2020-2021 Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences

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washhyyy said:
I am interviewing this week and was contacted today by an interviewer. 1 down, 1 to go! So excited!
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If you've made it this far that's a huge accomplish in and of itself. They've already decided they like you so you've got this!!
 
That eye exam took literally ten minutes. I did pass, but my evaluator said, "I wish I was allowed to give you a prescription girl, you need to get new glasses ASAP!"
 
So for eye exam we have no packet/paperwork? Just making sure I don’t show up and they send me home
 
I have both my USUHS interviews today as well as my physical and eye exams... Gonna be a busy (but productive) day lol
 
Just showed up for my optometry exam and, upon check-in, was informed that I would have to reschedule the appointment because I was wearing my contacts. Apparently it is a DoDMERB requirement that contact lenses are not worn for 3 days prior to the exam. I am not sure if I was negligent or if the requirement is not clearly communicated, but I was (obviously) not aware of this stipulation.

I informed the receptionist that I do not own glasses (I have worn contacts for over 10 years, and have not had glasses since I was like 12 years old, so even if I could find them they would not fit) and that I need my contacts to work, drive, and basically do anything lol. She said its not their policy and that I need to figure out a way to not wear my contacts for 3 days.

I'm obviously very frustrated with the situation (the office being 30 minutes from my house doesn't help), but just wanted to let my fellow contact lens-wearers about this requirement.

Hoping I can help other applicants avoid this frustration!
 
washhyyy said:
Just showed up for my optometry exam and, upon check-in, was informed that I would have to reschedule the appointment because I was wearing my contacts. Apparently it is a DoDMERB requirement that contact lenses are not worn for 3 days prior to the exam. I am not sure if I was negligent or if the requirement is not clearly communicated, but I was (obviously) not aware of this stipulation.

I informed the receptionist that I do not own glasses (I have worn contacts for over 10 years, and have not had glasses since I was like 12 years old, so even if I could find them they would not fit) and that I need my contacts to work, drive, and basically do anything lol. She said its not their policy and that I need to figure out a way to not wear my contacts for 3 days.

I'm obviously very frustrated with the situation (the office being 30 minutes from my house doesn't help), but just wanted to let my fellow contact lens-wearers about this requirement.

Hoping I can help other applicants avoid this frustration!
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It says in your optometrist exam form (the DoDMerb forms) not to wear contacts for 3 days prior to the exam...
 
jonniboi said:
It says in your optometrist exam form (the DoDMerb forms) not to wear contacts for 3 days prior to the exam...
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Which form? I was told we don’t have to bring a form to the opto exam
 
Hulk_MD said:
It’s on the DODMETS website under “Examination instructions”

Edit: It’s not a form just a set of instructions
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Gotcha, I see it now... I guess it was just so excited to get my eyes checked I spaced out.

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know why they require contacts to be removed 3 days prior to the exam?
 
washhyyy said:
Gotcha, I see it now... I guess it was just so excited to get my eyes checked I spaced out.

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know why they require contacts to be removed 3 days prior to the exam?
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The contacts do some modelling of the surface of the eye or something of that sort. It makes it so when you get your eye exam, it's not an accurate measurement. It takes 3 days for your eyes to relax or something of that sort so they can get the most accurate measurement. (That's what my optometrist said).
 
Just had both of my interviews, one with a 4th year student and the other with a chief resident at Walter Reed. I just wanted to say that this was by far my most enjoyable interview! The interviewers had some questions they had to ask, but most of the time was spent discussing my background and aspirations outside of medicine. It was very conversational and felt like the interviewers really wanted to get to know me.

Best of luck to everyone who is waiting to interview and to those who are waiting to hear back!
 
washhyyy said:
Just had both of my interviews, one with a 4th year student and the other with a chief resident at Walter Reed. I just wanted to say that this was by far my most enjoyable interview! The interviewers had some questions they had to ask, but most of the time was spent discussing my background and aspirations outside of medicine. It was very conversational and felt like the interviewers really wanted to get to know me.

Best of luck to everyone who is waiting to interview and to those who are waiting to hear back!
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Mine was exactly the same way lol. Was also with a resident at Walter Reed. Great person!
 
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After our optometry and physical exams are complete, do we have to then upload the paperwork to the commissioning email? Or do the people filling out the paperwork keep our packet and submit it for us? Help lol
 
pdiddy18 said:
After our optometry and physical exams are complete, do we have to then upload the paperwork to the commissioning email? Or do the people filling out the paperwork keep our packet and submit it for us? Help lol
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The medical providers should keep your papers and submit them for you. After you just wait about 4 weeks for a determination (qualified or remedial needed)
 
Reached out to my counselor 10 days ago basically just ensuring that my application was complete but haven't received a response yet.

I'm sure they're busy/backed up with everything going on, how long did it take from the time you submitted your secondary till you were offered an interview? I never received the "complete email" btw even though I've completed everything (primary, secondary, and prerequisite match activity)
 
i-am-scuba-steve said:
Reached out to my counselor 10 days ago basically just ensuring that my application was complete but haven't received a response yet.

I'm sure they're busy/backed up with everything going on, how long did it take from the time you submitted your secondary till you were offered an interview? I never received the "complete email" btw even though I've completed everything (primary, secondary, and prerequisite match activity)
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Getting the complete email may having something to do with which counselor you have. Who do you have?
 
i-am-scuba-steve said:
Reached out to my counselor 10 days ago basically just ensuring that my application was complete but haven't received a response yet.

I'm sure they're busy/backed up with everything going on, how long did it take from the time you submitted your secondary till you were offered an interview? I never received the "complete email" btw even though I've completed everything (primary, secondary, and prerequisite match activity)
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Here's what it says in my initial secondary invite from USUHS:

"There is no fee for processing your supplemental application. Supplemental material must be returned within 21 days from the date of invitation email notification. DO NOT wait for your AMCAS application to be verified to complete it. Letters of Recommendation should be submitted as soon as possible but are NOT included in this deadline. Email confirmations for completed secondaries will not be sent. Your confirmation will be displayed in the Applicant Gateway when the secondary has been correctly submitted. During the application process, you may email any updates or questions to your Admissions Counselor. Your assigned Admissions Counselor is as follows"

Also to note, I personally did receive a completed email this year, however last year when I got an II, I did not receive a compete email so... who knows?

But I suppose if you have any questions then the admissions counselor is definitely the go to person.
 
jonniboi said:
Here's what it says in my initial secondary invite from USUHS:

"There is no fee for processing your supplemental application. Supplemental material must be returned within 21 days from the date of invitation email notification. DO NOT wait for your AMCAS application to be verified to complete it. Letters of Recommendation should be submitted as soon as possible but are NOT included in this deadline. Email confirmations for completed secondaries will not be sent. Your confirmation will be displayed in the Applicant Gateway when the secondary has been correctly submitted. During the application process, you may email any updates or questions to your Admissions Counselor. Your assigned Admissions Counselor is as follows"

Also to note, I personally did receive a completed email this year, however last year when I got an II, I did not receive a compete email so... who knows?

But I suppose if you have any questions then the admissions counselor is definitely the go to person.
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yeah I have been seeing other posts in this thread about some people not receiving it, or receiving it la week or two after prerequisite match activity.

Idk if I should email my counselor again asking for a status update or how long I should wait to email her again.
 
i-am-scuba-steve said:
yeah I have been seeing other posts in this thread about some people not receiving it, or receiving it la week or two after prerequisite match activity.

Idk if I should email my counselor again asking for a status update or how long I should wait to email her again.
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No harm done checking in if you're worried is my thought
 
i-am-scuba-steve said:
LaRhonda Baker
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I have the same counselor- I emailed her a similar question and wanting to know if they were reviewing secondaries without MCAT score since mine won't be released until later this week. She said they don't review without the score and if they need more info to complete applicant files they'd reach out to us. It took her about 5 days to respond, I'm sure she'll reply soon.
 
My secondary was deactivated on 7 Aug due to my citizenship status at the time and reactivated 8 Sep. I have not heard back yet regarding invitation to invite. Anyone else on the same boat or give me any advice on what I could expect in terms of invite turnaround times? Thanks!
 
DCDag said:
My secondary was deactivated on 7 Aug due to my citizenship status at the time and reactivated 8 Sep. I have not heard back yet regarding invitation to invite. Anyone else on the same boat or give me any advice on what I could expect in terms of invite turnaround times? Thanks!
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I received an “application complete” email on 7/27 and II on 9/11. So about a 6 week turnaround for me
 
washhyyy said:
I received an “application complete” email on 7/27 and II on 9/11. So about a 6 week turnaround for me
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Yeah that seems like the turnaround time from the interview tracker thingie... about 50 days ish. I imagine it could be longer now?
 
Anyone know when Officer Training normally takes place? I know that the specific dates vary from year-to-year but a general timeframe would be good to know (just in case)!
 
Incognito32 said:
Anyone know when Officer Training normally takes place? I know that the specific dates vary from year-to-year but a general timeframe would be good to know (just in case)!
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Depends on the branch, but generally around June. Air Force is a little later and runs to like around mid July usually.
 
Anyone know how long it usually takes for the DODMETS website to change from incomplete to compete after doing the two exams?
 
Took mine less than 24 hrs but my optometrist was filling out the eval during the check-up and submitted as I was heading out.
 
Okay thanks, I guess I can reach out at the end of the week if it has not changed yet
 
Incognito32 said:
Anyone know when Officer Training normally takes place? I know that the specific dates vary from year-to-year but a general timeframe would be good to know (just in case)!
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I talked with a first year student in the Air Force today about this. Due to COVID-19, each branch split their class in two this year. One group went to officer training in early May and the other in late June. So, its possible this schedule will be for the next year too.
 
Does anyone know if it is pretty common for USU to send acceptances right on Oct. 15? or is it a little later?
 
Hopeful-Premed said:
I talked with a first year student in the Air Force today about this. Due to COVID-19, each branch split their class in two this year. One group went to officer training in early May and the other in late June. So, its possible this schedule will be for the next year too.
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Just to clarify the Navy did that before COVID. They did that for my year and the year before too.
 
I was marked complete (as far as I know) on 7/14 but still haven't heard back about IIs, and this school is my first choice. I'm worried it may be due to my MCAT score (504) or my lack of experience with military members specifically... should I email my counselor to check on my app status?
 
dholida said:
I was marked complete (as far as I know) on 7/14 but still haven't heard back about IIs, and this school is my first choice. I'm worried it may be due to my MCAT score (504) or my lack of experience with military members specifically... should I email my counselor to check on my app status?
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As a candidate who interviewed last time, I strongly urge you to start trying to address that lack of experience with military members immediately. The school wants to see that you have a commitment to service.

You can demonstrate that by tons of service hours to your community and being able to talk about that in detail. You can also start pursuing research into what military service is like.

This go around, I'm now a volunteer with the USO, I'm spoken to tons of friends whom were former or current service members, I've done lots of research on the medicineandthemilitary website (Dr. Forsberg, Dr. Winegarner are some examples). In addition I've read books by military physicians (Dr. Rhee, Dr Cole, etc). I've also read books on military leadership (General Powell, General Mattis, Jocko, etc). Finally through networking I've been able to get in touch and have conversations with current military physicians both on the pros and cons of military med and what makes a good military physician. There's tons of material out there you just have to look into it!

Those are my suggestions on what to work on, goodluck!
 
jonniboi said:
As a candidate who interviewed last time, I strongly urge you to start trying to address that lack of experience with military members immediately. The school wants to see that you have a commitment to service.

You can demonstrate that by tons of service hours to your community and being able to talk about that in detail. You can also start pursuing research into what military service is like.

This go around, I'm now a volunteer with the USO, I'm spoken to tons of friends whom were former or current service members, I've done lots of research on the medicineandthemilitary website (Dr. Forsberg, Dr. Winegarner are some examples). In addition I've read books by military physicians (Dr. Rhee, Dr Cole, etc). I've also read books on military leadership (General Powell, General Mattis, Jocko, etc). Finally through networking I've been able to get in touch and have conversations with current military physicians both on the pros and cons of military med and what makes a good military physician. There's tons of material out there you just have to look into it!

Those are my suggestions on what to work on, goodluck!
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I have tons of hours dedicated to community service in my medically underserved community (~300 in my senior year of high school, took a break for the summer to visit my family abroad, and continued with ~400 clinical during 4 years of undergrad, 910 nonclinical between 3 volunteer opportunities over 4 years). I've also spoken with one of their med students and Dr. Seide (multiple times) about the military life and the school itself. I've read every link on the military & medicine website lol, but I have yet to look into books! I read somewhere (maybe on this thread) that books aren't applicable to every military physician's career? I'll have to look into it.

Regardless, I made a case for wanting to work with underserved communities in my secondaries. You don't think that will be enough for them? Is it an absolute must to have experience specifically with military people?
 
dholida said:
I have tons of hours dedicated to community service in my medically underserved community (~300 in my senior year of high school, took a break for the summer to visit my family abroad, and continued with ~400 clinical during 4 years of undergrad, 910 nonclinical between 3 volunteer opportunities over 4 years). I've also spoken with one of their med students and Dr. Seide (multiple times) about the military life and the school itself. I've read every link on the military & medicine website lol, but I have yet to look into books! I read somewhere (maybe on this thread) that books aren't applicable to every military physician's career? I'll have to look into it.

Regardless, I made a case for wanting to work with underserved communities in my secondaries. You don't think that will be enough for them? Is it an absolute must to have experience specifically with military people?
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So what was made clear to me is you don't need to have experience specifically with the military i.e. you don't need to actually be active duty, but you do need to be able to say why military medicine and have a good reason for that. Service commitment is definitely something they value, so I would really emphasize that when asked the question, but additionally you can look at wounded warriors or the USO etc for other opportunities to just volunteer. Personally on top of that I just used my networking to get in touch with actual military physicians and talk about their experiences and what military medicine is looking for in a physician. Figure the more I can talk about it the better 🙂

As for the books yeah definitely the books themselves are not applicable to every military physician's career, I think even if you dig around SDN about the perspectives of military physicians you can a broad distribution of likes dislikes etc. The gist of it is you want as much info as possible so you can have an informed opinion/decision.
 
I emailed my counselor yesterday just following up and 3 hours later I received the application complete email which I'm ecstatic about. Hoping for the best!!!! Hopefully I hear back soon.
 
dholida said:
I have tons of hours dedicated to community service in my medically underserved community (~300 in my senior year of high school, took a break for the summer to visit my family abroad, and continued with ~400 clinical during 4 years of undergrad, 910 nonclinical between 3 volunteer opportunities over 4 years). I've also spoken with one of their med students and Dr. Seide (multiple times) about the military life and the school itself. I've read every link on the military & medicine website lol, but I have yet to look into books! I read somewhere (maybe on this thread) that books aren't applicable to every military physician's career? I'll have to look into it.

Regardless, I made a case for wanting to work with underserved communities in my secondaries. You don't think that will be enough for them? Is it an absolute must to have experience specifically with military people?
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The mission of USUHS isn't necessarily to serve underserved communities though. Their mission is to serve military members, their families and veterans. Unless you want to go public health? Everyone in the military and their dependents have access to care so I wouldn't consider this community underserved.
 
vadogmama said:
The mission of USUHS isn't necessarily to serve underserved communities though. Their mission is to serve military members, their families and veterans. Unless you want to go public health? Everyone in the military and their dependents have access to care so I wouldn't consider this community underserved.
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Most of the students here don’t have prior service. The school uses service to the community as a way to assess a desire to serve in general, since serving in the military is serving your national community.
 
Matthew9Thirtyfive said:
Most of the students here don’t have prior service. The school uses service to the community as a way to assess a desire to serve in general, since serving in the military is serving your national community.
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I understand its as an assessment. They wrote they specifically want to serve underserved communities so that's more what my comment was geared towards.
 
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