- Joined
- Oct 22, 2013
- Messages
- 114
- Reaction score
- 73
Excellent! In your opinion, what are civilians not ready for when they make the transition into army life? Also, what's the best and worst part of your experience being an officer?
Any DO HPSP recipients here?
- Thread starter csx
- Start date
Excellent! In your opinion, what are civilians not ready for when they make the transition into army life? Also, what's the best and worst part of your experience being an officer?
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2014
- Messages
- 70
- Reaction score
- 96
I can only speak for myself here, but the biggest adjustment for me was coming to terms with the fact that I was ceding control over many of the choices I was used to making-- where I get to live, what to do, what to wear, how to work out, where/when to be places, etc. Like wxman393 said, you are on Uncle Sam's schedule. Also, it doesn't matter if you agree with what you are being told to do, or that you may fundamentally disagree with foreign policy. You sign up to serve, and you will do your job regardless of who is in charge or what conflict we are currently in.
That being said, being an officer is great. I am a people person and love leading soldiers. I'm not sure how much of that will translate into AMEDD; Medical is pretty insulated from the rest of the Army, but in a good way. As the Army as a whole transitions into a "garrison" environment (troop draw downs, less deployments, etc), the organizational culture changes with it and there is generally a lot more institutionalized bull**** to deal with. From talking to medical officers, I hear that medical is spared most of it.
I can also speak to the officer training that HPSP officers will go through. There was a company of them, including JAG and other direct commission officers, while I was at OCS at Ft. Benning. It was very laid back compared to regular OCS and half the length. It will probably still seem like a culture shock, but it's pretty low key compared to what regular OCS is like. Apparently they have brand new barracks for OCS now, in addition to a brand new DFAC (cafeteria).
Bottom line, you need to think long and hard about why you want to pursue the HPSP. If you just do it for the money, you will be a very unhappy person. Army physicians do deploy, even in the reserve. You may get stationed someplace like Italy or Hawaii, but there is an equal if not greater chance that you will end up somewhere like Missouri or Alabama. You will get told what to do, even as an officer. Make sure that you want to serve your country and that you are okay with placing the needs of the country, army, command, and subordinates before your own for a period of time. Also realize that all of your patients will be the most patriotic, hardworking, selfless people you can imagine. Serving in the military is incredibly rewarding and something that I wish everyone could experience.
Hope I answered your question.
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2011
- Messages
- 236
- Reaction score
- 95
This thread has been so helpful! I too am interested in applying to HPSP through USAF. I just want to clarify, does the AF let you apply once you have an acceptance to a medical school? I know the Army does a conditional acceptance so you can do the process ahead of time, just wanted to know if AF was the same…Sorry if this question was answered before.
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2011
- Messages
- 236
- Reaction score
- 95
Also, I haven't been able to grasp the Military match ordeal. I understand that we have to apply for military residencies within the specific branch, but then I have also heard of the opportunity to apply for civilian match.
Also, on most of the brochures there is 100% match rate however on many forums I have seen the "chance of having to wait a year." Could someone explain this to me as I am confused with the contradicting information! Thanks in advance
Also, on most of the brochures there is 100% match rate however on many forums I have seen the "chance of having to wait a year." Could someone explain this to me as I am confused with the contradicting information! Thanks in advance
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2011
- Messages
- 931
- Reaction score
- 731
You apply to the military match a few months before the civilian match. If you match into a military residency you MUST take it. If you don't get a military residency, you may be allowed to match into a civilian residency. In that case, you'd get either a civilian sponsored (military pays you while you're a resident) or a civilian deferred (program pays you just like a normal civilian resident) residency. If none of the aforementioned options work out for you, you would be made into a general medical officer (GMO) or sent on the path of flight surgery (not actual surgery) or whatever equivalent the other branches have. Each year, you earn points. More points mean you're more competitive. So, if you're set on say general surgery and don't get it the first time, after a year as a GMO you'd have more points and therefore would be more competitive the next time you apply.
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2011
- Messages
- 931
- Reaction score
- 731
You need an acceptance to apply fully. The Air Force does have conditional acceptance, but that varies every year.
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2014
- Messages
- 38
- Reaction score
- 17
I enlisted right out of high school and I hated basically everything about the Military. Maybe I just wasn't mature enough, but its not
Take it from someone that enlisted right out of High School. All I ended up with was a ton of resentment and awful recurring nightmares. Honestly the Gi Bill isn't even worth all of the nonsense.
I've considered rather or not I would want to do HPSP only because being an officer in the Military is obviously very different from being Enlisted, but at the end of the day its still the Military.
OP (or anybody considering this) if controlling various important aspects of your life (like where you will live, what time you will work, hell, even the kind of work you will do) is important to you, DO NOT take their money. I didn't understand this back then. I didn't think I would care where I lived, but you'll meet a girl or something and then you'll get orders stating that you're going to Afghanistan for 6 months, or worse, you're moving to Frogsbull, Montana.
At the end of the day its different strokes for different folks. Some people want to "Serve", but I would argue that you're already doing that by practicing medicine. You don't need a Uniform with an American flag on it to do it.
Take it from someone that enlisted right out of High School. All I ended up with was a ton of resentment and awful recurring nightmares. Honestly the Gi Bill isn't even worth all of the nonsense.
I've considered rather or not I would want to do HPSP only because being an officer in the Military is obviously very different from being Enlisted, but at the end of the day its still the Military.
OP (or anybody considering this) if controlling various important aspects of your life (like where you will live, what time you will work, hell, even the kind of work you will do) is important to you, DO NOT take their money. I didn't understand this back then. I didn't think I would care where I lived, but you'll meet a girl or something and then you'll get orders stating that you're going to Afghanistan for 6 months, or worse, you're moving to Frogsbull, Montana.
At the end of the day its different strokes for different folks. Some people want to "Serve", but I would argue that you're already doing that by practicing medicine. You don't need a Uniform with an American flag on it to do it.
- Joined
- May 24, 2014
- Messages
- 17
- Reaction score
- 2
Most people would not know what that means... TDA = hospital/clinic; MTOE = MASH/Field Hospital
It usually sucks for DOCs to get stuck in an MTOE unit - most hate it. More deployments and field works. They actually have to do some Army work. That is when they get depressed and all whiny.Also, the Army doesn't give a crap where you want to live and whether or not you would not want to deploy. You have to do what they tell you.
It is a real professional organization that is ready to serve the country and go to war at all times. Think hard if you don't think you can handle it.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2013
- Messages
- 504
- Reaction score
- 306
As soon as I get an acceptance, I'll be applying for it. I've heard that more DO than MD do HPSP, since DO schools are pretty expensive for the most part.
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2013
- Messages
- 2,303
- Reaction score
- 3,319
Most Army docs are profis. Which means they are notionally attached to an field unit(which could be located hundreds of miles away) but are only really with them when they deploy or do a major training exercise. The rest of the time they work in a clinic or hospital. I was in the medical service corps for 5 1/2 years, I worked at a military hospital and also deployed with a combat medical unit. My roommate in Iraq was a Army medical doc who was profis to our unit. I also went straight from civilian life to an AMEDD commission which is about the closest you can get to simulating the adjustment a new Army doctor might feel. I'll be happy to answer any questions about Army medical life. I don't know as much about the residency match process.
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2014
- Messages
- 59
- Reaction score
- 50
Do you guys think it is too late to apply and get the HPSP for next year? I know its rolling admissions and I am going to reach out to a recruiters office ASAP, but I was just wondering how many were given out so far.
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2013
- Messages
- 258
- Reaction score
- 200
You can apply all the way up until May or June. Go ahead and apply if it suits your fancy. They are far from filling quota at this point
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2014
- Messages
- 10
- Reaction score
- 5
If I'm not mistaken, if you have a spouse, your spouse has the option to go with you no?
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2014
- Messages
- 911
- Reaction score
- 484
That would be a question to ask a recruiter. Just ask them, they are incredibly helpful over the phone.
1) During your military residency, is there time to visit family/loved ones if you are far away?
2) What about during active duty?
3) Does HPSP basically kill any relationship you may have that you started in medschool?
2) What about during active duty?
3) Does HPSP basically kill any relationship you may have that you started in medschool?
D
deleted390966
If you work for the military, what are the chances of you dying/being injured in war?
D
deleted407021
Going to war is a risk that all military personnel should be aware of and, yes, it is possible that should you be deployed as a battalion surgeon or in some other combat physician capacity, you could get hurt or killed because that's what happens when humans decide that killing each other is the best course of action. I read a story last year where a PA was killed by a sniper whilst Skype-ing with his wife. A high ranking army physician died in Iraq when his stupid helicopter went down. A huge number of things could go wrong. That said, if you are willing to shoulder that risk and are okay with the possible ramifications of being a military officer in possible combat, then I don't think the possibility of being injured or killed should be the deciding factor for you. At least it wouldn't be for me. I actually kind of like the idea of dying in battle vs. a lot of other ways one could meet with oblivion. Like a Klingon. 😉
D
deleted390966
You're kidding, right?
D
deleted407021
It's probably not super likely to happen and I put the proceeding statement about "being okay with the possibility of dying etc" in there for a reason. You could also die on a flight to a medical school interview, or be stabbed with a dirty needle by a heroin addict in the ER...maybe, most likely, probably not going to happen, but that shouldn't keep you off that flight or out of the ER if that's where you want/need to be.
DISCLAIMER: Needle sticks are fairly prevalent though, but attacks with needles, probably not.
D
deleted390966
Taking unavoidable risks (as we all do when we drive cars, for example) and doing something that could rob you of your life are totally different things.
D
deleted407021
Did you want like a percent chance or something, because I'm fairly certain no one could ever provide that. It looks like only 2 doctors were killed in Iraq per news sites but I can't find any data on casualties which break down into anything more specific than "officer", which obviously includes military doctors but also tons of other people. I'd say the chances are low because it's not as if all military doctors go into combat, but there's also the chance that an islamic psychopath colleague of your's might kill you on base stateside, as well...so you never know.
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2014
- Messages
- 911
- Reaction score
- 484
I just wanted to add that you don't civilian residencies through the army anymore. They got rid of the GMO tour in the that is offered (or rather forced upon) those who go into the Navy or Air Force. I just talked to my recruiter today about that. So, if the GMO tour is something that interests you, choose Navy or Air Force and do your civilian residency after your 4 years as a General Medical Officer.
1) by far away I mean, say my family is back in CA and my residency is in Alabama. Do i just not see my family for ~4yrs?
2) During active duty I am unsure if there is more/less time than during residency to see family..
3) I mean, if you started a relationship while in medschool (not prior), are your chances of it lasting pretty slim? This kinda ties into q's 1 and 2 because this Q is dependent on how much time you have to visit loved ones.
@keels99 1) What do you mean you dont do civilian resdencies in army anymore? Is it military match only now-a-days?
2) Sooo...GMO is req'ed in Navy and AF? I thought GMO was only 1 year (more if you choose to do so). Does army not have GMO?
3) If you choose to do a 1 yr of GMO before your residency, does that trim off 1 yr of active duty?
Anyone know where you can find a list of each branches military residencies and their locations and specialties available?
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2014
- Messages
- 911
- Reaction score
- 484
@asdf123g
1) From what I was told, you do your residency through the military and then your 4 years active duty. I would ask your recruiter specifically, but from what I understood I would have to do my residency through the military.
2) GMO is not required in Navy or AF, but it often happens against the wills of individuals. Being a General Medical Officer means you only had one year of residency, get pulled out, then have 4 years of active duty. In the end, you do your residency after serving your four years of active duty. I specifically chose army to avoid GMO tour.
3) I feel like what I said in the previous answer covers this.
1) From what I was told, you do your residency through the military and then your 4 years active duty. I would ask your recruiter specifically, but from what I understood I would have to do my residency through the military.
2) GMO is not required in Navy or AF, but it often happens against the wills of individuals. Being a General Medical Officer means you only had one year of residency, get pulled out, then have 4 years of active duty. In the end, you do your residency after serving your four years of active duty. I specifically chose army to avoid GMO tour.
3) I feel like what I said in the previous answer covers this.
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2013
- Messages
- 1,544
- Reaction score
- 1,953
You can definitely do a civilian deferment. You do not HAVE to do a military residency; unless, of course, the military denies your civilian request.
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2014
- Messages
- 911
- Reaction score
- 484
I must have misunderstood my recruiter. He made it seem as though I would be required to do a military residency (specifically speaking army, btw.) I apologize for any confusion.
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2013
- Messages
- 1,544
- Reaction score
- 1,953
1-) You have vacation days that accrue every month you don't use them. I know someone who was over 40 vacation days at one point. Not sure about how it would work during residency because of how busy you are but if you have a few days off you can def. visit them (but you are active duty so your leave has to be approved).
2-second part) Not required but uncle same will be using you however he pleases. If you want to risk possibly wasting years of your life as a GMO then apply Navy or AF. Army GMOs are considerably less frequent. Also, a GMO in and of itself is a 1- year duty but they can give you 4 straight GMOs.
3-second part) I have no idea why anyone would actually choose to do a GMO, but if you do choose to do one then yes it cuts off a year of your pay back (you are on active duty once you graduate med school, unless you do a civilian deferment {could be wrong on if you are technically active duty while in a civilian residency but I'm 95% sure you are not}).
^ That would be impossible. Mainly because it's the military and everything is close to the vest (and rightfully so) but also because the number of residency slots, and even the type of residencies available, changes every year.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2013
- Messages
- 1,544
- Reaction score
- 1,953
Unless they changed policy within the past few weeks that is incorrect.
Last edited:
@ChiTownBHawks : You said you are on active duty once you graduate medschool...however I am pretty sure residency, military or not, does not count towards active duty. Can anyone clarify this?
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2013
- Messages
- 1,544
- Reaction score
- 1,953
You are confusing active duty with pay back. These terms are not analogous.
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2014
- Messages
- 1,556
- Reaction score
- 1,279
Is there any chance of doing the program if your sub scores are 7/7/11? I was told by a general recruiter that army isn't as critical about the sub scores. Or is there no hope for me ?
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2013
- Messages
- 1,544
- Reaction score
- 1,953
You can definitely request to opt out of the military match to do a civilian residency. But, with everything, the mil decides if they'll grant it or not.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2013
- Messages
- 34
- Reaction score
- 0
edit: please delete!
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2014
- Messages
- 13
- Reaction score
- 3
Im an Active Duty Army PA 65D. I have the exact same job as a physician 61series... If you have any questions, I can give some light in the matter. Docs and PAs in the Army fill a majority of the same roles in a TO&E (line) unit. Cant tell you much about a Hospital, but I can tell you all about a Role 1 (battlefield) and Role 2 CSH (Like MASH). In my set up ( Airborne Infantry unit), I run the Role 1 and the Doc (Profis) runs the Role 2. They typically come for only 90 days while im there for the whole 10 months to 1 yr. The majority of you all will see very little field time. The PA and the combat medics do the field work. Also, Ive been both enlisted and been an officer. Hit me up with any questions.
WXMAN, dont forget about all the "humanitarian mission" you all will be sent on. Think Haiti, Indonesia etc... When the war stops, these will really pick up...
On a second note, does anyone know if you can claim a HPSP scholarship if you already received the HPLRP for a different degree (PA). I was told yes from some AMEDD people, but just wanted to confirm. Thinking about doing the 2.8yr medical school for PAs. THanks all.
WXMAN, dont forget about all the "humanitarian mission" you all will be sent on. Think Haiti, Indonesia etc... When the war stops, these will really pick up...
On a second note, does anyone know if you can claim a HPSP scholarship if you already received the HPLRP for a different degree (PA). I was told yes from some AMEDD people, but just wanted to confirm. Thinking about doing the 2.8yr medical school for PAs. THanks all.
@ChiTownBHawks @Eremba : off your previous posts in this thread, is it really that easy to just get a civilian deferrment?
If not, whats to stop someone from applying military with the intent of not doing a military residency? For example, if someone has low board scores, whats to stop them from applying for a neurosurgery spot purposely knowing they wont match and then applying civilian to what they really want to do.
If not, whats to stop someone from applying military with the intent of not doing a military residency? For example, if someone has low board scores, whats to stop them from applying for a neurosurgery spot purposely knowing they wont match and then applying civilian to what they really want to do.
- Joined
- Jun 27, 2011
- Messages
- 264
- Reaction score
- 156
Does anyone know if they would use grade replacement GPA for the HPSP grade requirement??
I'm nearing the end of the Navy HPSP process atm. From what I've read off official document instructions, the recruiter is instructed to average GPA including all attempts, like AMCAS does. That being said, they also have your application in the package they submit to the approval board so they'd see your AACOMAS GPA as well.
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2013
- Messages
- 1,738
- Reaction score
- 1,189
to all interested, please spend a few hours reading in this forum
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forums/military-medicine.72/
especially check out
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/military-medicine-pros-cons-and-opinions.277310/
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forums/military-medicine.72/
especially check out
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/military-medicine-pros-cons-and-opinions.277310/
6
68PGunner
I'm going to dispel some bs spread from premeds here. The Army is interested in filling out slots. If you have at least a 3.2 gpa and a 24 MCAT(8 in each subsection), you will get the HPSP assuming that you don't have any red flags and apply early. HPSP for medical school is not competitive. The hardest factor is getting an acceptance letter. There were slots in Army HPSP for medical school that went unfilled last year.
Finally, it's very rare to get waiver for any academic deficiency.
T
trev5150
*You still have to actually get into medical school. The competition takes care of itself there. Those minimums exist to keep out the worst of the worst Caribbean students. The HPSP doesn't want to roll the dice on massive capital expenditures on shady medical degrees and iffy USMLE scores where the holder cannot perform at a minimal level for a mil or civ residency. You're gonna owe service time if you eff it all away and they don't want to burn a quarter million bucks on a dud supply officer.
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2012
- Messages
- 70
- Reaction score
- 2
I'm a first year DO student, trying to apply for the 3 year AF or Navy HPSP scholarship, and I have a MCAT score of 28, but with a 7 on verbal section, GPA of 3.62.
Will the sub 8 mcat automaticity disqualify me? How strict are they about the sub section scores?
I sent my mcat scores to my recruiter, but s/he never asked me about my subsection scores, should I draw it to his/her attention?
Will the sub 8 mcat automaticity disqualify me? How strict are they about the sub section scores?
I sent my mcat scores to my recruiter, but s/he never asked me about my subsection scores, should I draw it to his/her attention?
Last edited:
my answer would be yes. The recruiters dont make up the rules, theyre more like liasons. Id wait for someone more qualified than me to respond though.
6
68PGunner
I don't know the percentage. But, considering your status as a first year, your first semester grades might trump everything else. Personally, I think your chances of obtaining a waiver is above average.
Similar threads
