Army HPSP, good or bad choice for surgical residency/training?

[Stryder808]

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I have received the Army HPSP scholarship, but just recently received a full tuition scholarship from my state school. It is an expensive state and I'll need to take out some loans for living expenses (20k or less a year), but now with the money incentive gone I am reevaluating if I should take the HPSP Scholarship.
I am from a military family so I think service to my country is an important factor.
But my main concern is being able to place in a competitive specialty, get a strong background during residency, and have the opportunity for a fellowship.
From other posts it seems like things like Ortho, EM, and even general surgery can be hard to match into? ( Or is it just like everything else in life that you just have to work hard, score well, and just be overall competitive?)
Additionally, I have read too many post about milmed residencies not having the case load/ variety of pathology as compared to civilian residencies?
Finally, I have seen that fellowships can be hard to come by and is by need.
I am interested in Ortho, gen surgery, EM, and trauma surgery. I would appreciate any help and if some of you could share your past experiences?
Thanks in advance!

 

[deleted480308]

I would never suggest someone with a free rife take hpsp

If you want to serve as doc, the military will still be there later

 

[colbgw02]

Don't overthink this. Take the (civilian) scholarship and don't look back.

 

[HighPriest]

This is a no-brainer. You would be foolish to limit your options by joining the military to pay for room and board when you have a full ride. As mentioned, the military will be there when you finish, and you can decide if you want to serve in some capacity. if it isn't still there, it's a moot point anyway.

 

[Regmbr]

No brainer. Cancel HPSP right now. Right now. Do it today. Take the civilian scholarship.

 

[psychbender]

Cancel HPSP, take the civilian scholarship. If you still want to serve, then join on your own terms after residency.

 

[Stryder808]

Thanks for the input, finacially it doesn't make much sense. I take this with a grain of salt but the recruiter keeps telling me that 80% of mil.med get their first choice of specialty. Is it easier to place in Ortho, gen surg, or EM in a military residency?

 

[deleted480308]

Thanks for the input, finacially it doesn't make much sense. I take this with a grain of salt but the recruiter keeps telling me that 80% of mil.med get their first choice of specialty. Is it easier to place in Ortho, gen surg, or EM in a military residency?

I've heard repeatedly that EM is not easier in the military match, but I have no first hand knowledge

 

[Redpancreas]

I've heard repeatedly that EM is not easier in the military match, but I have no first hand knowledge

This is true. I know several classmates who would have matched Gen Surg but only matched. a TY despite numerous Gen Surg programs wanting them. The PDs were willing to write letters to the military advocating for these students, but MilMed wasn’t concerned.

 

[psychbender]

This is true. I know several classmates who would have matched Gen Surg but only matched. a TY despite numerous Gen Surg programs wanting them. The PDs were willing to write letters to the military advocating for these students, but MilMed wasn’t concerned.

This is one of the problems with a small, enclosed ecosystem. If those in control don't think they need more of a given specialty, then otherwise qualified applicants will not be allowed to train in those specialties. A buddy of mine really wanted to do CCM after anesthesiology, he was told that there wasn't a need. He interviewed anyway, had big name programs in the northeast saying that they had a spot and wanted him, but the Army said no. So, he did his time, got out, and is about to start fellowship at another bug name place this summer.

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[orbitsurgMD]

Thanks for the input, finacially it doesn't make much sense. I take this with a grain of salt but the recruiter keeps telling me that 80% of mil.med get their first choice of specialty. Is it easier to place in Ortho, gen surg, or EM in a military residency?

Not financially and not for a raft of other important reasons. Stay away from HPSP if you have a free-ride scholarship. Live as cheap as you can and borrow as little as you can. You will have your best opportunity at residency selection in the civilian community and if you want to do anything associated with the military later, you will be in a much better position to negotiate assignments when they don't have a scholarship repayment obligation they can hang over you.

HPSP has become the principal personnel pathway to GMO assignment with a small minority of accessions continuing on to residency. USUHS also goes to GMO land, but the longer repayment obligation usually results in their going to military residencies in greater percentage. Unfortunately, to most of the services, HPSP is a glorified temp agency.