tulane06 said:
Hello everyone. I am currently a senior undergrad and I will be going to medical school next fall. I come from a family of modest means and don't want to take out huge amounts of loans, so I am seriously considering the Air Force HPSP. I seek to enter for less "practical" reasons as well, i.e. serving the country. For those who are current HPSP students and military doctors, if you were in my position with what you know now, would you do it?
Earnestly wanting to serve your country is a good reason to do HPSP. Loans however are certainly NOT a good reason. There is no need to be afraid of them if you're a doctor, and they're much more forgiving then owing time to the military.
Keep in mind that if you do sign up for HPSP with the intent to serve, it could seriously affect your long term career (for example, one guy we know on here, Island Doc, would have likely been a neurosurgeon had it not been for hpsp). If that's okay, then do it. Otherwise, you might want to consider FAP instead.