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Army Residencies
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The Army has great residency programs, and probably the most opportunities of all the branches. The locations are pretty decent--Walter Reed (DC), Madigan (Tacoma, WA), Tripler (Hawaii), Bruch (San Antonio, TX), etc...Keep in mind the number one job of a military doc is supporting the soldier/sailor/airmen/marine. Even if your job is in pediatrics, for example, at some point you may still be forward deployed to support the warfighter. In the Army, this could mean being deployed with a combat support hospital or forward surgical team, in the Navy a hospital ship (eg, USNS Comfort), etc.
Bottom line: in the military you will have great opportunities to learn all aspects of medicine, but you have to be ever-mindful that your job may some day take you to a place that you would otherwise never choose to visit. If you can deal with that, then Go Army! (or Navy, or Air Force, etc).
Bottom line: in the military you will have great opportunities to learn all aspects of medicine, but you have to be ever-mindful that your job may some day take you to a place that you would otherwise never choose to visit. If you can deal with that, then Go Army! (or Navy, or Air Force, etc).
What exactly do you want to know?
Specialties, locations, pay....
Specialties, locations, pay....
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Forget what Caffeinated said. First of all, don't take advice from someone who can't spell the name of the hospital he's commenting on. It's "Brooke" not "Bruch". Although I agree that the Army has the most diverse choices of residency programs of the military branches, I think it is ridiculous to say that "the Army has great residency programs". The army has good programs, a few of them may even be great, but they are not on the level of Duke, Hopkins or Yale. I should note, however, that the Army is probably the best in the world for burn medicine.
I look forward to my stint in the Army, but everyone must go in with their eyes open. I believe that if you are a competitive residency applicant, you probably lose a bit by going into the military. For me, this is more than compensated by the other things the Army has to offer.
Any finally, a pediatrian is not going to get deployed in a forward surgical team unless he or she is double boarded in surgery or orthopedics.
Ed
I look forward to my stint in the Army, but everyone must go in with their eyes open. I believe that if you are a competitive residency applicant, you probably lose a bit by going into the military. For me, this is more than compensated by the other things the Army has to offer.
Any finally, a pediatrian is not going to get deployed in a forward surgical team unless he or she is double boarded in surgery or orthopedics.
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Come on, Ed. Lighten up, bud. Sorry if I offended you by implying that Army residencies are great. Maybe I'm a little biased by the fact that my Army doctors/colleagues who trained in Army residencies have taken excellent care of me and my family. Duke, Hopkins, and Yale turn out world-class docs--there is no argument there. But that doesn't mean that the Walter Reed, Madigan, and Brooke trained Army docs are second-rate. As for the mis-spelling, my deepest apologies for once again offending; I had the name confused with the classical composer.
As for the forward surgical team/pediatrician examples, they were meant to be two separate examples, but perhaps I once again failed you in not making that distinction between the two examples clear.
But don't take my word for it, listen to the guy that never mis-spells anything, especially "pediatrician."
Actually a navy pediatric cardiologist I worked with who served in Desert Storm told me that the specialty with the most physicians deployed was ortho followed by PEDIATRICS (at least for the navy). He was deployed immediately after completing his fellowship and served as a general "pediatrician" for the younger troops despite being boarded in peds cards! At one point during the war, he was the most forward physician (closest to enemy) in the military during a recon mission.
Pediatric cardiologist.
Pediatric cardiologist.
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Good story, LT!
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You are absolutely right, I should lighten up. I could have put that much better.
I wasn't offended by your characterization of the Army?s residency programs. I was worried that you would mislead the original poster. Painting a rosy picture is not helpful to someone who is considering doing HPSP. They need the real story. There are distinct disadvantages and advantages to the program. Unless you have direct knowledge of aspects of the program (e.g. you were a resident or medical student or at least have had extensive conversations with one). Important pieces of information would include work hours, clinic time, OR time, diversity of cases, diversity of patient population, amount of cases, amount of teaching, availability of electives, faculty interest in teaching, amount of scut. I certainly don?t know the whole picture, but I have heard from some actual residents that some of the programs lack diversity of cases while others don?t have enough cases to go around. I will give the Army credit, though. They have away rotations to fill gaps and their people always do well on the inservice exams. Hopefully, next year at this time, I will be able to provide details.
BTW, touche? on the spelling thing. Although there is no need for me to spell pediatrician correctly because I?m over 18 and I won?t become one. As you, I also confuse Army medical centers with classical composers, just the other day I called the hospital in Hawaii ?Tchaikovsky? rather than ?Tripler.?
😉
I wasn't offended by your characterization of the Army?s residency programs. I was worried that you would mislead the original poster. Painting a rosy picture is not helpful to someone who is considering doing HPSP. They need the real story. There are distinct disadvantages and advantages to the program. Unless you have direct knowledge of aspects of the program (e.g. you were a resident or medical student or at least have had extensive conversations with one). Important pieces of information would include work hours, clinic time, OR time, diversity of cases, diversity of patient population, amount of cases, amount of teaching, availability of electives, faculty interest in teaching, amount of scut. I certainly don?t know the whole picture, but I have heard from some actual residents that some of the programs lack diversity of cases while others don?t have enough cases to go around. I will give the Army credit, though. They have away rotations to fill gaps and their people always do well on the inservice exams. Hopefully, next year at this time, I will be able to provide details.
BTW, touche? on the spelling thing. Although there is no need for me to spell pediatrician correctly because I?m over 18 and I won?t become one. As you, I also confuse Army medical centers with classical composers, just the other day I called the hospital in Hawaii ?Tchaikovsky? rather than ?Tripler.?
😉
Hey- This is "republicandr's wife", so what I say doesn't necessarily represent what he says, but I just had to say that I enjoy reading the tit for tat btwn you guys! So funny! Edmadison, you seem to stick your foot in your mouth with dexterity and frequency😉 .
Caffeinated- I thought there weren't any residency training programs at Tripler???
As far as deployment- I have read lots of posts on a military spouses forum, and they say that pediatricians are in fact frequently deployed. Along with ortho, surgery, emergency, etc. We have chosen to expect deployment. So deployment won't be an issue in determining my husband's career, I guess.
I have heard that the army programs in orthopedics are supposed to be especially good. Some of the OB/GYN residents complain about a lack of beds and experience. Some surgery people complain about a lack of diversity in cases. Some people complain that the patients they serve are too healthy so they don't represent the real face of medicine. Basically, what I've found is that there are complainers everywhere.
Good luck with your research!
BTW- I was wondering if anyone knows if the recent increases in military budget (as opposed to Clinton's years of cutting the budget mercilessly) would help solve some of the most common complaints regarding military medicine? Any thought?
Caffeinated- I thought there weren't any residency training programs at Tripler???
As far as deployment- I have read lots of posts on a military spouses forum, and they say that pediatricians are in fact frequently deployed. Along with ortho, surgery, emergency, etc. We have chosen to expect deployment. So deployment won't be an issue in determining my husband's career, I guess.
I have heard that the army programs in orthopedics are supposed to be especially good. Some of the OB/GYN residents complain about a lack of beds and experience. Some surgery people complain about a lack of diversity in cases. Some people complain that the patients they serve are too healthy so they don't represent the real face of medicine. Basically, what I've found is that there are complainers everywhere.
Good luck with your research!
BTW- I was wondering if anyone knows if the recent increases in military budget (as opposed to Clinton's years of cutting the budget mercilessly) would help solve some of the most common complaints regarding military medicine? Any thought?
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I'm not Caffeinated (or caffeinated 😛), but I do know for a fact that there are residency training programs at Tripler (a.k.a. TAMC, or among spouses, "Crippler"). Check out this website: http://meded.amedd.army.mil/pages/gme-docs/armyresidency.doc
It is outdated (2000), but I assume that most of the info hasn't changed.
Very likely. It was well known that Tripler had much higher C-section rates than civilian hospitals, which may or may not say something about the quality of the residency program.
But contrary to popular belief, members of the military aren't necessarily the large bulk of the patient population. At Tripler at least (my only military medicine exposure), the majority of patients appeared to be military dependents and retirees and their dependents. Not to say that there wasn't a large number of active duty patients, just not overwhelmingly so. And when there's a massive deployment (like around the time of the Gulf war), most of the patients definitely aren't active duty.
Part of the problem is the massive numbers of civilian contractors that have been brought in, and that's not just in the medical fields. And, of course, most of those civilian employees don't get nearly the compensation/benefits that similarly trained military personnel did. The only people that seem to win in that situation are the people running the contracting agencies...
That said, I doubt that the budget increases will be allocated properly to help relieve these problems. But I don't have the numbers to back it up, nor, quite frankly, do I really care enough to find out. So I'll leave that question to those with more experience in the military medical environment.
What I'd like to hear more about, in regards to military residencies, is how hard residents are worked, particularly in the surgical specialties. I think I've mentioned this before, but I've heard two things:
First, that many programs are understaffed, so residents are worked insanely hard.
Second, and more commonly, that strict regimentation allows for reasonable hours, and residents can expect to lead almost-normal lives in comparison with the insane existences of civilian surgery residents.
Anyone? Anyone! I'd love to get more feedback on this one without having to track down some resident halfway across the country...
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As you, I also confuse Army medical centers with classical composers, just the other day I called the hospital in Hawaii ?Tchaikovsky? rather than ?Tripler.?
LMFAO, now THAT was funny. I was going to mention that when I was stationed in Hawaii in the late 80's andearly 90's we used to call it "the Crippler" but I see someone beat me to it...I like Tchaikovsky though, it's got a definite ring to it. Maybe I'll start confusing Mozart for Madigan, and Wolfgang for Wilford Hall
LMFAO, now THAT was funny. I was going to mention that when I was stationed in Hawaii in the late 80's andearly 90's we used to call it "the Crippler" but I see someone beat me to it...I like Tchaikovsky though, it's got a definite ring to it. Maybe I'll start confusing Mozart for Madigan, and Wolfgang for Wilford Hall
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republicandr and anyone whose interested, I came across this article in usmedicine. In the article, it says that ISP will increase from its ceiling of 36,000 to 50,000 and that multi-year special pay will increase from a ceiling of 14,000 to 50,000 as well. The bad news is that not enough funds were appropriated to the bills that were passed. Still, the article says that it is worthwile to fund the bonuses and that they will try to fund them this year regardless. In any case, looks like some of the military budget increases will come to military medicine "hopefully." Here is the link to the article:
http://www.usmedicine.com/article.cfm?articleID=551&issueID=45
Jetson
http://www.usmedicine.com/article.cfm?articleID=551&issueID=45
Jetson
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Thanks guys and gals!!!
The reason I threw out his general bit of bait was because I was interested to see what everyone would say (that seems obvious). It is also because in the past several months I have been hyper-focused on getting into med school - and though residencies are extremely important in the physicions career path, they were at the back of my mind. I have taken an HPSP scholarship from the Army, and I am very excited to have done so. I am really looking forward to the experience and I have started my PT (so I don't croak at OBC, as I have requested to go this summer). I understand the challenges that I may face (deployment ect.) and accept them. I researched the program before going in and I realized that if I was to be really competitive going for residencies, the Army residencies may be slightly lower in "name prestige" than others I might gain admission into as a civilian. However, talking with my recuiter and his Health Professions team and reading the information available to me online and in the literature allayed any of my fears that the training would be sub-par. (As earlier on SDN there were discussions that suggested that residency training in the Army has been declining in quality) One learns exactly what one puts forth the effort to learn, and as long as a certain basic framework is provided there is the oppurtunity to excel anywhere. (this is not to suggest that the Army residency programs are only adequate, as I believe that they are quite good) The chair of the dept. of Bio at my Uni. has a daughter doing her residency at Tripler now and she finds it to be outstanding. She also has the opp. the see really interesting cases, as that base's medical center also serves Micronesia, Guam, ect.
Thanks again for the replies
The reason I threw out his general bit of bait was because I was interested to see what everyone would say (that seems obvious). It is also because in the past several months I have been hyper-focused on getting into med school - and though residencies are extremely important in the physicions career path, they were at the back of my mind. I have taken an HPSP scholarship from the Army, and I am very excited to have done so. I am really looking forward to the experience and I have started my PT (so I don't croak at OBC, as I have requested to go this summer). I understand the challenges that I may face (deployment ect.) and accept them. I researched the program before going in and I realized that if I was to be really competitive going for residencies, the Army residencies may be slightly lower in "name prestige" than others I might gain admission into as a civilian. However, talking with my recuiter and his Health Professions team and reading the information available to me online and in the literature allayed any of my fears that the training would be sub-par. (As earlier on SDN there were discussions that suggested that residency training in the Army has been declining in quality) One learns exactly what one puts forth the effort to learn, and as long as a certain basic framework is provided there is the oppurtunity to excel anywhere. (this is not to suggest that the Army residency programs are only adequate, as I believe that they are quite good) The chair of the dept. of Bio at my Uni. has a daughter doing her residency at Tripler now and she finds it to be outstanding. She also has the opp. the see really interesting cases, as that base's medical center also serves Micronesia, Guam, ect.
Thanks again for the replies
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Here's a question I'd like to ask:
I'm up (hopefully) for an Air Force HPSP, and understand that I'll have to apply for military residencies before the traditional 'match'. I'm wondering if I can only apply to Air Force residencies, or can I apply to *any* military residency program.
Say I'm interested in anesthesiology, and only the Army has one listed (I think it's actually the opposite in truth, but bear with me). Can I, as an Air Force student, apply for that Army residency? Vice versa?
If it is the case that the residencies are open to the same branch, then it would be a bit of a consideration to which branch to apply if one already has a strong notion of their intended specialty.
Thanks for your replies!
- Tae
I'm up (hopefully) for an Air Force HPSP, and understand that I'll have to apply for military residencies before the traditional 'match'. I'm wondering if I can only apply to Air Force residencies, or can I apply to *any* military residency program.
Say I'm interested in anesthesiology, and only the Army has one listed (I think it's actually the opposite in truth, but bear with me). Can I, as an Air Force student, apply for that Army residency? Vice versa?
If it is the case that the residencies are open to the same branch, then it would be a bit of a consideration to which branch to apply if one already has a strong notion of their intended specialty.
Thanks for your replies!
- Tae
Thanks Jetson! Always like to hear about bonus increases! Hopefully by the time the new USUHS students are practicing the bonus increases will be in effect. I thought some military spending increases should trickle down.
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Ok, I can laugh at myself. In fact, I often mistakenly tell people I work at Wagner Reed. Ha ha!
Back to the original post though, I thought I gave a sufficiently general answer to a general question. The thread seems to have come into a little sharper focus now.
Back to the original post though, I thought I gave a sufficiently general answer to a general question. The thread seems to have come into a little sharper focus now.
Speaking of Army residencies...
I am curious if anyone can follow up to HouseHead's question regarding the workload for Army (or other branches) surgical residents. The wife of a very good friend of mind will be starting her surgical residency this summer and this question has come up often.
Having served in the military before, I'd like to think that the programs would have a more regimented, less-insane schedule than your basic civilian no-connection-to-reality-do-it-because-I-had-to set up.
Very good thread! Thanks for any replies in advance.
I am curious if anyone can follow up to HouseHead's question regarding the workload for Army (or other branches) surgical residents. The wife of a very good friend of mind will be starting her surgical residency this summer and this question has come up often.
Having served in the military before, I'd like to think that the programs would have a more regimented, less-insane schedule than your basic civilian no-connection-to-reality-do-it-because-I-had-to set up.
Very good thread! Thanks for any replies in advance.
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Just for the record, I never said that pediatricians do not get deployed, I said they don't get deployed in forward surgical teams.
With regards to the most recent question, I have heard that the surgical and ortho residents at William Beaumont get slammed in terms of hours. As a future member of an Army residency, I am hopefull that the military will rigorously comply with the new workload requirements. I believe they will because to get sanctioned or suspended by the accreditation folks would be too embarrassing. This is probably denial on my part.
Ed
With regards to the most recent question, I have heard that the surgical and ortho residents at William Beaumont get slammed in terms of hours. As a future member of an Army residency, I am hopefull that the military will rigorously comply with the new workload requirements. I believe they will because to get sanctioned or suspended by the accreditation folks would be too embarrassing. This is probably denial on my part.
Ed
Edmadison, I was just curious as to what residency program you're going into? I ask just because my husband is drawn most to the surgical, especially ortho, programs. But who knows.
Also, you seem a bit cryptic about the military, but maybe that's just your style. What made you want to take the HPSP? From the posts I've read, it seems that most people before they actually are in residency are really excited to be part of the military and what not, especially those without prior service. Just curious- feel free to ignore this post. By the way, I am the wife of republicandr, again. In case I offend, I just want to be sure that you are clear who it is doing the offending. My husband's about the least offending person you'll ever meet.
Also, you seem a bit cryptic about the military, but maybe that's just your style. What made you want to take the HPSP? From the posts I've read, it seems that most people before they actually are in residency are really excited to be part of the military and what not, especially those without prior service. Just curious- feel free to ignore this post. By the way, I am the wife of republicandr, again. In case I offend, I just want to be sure that you are clear who it is doing the offending. My husband's about the least offending person you'll ever meet.
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Perhaps someone who posts on the med/residency forums should ask about this whole Army residency thing... It seems that few of us have the experience to speak on the subject of hours for surgical residencies in the Army. So, maybe someone on one of those forums is actually *in* one of those residencies? (I'd do it, but I already spend too much time on this board to justify adding another to my watch list...)
If any definitive answers could be gotten, I'm sure it would help plenty prospective HPSP applicants/acceptees.
If any definitive answers could be gotten, I'm sure it would help plenty prospective HPSP applicants/acceptees.
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Your questions are good and I certainly do not mind answering them. I am honored for the opportunity to serve in our nation's military. I get a little perturbed when people paint an idyllic portrait of what HPSP/USUHS students have ahead of them. Like any choice in life, there are advantages and disadvantages. People need to go into military with their eyes open. It took me along time and trouble to get all the information before I signed on the dotted line. I have read a number of stories in news groups and in US Medicine about people who didn't know what they were getting into and hate being a doctor for the military. I wouldn't want that person to care for me, my family or soldiers in my unit.
What's in it for me you ask? I feel a calling to service towards my country. I am thankful that I live in the United States and for the sacrifices that those who have gone before me made to protect a set of ideas. I relish the opportunity to treat the soldiers and family members of those who are dedicated (most of them) to this same goal. I realize that I am making sacrifices for this choice, I might get into a "better" residency in the civilian world, I could work in a less restricted environment, I could chose where I live (if my wife lets me), I could avoid people thinking I wasn't good enough to get a job in the real world (man I hate that one). For me the pros vastly outnumber the cons. I hope that everyone will think thoroughly through their decision before signing up. It is very easy to get caught up in the romance and money and forget what you are giving up. But also don't forget what you gain -- and I am not referring to the money.
A year and a half ago I prepared a list of some of the "Cons" that I came up with and thought through before I signed up. I am somewhat better informed now, however I think they are still thought provoking.
http://www.studentdoctor.net/forums/showthread.php?threadid=17701&highlight=HPSP
As for me, I am interested in general surgery, ortho, ENT and uro, with critical care medicine somewhere in the back. I hope to narrow that choice down really soon. I can't wait until I get to do ADTs this summer, except for the part where I will be separated from my dog and wife (NOT in that order!!!!).
If you have more questions, I am happy to answer them here or through private messages.
Ed
I think I remember reading that post some time ago. Thanks for the reminder, though. It's pretty similar to our list- but since my husband is going to USUHS it's a little bit different. He wouldn't be looking for a civilian post until he'd had about 20 years of military doctor experience. By then who knows. The civilian sector of medicine will probably be so hopeless that he'll just stay military.
Thanks again for the post- I think that rather than cryptic perhaps you are informed, while preparing yourself for the worst case! That's sort of been what we've been doing, but I'm a pessimist by nature...
Thanks again for the post- I think that rather than cryptic perhaps you are informed, while preparing yourself for the worst case! That's sort of been what we've been doing, but I'm a pessimist by nature...
Hi!
I couldn't help but peek in this thread. Emadison--you are very wise to approach this the way you are. I was a medic in ARNG for one and a half years before I became and ROTC cadet. Just like the way some idealize USUHS/HPSP, they also idealize ROTC. It can become very frustrating, because some people who join ROTC do it for the money or because it would be a "fun" opprotunity. Yet, when some individials get a small glimpse of what they military actually requires, they become upset. I have been told by classmates that I have it "easy" going through undergrad because I am on scholarship and receive a small stipend. Yet, I still have loans (books, board, overloaded credits and lab fees), and ROTC/HPSP/military academy is not a free ride. Especially in light of pursuing war, one should NOT take USUHS/HPSP/ROTC lightly. Yes, there are awesome opportunities, but one has to sacrifice many freedoms. Yes, I may not have $50,000 debt now, but in three years I could be in the middle east, under enemy fire. I cannot go on vacation whenever I want, nor attend any political rally I want. Cadets at my school have come to realize that, especially with the antiwar tensions now, by putting on a uniform, you are agreeing to support and defend this nation--whether or not you agree with the war. Some civilains may lash out against you because of what you represent. You are in the spotlight 24-7, because anti-war and anti-military personal love to illuminate stories of soldiers "gone bad". As a USUHS/HPSP student, you are agreeing to be military first, doctor second. Please go in with your eyes open. Already, many veteran enlisted and veteran officers have distaste for Army doctors. Many HPSP students leave with a bitter taste of military medicine because they did not realize what they had committed to. Or--some join because it is a convienant way to pay for medical school with a small detour to successful civiliam career. However, patients and subordinates will know if you do not want to be there.
I believe HPSP/USUHS is an awesome opportunity, --if you know what you are getting into. I know this is an issue that USUHS adcom asks of interviewees (at least they asked me). You will travel. You will most likely be deployed. You will be identified with causes/wars that may be unpopular by public. You may be bombarded with anger from anti-military/war protester on how "wrong" you are to be identified with this organization. You have to stand back patiently, being careful of what you say against such attacks, knowing that YOU are defending such person's right to say it. In Vietnam, upon return from war, soldiers were met with spite. They were spat upon; they were called baby killers. They risked their lives for a nation, for people who are sometimes ungrateful for their sacrifice, and would "bite the hand that feeds them". You are a servant of the people, an employee for the government.
Yet, this can be rewarding. You get to work and save lives of brave men and woman who are willing to sacrifice time, and possibly their life to preserve freedoms. You may be able to go on humanitarian missions to administer aid for those less fortunate. You get to work with family members who are troubled due to their loved ones being deployed. You get to travel, to see the world. You get some of the best leadership training and some of the best operational medicine training that the world has to offer. The military takes care of its own, and has a tight community. You'll have an incredible allegiance to your co-workers because you know that someday your life may rest in their hands. You have a common interest, a common background.
For those of you willing to accept this burden, this honor; I will be honored to serve with you. If you do not want to accept this burden, I am still honored to defend and serve you. The military is not for everyone, but for those willing to pay the price, it can be a rewarding career.
Thanks!
(Sorry this is so long, but at my school we are under fire for our allegiance to the government that may soon be going to war. Thus, the military has become a very personal issue for me. I love being in the military, but it is not for everyone. Food for thought).
I couldn't help but peek in this thread. Emadison--you are very wise to approach this the way you are. I was a medic in ARNG for one and a half years before I became and ROTC cadet. Just like the way some idealize USUHS/HPSP, they also idealize ROTC. It can become very frustrating, because some people who join ROTC do it for the money or because it would be a "fun" opprotunity. Yet, when some individials get a small glimpse of what they military actually requires, they become upset. I have been told by classmates that I have it "easy" going through undergrad because I am on scholarship and receive a small stipend. Yet, I still have loans (books, board, overloaded credits and lab fees), and ROTC/HPSP/military academy is not a free ride. Especially in light of pursuing war, one should NOT take USUHS/HPSP/ROTC lightly. Yes, there are awesome opportunities, but one has to sacrifice many freedoms. Yes, I may not have $50,000 debt now, but in three years I could be in the middle east, under enemy fire. I cannot go on vacation whenever I want, nor attend any political rally I want. Cadets at my school have come to realize that, especially with the antiwar tensions now, by putting on a uniform, you are agreeing to support and defend this nation--whether or not you agree with the war. Some civilains may lash out against you because of what you represent. You are in the spotlight 24-7, because anti-war and anti-military personal love to illuminate stories of soldiers "gone bad". As a USUHS/HPSP student, you are agreeing to be military first, doctor second. Please go in with your eyes open. Already, many veteran enlisted and veteran officers have distaste for Army doctors. Many HPSP students leave with a bitter taste of military medicine because they did not realize what they had committed to. Or--some join because it is a convienant way to pay for medical school with a small detour to successful civiliam career. However, patients and subordinates will know if you do not want to be there.
I believe HPSP/USUHS is an awesome opportunity, --if you know what you are getting into. I know this is an issue that USUHS adcom asks of interviewees (at least they asked me). You will travel. You will most likely be deployed. You will be identified with causes/wars that may be unpopular by public. You may be bombarded with anger from anti-military/war protester on how "wrong" you are to be identified with this organization. You have to stand back patiently, being careful of what you say against such attacks, knowing that YOU are defending such person's right to say it. In Vietnam, upon return from war, soldiers were met with spite. They were spat upon; they were called baby killers. They risked their lives for a nation, for people who are sometimes ungrateful for their sacrifice, and would "bite the hand that feeds them". You are a servant of the people, an employee for the government.
Yet, this can be rewarding. You get to work and save lives of brave men and woman who are willing to sacrifice time, and possibly their life to preserve freedoms. You may be able to go on humanitarian missions to administer aid for those less fortunate. You get to work with family members who are troubled due to their loved ones being deployed. You get to travel, to see the world. You get some of the best leadership training and some of the best operational medicine training that the world has to offer. The military takes care of its own, and has a tight community. You'll have an incredible allegiance to your co-workers because you know that someday your life may rest in their hands. You have a common interest, a common background.
For those of you willing to accept this burden, this honor; I will be honored to serve with you. If you do not want to accept this burden, I am still honored to defend and serve you. The military is not for everyone, but for those willing to pay the price, it can be a rewarding career.
Thanks!
(Sorry this is so long, but at my school we are under fire for our allegiance to the government that may soon be going to war. Thus, the military has become a very personal issue for me. I love being in the military, but it is not for everyone. Food for thought).
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Phil,
Great post. I am sorry to hear about the nonsense you and the other cadets are witnessing at your school. It's ironic that most of the people who would direct their saliva at you in disgust have never endured tyranny; in fact, if they really despise tyranny and the enemies of freedom, then they should be NOT be protesting the US military. I think deep down they know that in other countries, they would be killed without trial or due process for marching against the government or the military. I guess that's one of the ironies of being a soldier defending this great Experiment in Freedom--you end up going downrange to defend the freedom of someone who hates you.
As for the whole "officer first, doctor second" issue, I am not sure if I buy that entirely. You're not the first person I have ever heard that from, and I have disagreed with it somewhat since I first heard it. Maybe it's just a matter of semantics, but I don't see the two roles as being mutually exclusive. I see them more as complementary--being a good officer will make you a better doctor and vice versa. It's in the nature of being an officer in any career field. Being an officer in the military defines the scope of your professional goals. For example, the mission of the Army Medical Department is "To conserve the fighting strength." The mission of the medical officer is invariably linked to both roles: doctor and officer. I believe that to be an exceptional medical officer, neither role should be subordinate to the other. While professional development as an officer is different than the career development as a physician, the execution of the duties as a medical officer are linked to both roles. It's a synergy that's actually pretty cool. Sure, it's not easy, but the job satisfaction is second to none.
Great post. I am sorry to hear about the nonsense you and the other cadets are witnessing at your school. It's ironic that most of the people who would direct their saliva at you in disgust have never endured tyranny; in fact, if they really despise tyranny and the enemies of freedom, then they should be NOT be protesting the US military. I think deep down they know that in other countries, they would be killed without trial or due process for marching against the government or the military. I guess that's one of the ironies of being a soldier defending this great Experiment in Freedom--you end up going downrange to defend the freedom of someone who hates you.
As for the whole "officer first, doctor second" issue, I am not sure if I buy that entirely. You're not the first person I have ever heard that from, and I have disagreed with it somewhat since I first heard it. Maybe it's just a matter of semantics, but I don't see the two roles as being mutually exclusive. I see them more as complementary--being a good officer will make you a better doctor and vice versa. It's in the nature of being an officer in any career field. Being an officer in the military defines the scope of your professional goals. For example, the mission of the Army Medical Department is "To conserve the fighting strength." The mission of the medical officer is invariably linked to both roles: doctor and officer. I believe that to be an exceptional medical officer, neither role should be subordinate to the other. While professional development as an officer is different than the career development as a physician, the execution of the duties as a medical officer are linked to both roles. It's a synergy that's actually pretty cool. Sure, it's not easy, but the job satisfaction is second to none.
Caffeinated-
Great response. Sorry about the confusion of response. When I said military first, doctor second, I didn't mean to imply roles exactly same. One I mean to express is a common misconception that military medicine is not much different than civilian. I know many HPSP applicants and other medical student (Civilian) who believe that HPSP students will be regular doctors, who just happen to be employed by the military. Some people then believe that HPSP is just a nice means to pay for school, and a decent experience in the military. As a MC officer, you are a doctor, but you cannot downplay the military component. This is what I meant by officer first.
I treasure the chance to become a doctor. I love peole, and medicine is a wonderful profession. I also love the military, and it is aslo a valuable profession. Military medicine is a wonderful blend of two complementary worlds. However, one must understand, especially if not prior service, the significance of the military component. I hear too many stereotypes from career officers about military doctors who know nothing about military customs, don't know how to wear uniform properly or salute, and so on....these officers can tell which doctors treasure both military and medicine whereas others are no different than civilian doctors wearing a uniform. Yes, the mission of a MC officer is very different than that of a MSC officer, or SC. Yet, I just ask individuals desiring HPSP to enter with their eyes open. Please do not become like the doctors that all career enlisted/officer joke about!
I have met military docs who loved military medicine, and those who hated it. The ones who hated it wish they would have known what they were getting into before signing the line. The ones who loved it were prior service (the ones I met) and knew what they were signing up for. Army residencies can be wonderful, second to none, if one is willing to accept military component.
This is same advice I give individuals considering ROTC...this (ROTC/HPSP) is not just another scholarship. It is a lifestyle. Think long and hard. In the long run, you will be happy you did, no matter what choice you make. I already know that you want to be a doctor--the question now is, do you want to be in the military?
I look forward to serving with all of you or for you!
Great response. Sorry about the confusion of response. When I said military first, doctor second, I didn't mean to imply roles exactly same. One I mean to express is a common misconception that military medicine is not much different than civilian. I know many HPSP applicants and other medical student (Civilian) who believe that HPSP students will be regular doctors, who just happen to be employed by the military. Some people then believe that HPSP is just a nice means to pay for school, and a decent experience in the military. As a MC officer, you are a doctor, but you cannot downplay the military component. This is what I meant by officer first.
I treasure the chance to become a doctor. I love peole, and medicine is a wonderful profession. I also love the military, and it is aslo a valuable profession. Military medicine is a wonderful blend of two complementary worlds. However, one must understand, especially if not prior service, the significance of the military component. I hear too many stereotypes from career officers about military doctors who know nothing about military customs, don't know how to wear uniform properly or salute, and so on....these officers can tell which doctors treasure both military and medicine whereas others are no different than civilian doctors wearing a uniform. Yes, the mission of a MC officer is very different than that of a MSC officer, or SC. Yet, I just ask individuals desiring HPSP to enter with their eyes open. Please do not become like the doctors that all career enlisted/officer joke about!
I have met military docs who loved military medicine, and those who hated it. The ones who hated it wish they would have known what they were getting into before signing the line. The ones who loved it were prior service (the ones I met) and knew what they were signing up for. Army residencies can be wonderful, second to none, if one is willing to accept military component.
This is same advice I give individuals considering ROTC...this (ROTC/HPSP) is not just another scholarship. It is a lifestyle. Think long and hard. In the long run, you will be happy you did, no matter what choice you make. I already know that you want to be a doctor--the question now is, do you want to be in the military?
I look forward to serving with all of you or for you!
