DOs in the Military

[JanikeyDoc]

Generally how difficult is it for DOs to practice in the US military? Is the military more favored to take traditional MDs? I was also wondering about programs like HPSP and the FAP that the Navy offers. I was interested in a career in military medicine, I was wondering how hard would it be to become a military doctor as a DO?

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[MTS42]

Generally how difficult is it for DOs to practice in the US military? Is the military more favored to take traditional MDs? I was also wondering about programs like HPSP and the FAP that the Navy offers. I was interested in a career in military medicine, I was wondering how hard would it be to become a military doctor as a DO?

I don't think the military is any less likely to take a DO than an MD. Quite frankly they seem to be compelled to take any quality physicians they can. I was in talks with an HPSP recruiter for a period of time and it seemed I would be a strong candidate as an incoming DO student. It was actually my choice not to go through with the application process, as the idea of not having a say in where I practice for 4 years following residency was not appealing.

If you are thinking about it, get in touch with an HPSP recruiter ASAP. It is a somewhat involved application process. They will start moving forward with your candidacy if you meet their minimum MCAT (not sure what it was, maybe between a 23 and 25) and a letter of acceptance. You will also have to pass a rather rigorous physical and background check. But again, these standards apply to both MDs and DOs

Hope this helps.

 

[EckXXX]

I have the process moving on a possible military scholarship with the Air Force through HPSP. Assuming you pass the physical portion, an automatic scholarship is offered to candidates that have a cGPA of 3.50, minimum MCAT of 28, and an acceptance to a US medical school (MD or DO). If you do not meet the GPA and MCAT standards, then the your application is reviewed longer and more work needs to be put into the process (LORs for example).

Good luck. I have a feeling the scholarships will be getting a bit more competitive this cycle.

 

[Styria]

Last I heard (which may have been quite a while), DOs are 5% of the civilian physician population, but are 10% in the military. You won't have any problem on that front.

 

[EricH]

I was going this route for a while and the line was "any US medical school." They do not, however, accept people with asthma.

 

[dannyboy1]

Lt. General Ronald Blanck, D.O., MC, USA (Ret.)-Former Surgeon General of the U.S. Army
While serving as Surgeon General, Dr. Blanck was the highest ranking D.O. in the commissioned services. A three-star general, Dr. Blanck was the director of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. Dr. Blanck also served as the Army’s chief medical officer during the Gulf War.

http://www.osteopathic.org/index.cfm?PageID=ado_prominent

I dont think you will have any problems.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

I have the process moving on a possible military scholarship with the Air Force through HPSP. Assuming you pass the physical portion, an automatic scholarship is offered to candidates that have a cGPA of 3.50, minimum MCAT of 28, and an acceptance to a US medical school (MD or DO). If you do not meet the GPA and MCAT standards, then the your application is reviewed longer and more work needs to be put into the process (LORs for example).

Good luck. I have a feeling the scholarships will be getting a bit more competitive this cycle.

is that aacomas or aamc gpa? because both may vary greatly based on the amount of repeated classes.

 

[WDeagle]

The military is probably the most DO friendly place there is(when compared to MD's). Although, some would argue that the military isnt so friendly to any doctors.

 

[EckXXX]

Based on the recruiter's explanation, once I graduate I will need my registrars office to release a copy of my transcript to the Air Force. With that in mind, I would say that the GPA my college has for me is the one reviewed for the scholarship (not necessarily the same method used by aacomas or aamc).

 

[MTS42]

Based on the recruiter's explanation, once I graduate I will need my registrars office to release a copy of my transcript to the Air Force. With that in mind, I would say that the GPA my college has for me is the one reviewed for the scholarship (not necessarily the same method used by aacomas or aamc).

I believe this is correct. They asked for my college transcript (since I had already graduated) and nothing related to AMCAS/AACOMAS systems.

 

[spicedmanna]

I believe this is correct. They asked for my college transcript (since I had already graduated) and nothing related to AMCAS/AACOMAS systems.

I don't know how it works for other branches, but I assume it would be the same or similar. When I was applying for the USAF HPSP, my recruiter explained that he would take my transcipts and enter them into a computer program that would calculate a GPA, so they have their own method, whatever it is, I don't know. Ask your recruiter about the process. My impression is that the process isn't that selective...if you can make it into med school, you probably qualify academically.... now, passing the MEPS screen, that's something else.

 

[J-Rad]

DOs are over-represented in the military as compared to the civilian population. The military is very DO friendly. Spend some time on the Military Medicine Forum and especially try to get in touch with some prior and current milmed docs to make an informed decision. The decision to pursue the military medicine route should not be taken lightly as there is much to be given up and what is gained is variable for many. From a long-term financial perspective it's usually a wash to a bad deal, so doing it for money is a bad idea.

 

[bleeker10]

now, passing the MEPS screen, that's something else.

Yea I can attest to this fact. I had my application held back due to asthma as a kid. My application was sent to the Air Force SGO and they medically disqualified me from the Air Force. Now I'm gonna try the Army
Also, the duck walk was probably the most awkward thing I've had to do physically. I sucked at it big time haha.

 

[JanikeyDoc]

Will my age hurt me? I am 33 years old and will be 34 when I plan to start medical school. I have heard of older doctors entering the service and I really wonder if my age will be a problem.

 

[EckXXX]

Will my age hurt me? I am 33 years old and will be 34 when I plan to start medical school. I have heard of older doctors entering the service and I really wonder if my age will be a problem.

Your age will not hurt you (assuming you are or could be in good health). Age plays a bigger factor for enlisted personnel than it does commissioned (you will be a lieutenant upon accepting the scholarship and a captain after graduation from medical school).

 

[Doctor Bob]

I really wonder if my age will be a problem.

Not at all. There are people older than you starting the HPSP program.

As for there being any difficulty with being a DO in the military, remember that it was the military (specifically the AirForce) which first granted equal practice rights to DOs and MDs across the board, which paved the way for the individual states to do the same.

 

[spicedmanna]

Will my age hurt me? I am 33 years old and will be 34 when I plan to start medical school. I have heard of older doctors entering the service and I really wonder if my age will be a problem.

Nope. Age isn't going to hurt you. I'm around your age and everything went smoothly, from entry into medical school to entry into the HPSP program, second year. Age never came into play in either of those areas.

The only thing I'd caution you about is that you should make sure that you want to be a military physician, be in milmed, before committing to the HPSP. If it's only the money you are interested in, then, as it has been said countless times, loans may be your better option. Just keep that in mind before signing up.