- Joined
- Oct 27, 2002
- Messages
- 283
- Reaction score
- 2
I don't think the comment from ndn11 was an extreme or even unusual opinion at all. I'm on active duty in the Air Force and talk to active-duty docs all the time. I think ndn11 expressed the sentiments of almost every specialist I have talked to at my medical center and from most people at other centers.
I agree with optho_MudPhud that many people who spent 20years in the military will sing its praises to the heavens--or at least to any impressionable pre-med. But the key thing is, these guys were in the military in the 80's and early 90's--the heyday of the military medical system. The stories from that time are unbelievable but true--doctors right out of training with complex referral cases from all over the world--Huge medical centers that were the equal of any University Hospital--Fairly competitive pay--minimal administrative hassles--few overseas deployments--the most modern equipment--automatic promotion. I saw it as a medical student and I know it was real. But know this--all that is GONE!
The Air-evacuation system that brought the referrals is gone. The generous funding is gone. The medical centers have been gutted. Tri-care (the military HMO) took away the patients.
I tell you again that military medicine has undergone RADICAL change from the perspective of the average doc. The ONLY way to find out the real story is to talk to a non-career medical officer who is currently practicing where you want to be. Guy's who went to the military academy, then military medical school, then military residency and are planning on staying for 20 years are stuck in the system. They will quote the party line about how great it is in the military.
ndn11's comments are closer to the feelings of most doc's than the leadership would ever admit. Granted, I know only a few specialists at a few bases in one branch of the service, so it may be different elsewhere.
Good luck all of you in your career choices.
I agree with optho_MudPhud that many people who spent 20years in the military will sing its praises to the heavens--or at least to any impressionable pre-med. But the key thing is, these guys were in the military in the 80's and early 90's--the heyday of the military medical system. The stories from that time are unbelievable but true--doctors right out of training with complex referral cases from all over the world--Huge medical centers that were the equal of any University Hospital--Fairly competitive pay--minimal administrative hassles--few overseas deployments--the most modern equipment--automatic promotion. I saw it as a medical student and I know it was real. But know this--all that is GONE!
The Air-evacuation system that brought the referrals is gone. The generous funding is gone. The medical centers have been gutted. Tri-care (the military HMO) took away the patients.
I tell you again that military medicine has undergone RADICAL change from the perspective of the average doc. The ONLY way to find out the real story is to talk to a non-career medical officer who is currently practicing where you want to be. Guy's who went to the military academy, then military medical school, then military residency and are planning on staying for 20 years are stuck in the system. They will quote the party line about how great it is in the military.
ndn11's comments are closer to the feelings of most doc's than the leadership would ever admit. Granted, I know only a few specialists at a few bases in one branch of the service, so it may be different elsewhere.
Good luck all of you in your career choices.