Civilian considering applying to Navy residency programs

[NNguyenMD]

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Hi,

I'm a 4th year medical student, I'm a civilian but out of interest I am considering applying to internal medicine programs at Naval Medical Center Bestheda Maryland, San Diego California, and Portsmouth Virginia.

I'm really just interested in checking out what kind of residency they have to offer. I have heard many great things about Naval Medical Center in Bethesda mostly through friends who work at NIH. I also wanted to know if I am able to complete the residency as a civilian, or do I have to join the Navy in order to participate.

I am also sure these sites are very competitive amongst medical students who are in the armed forces as well, will they even consider a civilian just showing up at the front door like this asking to apply?

 

[MedicalCorpse]

I also wanted to know if I am able to complete the residency as a civilian, or do I have to join the Navy in order to participate.

I am also sure these sites are very competitive amongst medical students who are in the armed forces as well, will they even consider a civilian just showing up at the front door like this asking to apply?

If the U.S. military trains you, it will require something in return. As of today, what it wants is years of your life in payback as a military (not civilian) physician. Although all branches of the military have hired civilian contractor *staff* physicians to plug gaps generated by 1) lack of planning 2) lack of training 3) lack of bodies due to deployments, I have never heard of civilians being completely residency trained (vs. a few weeks/months rotation) by any branch of the service without having to raise their right hands to swear to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, etc., as a military officer, with a concomitant Active Duty Service Commitment.

If anyone here in this august forum knows otherwise, please speak up. Thanks.

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R
Ex-LtCol, USAF, MC
Ex-Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, USUHS, Bethesda, MD
USUHS Class of 1990
etc.
http://www.medicalcorpse.com

 

[edinOH]

You can not participate in a navy residency unless you are an active duty navy physician.