2016-2017 Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences Application Thread

[BunnyMan17]

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The med students I stayed with interviewed in November and called that late, although I don't know when they received the invite. I know they get to a point where people are still interviewing but they're interviewing for waitlist spots instead of conditional/unconditional acceptances.

 

[DrDwayneJohnson]

At your interview did they give any information about where they are in the interview cycle, or when they expect slots to fill up? What's the latest they will send out IIs?

For reference, I was complete on 8/2 and received an II for Oct 27th a couple of weeks ago.

 

[jeannie1]

This is the list of interview dates

08 SEPTEMBER 2016
15 SEPTEMBER 2016
22 SEPTEMBER 2016
29 SEPTEMBER 2016
06 OCTOBER 2016
13 OCTOBER 2016
20 OCTOBER 2016
27 OCTOBER 2016
03 NOVEMBER 2016
10 NOVEMBER 2016
17 NOVEMBER 2016
01 DECEMBER 2016
08 DECEMBER 2016
15 DECEMBER 2016
05 JANUARY 2017
12 JANUARY 2017

Not sure how full they are. USUHS can only accept up to the seats they have, so you may see people waitlisted earlier, but they will eventually be accepted.

Thanks

 

[jeannie1]

For reference, I was complete on 8/2 and received an II for Oct 27th a couple of weeks ago.

Ok yeah I was complete 8/22, still really hoping for II

 

[jeannie1]

The med students I stayed with interviewed in November and called that late, although I don't know when they received the invite. I know they get to a point where people are still interviewing but they're interviewing for waitlist spots instead of conditional/unconditional acceptances.

What is conditional vs unconditional acceptance for USU?

 

[JPSmyth]

I received an interview here, and while I am very excited to have been selected, I am having second thoughts about the 13+ year commitment to the military. This would be a drastically different lifestyle than any other medical school, and from what I have been reading on these forums there are some downsides. Is anybody else in this situation? I only have a few other MD interviews, and if USUHS is my lone acceptance this cycle I would have to really think about it before accepting. Does anybody else feel this way?

 

[RightTwix]

I received an interview here, and while I am very excited to have been selected, I am having second thoughts about the 13+ year commitment to the military. This would be a drastically different lifestyle than any other medical school, and from what I have been reading on these forums there are some downsides. Is anybody else in this situation? I only have a few other MD interviews, and if USUHS is my lone acceptance this cycle I would have to really think about it before accepting. Does anybody else feel this way?

I would say that there are downsides to either path you take, but you definitely shouldn't just join the military for money. Personally, I think that the early leadership opportunities in the military, along with the work atmosphere and the dedicated people you work with and serve are unparalleled. I also love to travel and love change, but I will note that as a doctor in the military you really have more say over what you do compared to other people. I know doctors who have stayed in the same major hospital for over 10 years now. I also know a doctor who ran a department only three years out of residency in Germany. You'll have chances you won't have elsewhere, but you'll hate it if you really think it's not for you. If it's not too much of a financial burden, I'd go. You really learn so much about their mission and resources while you are there and my interview with a faculty member was very truthful. They'll tell you what they do and don't like, and really give you an honest answer to help you decide for yourself.

 

[JPSmyth]

I would say that there are downsides to either path you take, but you definitely shouldn't just join the military for money. Personally, I think that the early leadership opportunities in the military, along with the work atmosphere and the dedicated people you work with and serve are unparalleled. I also love to travel and love change, but I will note that as a doctor in the military you really have more say over what you do compared to other people. I know doctors who have stayed in the same major hospital for over 10 years now. I also know a doctor who ran a department only three years out of residency in Germany. You'll have chances you won't have elsewhere, but you'll hate it if you really think it's not for you. If it's not too much of a financial burden, I'd go. You really learn so much about their mission and resources while you are there and my interview with a faculty member was very truthful. They'll tell you what they do and don't like, and really give you an honest answer to help you decide for yourself.

Thank you, I will definitely attend the interview. I guess my main concern would be that once I sign, I become property of the military. With a family in the future I may not want to be stationed someplace like the Middle East for example, but I won't have a say

 

[RightTwix]

Thank you, I will definitely attend the interview. I guess my main concern would be that once I sign, I become property of the military. With a family in the future I may not want to be stationed someplace like the Middle East for example, but I won't have a say

Did you mean deployed or stationed? Doctors usually don't deploy as often as everyone else, and if you do you are very well taken care of. The military also has a big family emphasis and from doctors I met at USUHS and ones I grew up with, they see their families more often than family or friends that are civilian doctors. I really think you'll get all your questions answered at the interview. Make sure you seek out people during the downtime to talk to. They're great resources and have been through everything themselves.

 

[JPSmyth]

Did you mean deployed or stationed? Doctors usually don't deploy as often as everyone else, and if you do you are very well taken care of. The military also has a big family emphasis and from doctors I met at USUHS and ones I grew up with, they see their families more often than family or friends that are civilian doctors. I really think you'll get all your questions answered at the interview. Make sure you seek out people during the downtime to talk to. They're great resources and have been through everything themselves.

What is the difference between being deployed vs being stationed overseas?

 

[igarrison93]

I've been told that one of the major differences between Army, AF, and Navy are where they offer residency programs around the US. Does anyone know specifically where I could find information on these different locations (possibly post a link)?

 

[Helpful Troll]

I've been told that one of the major differences between Army, AF, and Navy are where they offer residency programs around the US. Does anyone know specifically where I could find information on these different locations (possibly post a link)?

Search in the Military Medicine Forum for key words FYGME or GME Slideshow. The last few years of Specialty with Location are linked for Army from mods.army.mil

 

[Ayy_MadScientist]

Question for those who know - I know individuals that participate in the Navy HPSP have ~50/50 chance to do a GMO tour prior to finishing their residency. Is going through USUHS any different?

edit: grammar

 

[Ayy_MadScientist]

All graduates are required to do a pgy-1. I believe navy still sends about half off to gmo after that year from usuhs

thank you!

 

[freak7]

They made a point on interview day to say that they're the only school in the us to guarantee an intern year if you graduate.

Classic military, I love it

 

[jeannie1]

Anyone get a II today?

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Anyone prior service? I'll be active duty still when I interview (God willing), and I'm wondering if it's expected to interview in uniform if you're currently on active duty (via EMDP2). Both of my EMDP2 interviews have been in NWUs, but I'd expect the USUHS interview to be a bit more formal.

All graduates are required to do a pgy-1. I believe navy still sends about half off to gmo after that year from usuhs

That kind of bothered me at first TBH, but I've gotten over it. I also have come to realize that I'd much rather do some GMO/FS/UMO time between PGY-1 and PGY-2 than get all the way through residency and a first tour and then have to do a battalion surgeon tour.

 

[DrDwayneJohnson]

Anyone prior service? I'll be active duty still when I interview (God willing), and I'm wondering if it's expected to interview in uniform if you're currently on active duty (via EMDP2). Both of my EMDP2 interviews have been in NWUs, but I'd expect the USUHS interview to be a bit more formal.

Per the email I received over the weekend about my interview next week:

"Dressing for the Occasion
Remember that less is more! Professional business attire is most appropriate. A suit or skirt/pants with jacket, and simple shoes would be sufficient. Avoid loud or multiple colors. Keep accessories to a minimum; makeup and fragrances should be moderate. Military persons (i.e. ROTC, Academy, active duty and reservists) are strongly encouraged to wear their dress uniforms, (AF-Service Dress, A-Class A, and N-Service Dress Blues). If guests will accompany you, it is advisable that they dress in business casual attire."

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Per the email I received over the weekend about my interview next week:

"Dressing for the Occasion
Remember that less is more! Professional business attire is most appropriate. A suit or skirt/pants with jacket, and simple shoes would be sufficient. Avoid loud or multiple colors. Keep accessories to a minimum; makeup and fragrances should be moderate. Military persons (i.e. ROTC, Academy, active duty and reservists) are strongly encouraged to wear their dress uniforms, (AF-Service Dress, A-Class A, and N-Service Dress Blues). If guests will accompany you, it is advisable that they dress in business casual attire."

Great. Thank you. That's what I figured, but I wanted to be sure.

 

[theonlytycrane]

Anyone prior service? I'll be active duty still when I interview (God willing), and I'm wondering if it's expected to interview in uniform if you're currently on active duty (via EMDP2). Both of my EMDP2 interviews have been in NWUs, but I'd expect the USUHS interview to be a bit more formal.



That kind of bothered me at first TBH, but I've gotten over it. I also have come to realize that I'd much rather do some GMO/FS/UMO time between PGY-1 and PGY-2 than get all the way through residency and a first tour and then have to do a battalion surgeon tour.

Does this mean that pgy-1 and pgy-2 is always delayed by a tour?

 

[BunnyMan17]

Does this mean that pgy-1 and pgy-2 is always delayed by a tour?

Assuming I understand this correctly:
No. You always get a pgy-1 then you choose to do GMO/FS/UMO or go straight through to pgy-2 and beyond. What you do could be influenced by a variety of factors. I.e. what you want to do, needs of the navy, how competitive your application is, how competitive your chosen specialty, specific branch you're in, etc. The army doesn't seem to be a big fan of GMO tours while the Navy is pretty fond of them.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

Assuming I understand this correctly:
No. You always get a pgy-1 then you choose to do GMO/FS/UMO or go straight through to pgy-2 and beyond. What you do could be influenced by a variety of factors. I.e. what you want to do, needs of the navy, how competitive your application is, how competitive your chosen specialty, specific branch you're in, etc. The army doesn't seem to be a big fan of GMO tours while the Navy is pretty fond of them.

The Army will still have you do a GMO tour. The difference is that the Army will wait until you've completed residency to make you do it while the Navy will have you do one right after PGY-1 if you do it at all.

About half of all Navy interns will do a GMO tour before continuing to residency. Some of them so this intentionally, and many who do GMO tours intend to ride out their commitment as a GMO and then attend a civilian residency once they are out. However, for competitive specialties, GMO tours are sometimes required simply because there aren't enough spots and GMOs get priority over new interns.

From what I've read and been told by Navy docs, which specialties are competitive can change. However, it seems like FM and psych are pretty reliable specialties if you want to go straight through. IM is pretty safe too. I also know some general surgeons who went straight through as well.

 

[AlpineValley7]

Any recommendations on which hotel to stay at by the base/best way to travel to and from the base on interview day?

 

[DrDwayneJohnson]

Any recommendations on which hotel to stay at by the base/best way to travel to and from the base on interview day?

The consensus is not to use uber. The metro seems to be your best bet.

Follow up for everyone else: any tips for avoiding a wrinkled mess of Class A's during my flight? My plan as of now is to neatly fold them in a hard sided suitcase and use downy wrinkle release when I land (they should pay me for advertising with that name drop)

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

The consensus is not to use uber. The metro seems to be your best bet.

Follow up for everyone else: any tips for avoiding a wrinkled mess of Class A's during my flight? My plan as of now is to neatly fold them in a hard sided suitcase and use downy wrinkle release when I land (they should pay me for advertising with that name drop)

Second HopefulPilot. Also, I have had a lot of success with the blue garment bags they gave us at boot camp (they sell them at the NEX). I have flown with NSUs and my dress uniforms, folded it in half as a carry on, and have yet to have any of my unis wrinkle.

I stuck a thick coat in there to cushion the unis against the crease as well.

 

[Red Lobster Actual]

IM is pretty safe too.

It's not. Still a coin flip of being billeted to a GMO position. Buddy of mine did IM pgy-1 and ended up being sent to a GMO spot along with a little over half his class. He was shipped to San Diego...such a burden I say sarcastically.

You know they could've opened up USUHS in San Diego or Hawaii???! But nope, they chose the Capitol Region.

I only have a few other MD interviews, and if USUHS is my lone acceptance this cycle I would have to really think about it before accepting. Does anybody else feel this way?

So this kind of happened to me a few years back. USUHS was basically the only school that accepted me so I asked myself if serving 15 years in uniform is worth an MD. That answer was an unequivocal yes for me. I would have gone to the ends of the earth to become a doctor and sometimes it felt like I had. It helps I always wanted to emulate the military veteran doctors...I thought they were the most respected, most professional, and most rounded physicians among all the others that I worked with. Plus the idea of service was always in the back of my mind since I was a kid.

Come to the interview prepared and be open minded. If the situation comes up where USUHS is the only school you get in to...again, ask yourself what sacrifices are you willing to make to become a physician?

 

[JPSmyth]

It's not. Still a coin flip of being billeted to a GMO position. Buddy of mine did IM pgy-1 and ended up being sent to a GMO spot along with a little over half his class. He was shipped to San Diego...such a burden I say sarcastically.

You know they could've opened up USUHS in San Diego or Hawaii???! But nope, they chose the Capitol Region.



So this kind of happened to me a few years back. USUHS was basically the only school that accepted me so I asked myself if serving 15 years in uniform is worth an MD. That answer was an unequivocal yes for me. I would have gone to the ends of the earth to become a doctor and sometimes it felt like I had. It helps I always wanted to emulate the military veteran doctors...I thought they were the most respected, most professional, and most rounded physicians among all the others that I worked with. Plus the idea of service was always in the back of my mind since I was a kid.

Come to the interview prepared and be open minded. If the situation comes up where USUHS is the only school you get in to...again, ask yourself what sacrifices are you willing to make to become a physician?

I've been thinking about this every single day. I hear so much negativity about it on this website, in so many forums. And lack of freedom about where you live/get shipped out to, low salary, etc. but then again I may be in your position where this is the only school that accepts me. It's strange, when I submitted my secondary to this school I had a weird feeling that I KNEW they would interview me. Every other MD school feels like a long shot but I knew USUHS would interview me. Just a weird feeling

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

It's not. Still a coin flip of being billeted to a GMO position. Buddy of mine did IM pgy-1 and ended up being sent to a GMO spot along with a little over half his class. He was shipped to San Diego...such a burden I say sarcastically.

You know they could've opened up USUHS in San Diego or Hawaii???! But nope, they chose the Capitol Region.



So this kind of happened to me a few years back. USUHS was basically the only school that accepted me so I asked myself if serving 15 years in uniform is worth an MD. That answer was an unequivocal yes for me. I would have gone to the ends of the earth to become a doctor and sometimes it felt like I had. It helps I always wanted to emulate the military veteran doctors...I thought they were the most respected, most professional, and most rounded physicians among all the others that I worked with. Plus the idea of service was always in the back of my mind since I was a kid.

Come to the interview prepared and be open minded. If the situation comes up where USUHS is the only school you get in to...again, ask yourself what sacrifices are you willing to make to become a physician?

Interesting. My buddies must have gotten lucky. Obviously this doesn't mean much, but the IM residents I know were able to go straight through and made it seem like it wasn't that difficult. In fact, if you look at the IM intern brief for NNMC, it says that more than half the class goes straight through.

But yeah, GMO is what it is. If you look at it as a burden you have to suffer through, it'll suck. If you look at it as an opportunity to serve directly with the Sailors and to experience some cool ****, it'll be better and go by faster. I'm planning on applying for a flight surgeon spot between PGY-1 and -2.

 

[RightTwix]

Interesting. My buddies must have gotten lucky. Obviously this doesn't mean much, but the IM residents I know were able to go straight through and made it seem like it wasn't that difficult. In fact, if you look at the IM intern brief for NNMC, it says that more than half the class goes straight through.

But yeah, GMO is what it is. If you look at it as a burden you have to suffer through, it'll suck. If you look at it as an opportunity to serve directly with the Sailors and to experience some cool ****, it'll be better and go by faster. I'm planning on applying for a flight surgeon spot between PGY-1 and -2.

I feel like flight surgeon is the way to go. Even if you have to do a GMO, if you're a flight surgeon for it at least you get to fly and you get experience treating people, while getting paid. I've always wanted to fly, so getting paid to do that for a bit is a bit of a plus if I end up doing a GMO. It's not the end of the world, and can actually be pretty fun. I know guys who loved it and some who hated it, but I think it's all about perspective.

 

[webster601]

Hey guys I have an interview at USUHS for October 27th. My only concern is that I had ACL surgery as well as an ankle surgery. Although I am now 100% physically and can pass the physical requirements for enlisting in the military. I am concerned that these surgeries might be a red flag for the admissions committee. Please let me know if you think this is a major issue. Thanks!

 

[DocMACStuffins]

.

 

[RightTwix]

Hey guys I have an interview at USUHS for October 27th. My only concern is that I had ACL surgery as well as an ankle surgery. Although I am now 100% physically and can pass the physical requirements for enlisting in the military. I am concerned that these surgeries might be a red flag for the admissions committee. Please let me know if you think this is a major issue. Thanks!

Yep, it's separate, so shouldn't cause you any trouble. If your physical isn't approved by the time they extend an acceptance it will be a "conditional" acceptance. That's the only difference, and the only thing that says is that you are conditionally accepted if your physical is approved.

 

[webster601]

Yep, it's separate, so shouldn't cause you any trouble. If your physical isn't approved by the time they extend an acceptance it will be a "conditional" acceptance. That's the only difference, and the only thing that says is that you are conditionally accepted if your physical is approved.

Thanks for the info. Do you remember how long it took for you to get medical clearance after the exams through dodmets?

 

[RightTwix]

Thanks for the info. Do you remember how long it took for you to get medical clearance after the exams through dodmets?

I had to wait a couple weeks between my physical and the optometrist, because they were booked, so I ended up having to fill out a "Present Health Questionnaire" Remedial request. That added about 2 more weeks to my timeline for being marked as qualified. I don't think I would have had to fill out the form had my exam not been a month before they reviewed it in their system. So from exam to qualified: 5 weeks, from exam submitted to qualified 2.5 weeks, from the day they reviewed to qualified 2 weeks.

I also sent in the remedial right away and didn't wait for the letter from them. That would have added on at least a week to my time to get qualified. If you get a remedial, they'll update with the code within a couple days online and if it is paper work like mine, you can just go ahead and send it back in right away without waiting to expedite the process.

I will admit that I was a little panicky when I got the remedial status, because I couldn't think of anything that was wrong. It was a giant relief when it was just a form with three tiny questions. Annoying still, but way better than anything else it could have been!

 

[JonSnow74]

do they send out rejects via mail or email? complete mid-July but no communication since

 

[Red Lobster Actual]

But yeah, GMO is what it is. If you look at it as a burden you have to suffer through, it'll suck. If you look at it as an opportunity to serve directly with the Sailors and to experience some cool ****, it'll be better and go by faster. I'm planning on applying for a flight surgeon spot between PGY-1 and -2.

Totally agree, one of the reasons I chose Navy was for the GMO opportunities. Going to have the rest of my career as a specialist, what's a few years as a generalist? Plus my mentor called his GMO time a long "summer break"...especially after you factor in all the stressors of medical education.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I feel like flight surgeon is the way to go. Even if you have to do a GMO, if you're a flight surgeon for it at least you get to fly and you get experience treating people, while getting paid. I've always wanted to fly, so getting paid to do that for a bit is a bit of a plus if I end up doing a GMO. It's not the end of the world, and can actually be pretty fun. I know guys who loved it and some who hated it, but I think it's all about perspective.

Yup. I've been on deployment, and while parts of it suck, parts of it are cool. It really is just about perspective.

Totally agree, one of the reasons I chose Navy was for the GMO opportunities. Going to have the rest of my career as a specialist, what's a few years as a generalist? Plus my mentor called his GMO time a long "summer break"...especially after you factor in all the stressors of medical education.

I'm going Navy because I'm already in the Navy, but honestly, I would choose it again if I had the chance to switch. After med school and intern year, I imagine a couple years off to do some cool **** and take care of Sailors will be a welcome reprieve.

 

[sedgeshaveedges]

Thanks for the info. Do you remember how long it took for you to get medical clearance after the exams through dodmets?

I had to do a remedial on my physical exam due to a relatively recent (but healed) orthopedic injury. In my case I just had to get a letter stating I was cleared for all activity, so it was fairly easy, but it did slow down the process of being qualified. At my interview they really emphasized trying to get your physical complete and any remedials or waivers arranged as early in the application process as possible, so you'll want to be proactive about getting any documentation for your injuries and surgeries in order quickly!

 

[_Nightlight_]

Wow! Far and away the most comprehensive/enjoyable interview day I've attended. Got the sense that everyone here is very happy and satisfied with their choice to attend. It felt like the interviews were really just there to see if you truly want the USUHS/ Mil med life, rather than another step in the weed out process. Also my favorite group of interviewees i have met.

Word to the wise: submit your base access form early! I waited on mine, has to resubmit due to clerical error, and although I was approved it caused some complications.

 

[Vrachika]

II today 9/30!!! So exited to be offered the opportunity to potentially serve this country as a physician one day. Received the email earlier today but was at work so didn't see it until just now. What a lovely surprise. USUHS is a top choice for me!!

 

[jeannie1]

II today 9/30!!! So exited to be offered the opportunity to potentially serve this country as a physician one day. Received the email earlier today but was at work so didn't see it until just now. What a lovely surprise. USUHS is a top choice for me!!

Nice, congratulations! Mind sharing your stats or LizzyM? And are you somehow affiliated with military now?

 

[Prilozack]

Rejected yesterday! 🙁

 

[JonSnow74]

Rejected yesterday! 🙁

Sorry to hear that. Email or postal mail?


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[RightTwix]

Rejected yesterday! 🙁

Oh no. 🙁 That's too bad. Did you interview or was it post-secondary and pre-interview?

At least you have one acceptance though 🙂 Congrats on that!

 

[Prilozack]

Oh no. 🙁 That's too bad. Did you interview or was it post-secondary and pre-interview?

At least you have one acceptance though 🙂 Congrats on that!

It was pre-interview. And thanks!

 

[JonSnow74]

It was pre-interview. And thanks!

Email or snail mail?


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[Prilozack]

Email or snail mail?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Email

 

[jeannie1]

Rejected yesterday! 🙁

When were you complete?

 

[JonSnow74]

Email

Thanks for responding. Congrats on the acceptance you have so far though! Takes a lot of stress off


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[Vrachika]

Nice, congratulations! Mind sharing your stats or LizzyM? And are you somehow affiliated with military now?

LizzyM ~71, I am not prior military but have some family in military medicine, thus my interest in the school.

My condolences to those of you who received a rejection. If you really do like this school, don't give up hope. I am a reapplicant this year.