $30 application fee (waived for military or with credit report)
- Pet friendly; deposit required; fully refundable
- Military owned; USUHS grad; Military clause honored

Additional Information:
- Bethesda Park Condos: http://www.bethesdapark.net
- Real rentals ad: http://www.realrentals.com/my-listings/?id=144597
- Additional Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/chadroselynjan
 
If Class of 2014 makes it to MS2 without losing a single member for any reason, then I'll dress like a Blue Man Group dude (or maybe just MOP4) and run 5 laps around the White House. Anyone wanna join me on this challenge? 😀

I'm in, except I will dress up like Green Man from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia! "Green Man is saving your life right now, bro. Just go with the flow..."
 
If Class of 2014 makes it to MS2 without losing a single member for any reason, then I'll dress like a Blue Man Group dude (or maybe just MOP4) and run 5 laps around the White House. Anyone wanna join me on this challenge? 😀


Erald, I'm with ya on this one bro. I bet our classmates will stick the year out just to see all of us do this! :zip:
 
I'm in, except I will dress up like Green Man from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia! "Green Man is saving your life right now, bro. Just go with the flow..."

Dayman - a-a-ah! Fighter of the night man - a-a-ah!
Champion of the sun... He's a master of karate and friendship for everyone!



Thanks for reminding me of the finest things in life. Now I have an avatar that I can really connect to, that really means something to me, that touches me to my core. Just like the nightman....

edit: Of yeah, I'm in on this "lets-be-US-soldiers-and-somehow-STILL-get-sent-to-guantanamo" bet, but only if I can dress like dayman...
 
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Hey everyone, I posted this before and a female is showing a lot of interest, but is looking for roommates. If anyone else is looking for a roommate or if there is a family out there that will be moving here in June, please let me know. The location and townhome are very nice. We need to people to start renting in June.

Here are some pictures of the townhome, enjoy! Hope to hear from you and congrats on your acceptances to USUHS!

http://musicfl2002.myphotoalbum.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=album01&page=1
 
...but only if I can dress like dayman...

Hahaha, sure whatever it takes to tap into your inner superhero. :laugh:
I might opt for an Electron Boy costume instead. The Blue Man Group has no super powers... >_>

Maybe to make this more interesting we can adjust the limit to three students? If we lose more than three in the first year then our superhero costumes do not see the light of day. Every class loses a few students first year, but if we cooperate well then we might not lose anyone who doesn't truly want/need to separate. 🙂

Also, I don't think there's anything wrong/illegal/dangerous about running a few laps around the gates of the White House wearing superhero costumes. MOP4 was a bad idea, sure, but superheros should be good, right...? 👍
 
you get issued your JS-list for Kerkeshner, so, theoretically, you would have it at the end of first year.
 
Does anybody know the exact date of the white coat ceremony for incoming USUHS class of 2014?
 
Does anybody know the exact date of the white coat ceremony for incoming USUHS class of 2014?


The White Coat ceremony is organized and put on by members of your class, so once you have leadership (president, etc), they will at some point ask to form a committee to organize the event. At that point, the committee will decide on a date. It's usually done in the spring, and if they're considerate, the committee will chose a date when you don't have exams. For reference ours is going to be May 28. If I remember right they decided on a date in late Feb/early March.
 
I was just upgraded from the alternate list, to the waitlist for the PHS. I have lost the blue sheet telling me about the waitlists, but I am assuming it would be a good idea to switch to Navy/Army since PHS only takes 4 students? Thoughts...
 
I was just upgraded from the alternate list, to the waitlist for the PHS. I have lost the blue sheet telling me about the waitlists, but I am assuming it would be a good idea to switch to Navy/Army since PHS only takes 4 students? Thoughts...

I'd recommend against navy-- from all I've heard they've always had the longest waitlist... Air force or army would be the way to go. That said, I think u should stick with what u want to go into most... Phs prob has a very short waiting list since theyonly take 4 or 6...
That's my opinion...🙂
 
I was just upgraded from the alternate list, to the waitlist for the PHS. I have lost the blue sheet telling me about the waitlists, but I am assuming it would be a good idea to switch to Navy/Army since PHS only takes 4 students? Thoughts...


For what it's worth, I know last year there was a guy who was offered a PHS spot who was on the Army waitlist, so I would assume they had exhausted the PHS waitlist. He actually turned it down, because he didn't want to do PHS, so it must have gone to even another person.

That said, waitlists can vary from year to year, so don't take this as gold. I would also advise against Navy; AF is probably a little better than Navy, and Army is probably the best out of the 3 (Army, Navy, AF).

You could call the school and ask about the PHS waitlist.
 
I was just upgraded from the alternate list, to the waitlist for the PHS. I have lost the blue sheet telling me about the waitlists, but I am assuming it would be a good idea to switch to Navy/Army since PHS only takes 4 students? Thoughts...


Congrats on getting the bump-up! Were you shooting for the IHS track? I know I'm attending USUHS under the NIAID track, and am fairly certain the other NIAID person is as well. I have no idea about the two IHS people that were accepted though. Hope this helps. Good luck!
 
Dr. Calloway called me yesterday. I actually missed the call and was fighting with my phone for what seemed like an hour trying to call her back! (It was probably 5 minutes). Offered a spot in the Air Force;-)

PS... Any AF ppl know when/where the offcier training is? I'm not home for a couple days and don't have those papers with me...

Excuse me while I go continue dancing;-)
 
Dr. Calloway called me yesterday. I actually missed the call and was fighting with my phone for what seemed like an hour trying to call her back! (It was probably 5 minutes). Offered a spot in the Air Force;-)

PS... Any AF ppl know when/where the offcier training is? I'm not home for a couple days and don't have those papers with me...

Excuse me while I go continue dancing;-)

Congrats!
 
Dr. Calloway called me yesterday. I actually missed the call and was fighting with my phone for what seemed like an hour trying to call her back! (It was probably 5 minutes). Offered a spot in the Air Force;-)

PS... Any AF ppl know when/where the offcier training is? I'm not home for a couple days and don't have those papers with me...

Excuse me while I go continue dancing;-)

Congrats!

28 June-30 July, see you there!
 
PS... Any AF ppl know when/where the offcier training is? I'm not home for a couple days and don't have those papers with me...

Congrats on your acceptance!!

OBC: 28 June - 30 July (Maxwell-Genter AFB, AL)

Report to University: 2-6 August
Brigade In-Processing: 9-13 August
Medical School Orientation: 16-10 August
First Day of Classes (!!): 23 August

Comissioned Officer Training Web Address:

http://www.au.af.mil/au/holmcenter/OTS/COT-RCOT/index.asp
 
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Congrats on your acceptance!!

OBC: 28 June - 30 July (Maxwell-Genter AFB, AL)

Report to University: 2-6 August
Brigade In-Processing: 9-13 August
Medical School Orientation: 16-10 August
First Day of Classes (!!): 23 August

Comissioned Officer Training Web Address:

http://www.au.af.mil/au/holmcenter/OTS/COT-RCOT/index.asp

Congrats on the AF. Since, getting accepted Ive already called them a few times. I asked them if they had any sort of accepted student site and they dont, which stinks. Just fyi since I didnt know this and called them today apparently the stuff they mail you for your acceptance takes 7-10 days to arrive.
 
Congrats on your acceptance!!

OBC: 28 June - 30 July (Maxwell-Genter AFB, AL)

Report to University: 2-6 August
Brigade In-Processing: 9-13 August
Medical School Orientation: 16-10 August
First Day of Classes (!!): 23 August

Comissioned Officer Training Web Address:

http://www.au.af.mil/au/holmcenter/OTS/COT-RCOT/index.asp

Thanks pinknoise for the info🙂

DB85-- thanks for the heads up. I'll try my brest to be patient🙂
 
Dr. Calloway called me yesterday. I actually missed the call and was fighting with my phone for what seemed like an hour trying to call her back! (It was probably 5 minutes). Offered a spot in the Air Force;-)

PS... Any AF ppl know when/where the offcier training is? I'm not home for a couple days and don't have those papers with me...

Excuse me while I go continue dancing;-)


Congrats!👍
 
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