getting in shape

[rkaz]

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I am currently applying to med school (for fall 2009 admissions) and am trying to lose a good deal of weight. I have lost 30 pounds, but still have around 55 more to go before I hit the weight cutoff. I am working towards my goals and hope to be at that number by January. Also, I can do all the situps and pushups (those are no biggie), but I am terrible at running (I do more of a walk/jog mix) so I will need to work on this.... which I am.

When do the schools check to see that you meet their physical fitness standards? In other words, how much more time do I have?

 

[Kingfisher]

I am currently applying to med school (for fall 2009 admissions) and am trying to lose a good deal of weight. I have lost 30 pounds, but still have around 55 more to go before I hit the weight cutoff. I am working towards my goals and hope to be at that number by January. Also, I can do all the situps and pushups (those are no biggie), but I am terrible at running (I do more of a walk/jog mix) so I will need to work on this.... which I am.

When do the schools check to see that you meet their physical fitness standards? In other words, how much more time do I have?

Which schools are you applying that have physical fitness requirements (USUHS)? You wouldn't need to worry about that until you went to COT, or wherever you go for initial training.

 

[rkaz]

Which schools are you applying that have physical fitness requirements (USUHS)? You wouldn't need to worry about that until you went to COT, or wherever you go for initial training.

Yes, I am applying to USUHS as well as other schools (and may do the HPSP with those if accepted, though the comments on this forum have gotten me thinking twice). So basically... if I understand you correctly.... you are saying that even if I am still a bit over the weight cutoff at the time of my interview it wouldn't be an issue? It will only matter before the initial training (preceding the start of MS1)? I am not sure what COT stands for. So basically if I want to matriculate into the August 2009 class, I have until like June 2009 or so to meet the fitness requirements... and can still be accepted before then?

I had earlier assumed that I had to pass the physical requirements THIS year. I recently talked to a current USUHS student, and he told me that he had to meet the physical fitness requirements the September before matriculation, so I wasn't sure what that was about... hence my questions here. Thanks.

 

[Founder]

If you're looking to lose weight then I'd say do it before school starts regardless if you have to have it off prior or just during COT (it is the officer training you can do prior to MS1 or between MS1 and MS2, at least for Navy).

Being at the right weight restriction will be just one less burden/stress you will need to worry about. Then you can just go to the gym for enjoyment or to keep in shape, which is a lot easier than getting into shape.

Plus there are the benefits of being in shape and being in shape before school starts, you'll feel better. And there are plenty of times where you'll feel like crap. No reason to feel like crappy crap.

 

[TheGoose]

COT is the same as ODS is the same as OBC. Its the officer training school for the respective branches. If that is indeed the case you have until next summer

 

[rkaz]

Oh okay, thanks so much. So basically I just have to meet the requirements before I actually start school... and my application wouldn't be declined because of it. I thought they'd just look at me on the day of the interview and check off "too soft - no go" or something like that on the interview form.

As I have already received my supplimental application, I was concerned that they would be requiring me to submit a physician's physical shortly or would have me pass a fitness test on the day of the interview... but it seems that isn't the case. I won't need until the summer, as I know I can reach my goals by early next year. Thanks!

 

[Founder]

What branch are you doing?

I think they do require the recruiter to give a PT test. I got out since I had a valid/up-to-date one in ROTC.

 

[edmadison]

I believe that you have to make weight/tape at MEPS, but no PT test. The first real PT test I took was during intern year.

Ed

 

[RugbyJC]

Being out of your weight standard will disqualify you for all three services, but each service has its own table. If have a copy of the Navy's, but can't talk about the other two. The navy's was the most lienent at one point, but I think the other branches have just made some changes. you do not have to take a PT test until you go to ODS/COT/whatever and that one doesn't count for real. Then you take one when you report as an intern if you do an in service residency, but that one also doesn't count for real, but they harass you until you do take one that counts for real. If you fail either the pt or the weight-in part you go into this program called FEP with manditory exercises and stuff that residents tend to blow off. Apparently you are not eligible for promotion if you are in FEP and your bonuses can be taken away or something, but I don't know if this actually happens...oh yeah, and this is just the Navy way.

 

[Galo]

Yes, I am applying to USUHS as well as other schools (and may do the HPSP with those if accepted, though the comments on this forum have gotten me thinking twice). So basically... if I understand you correctly.... you are saying that even if I am still a bit over the weight cutoff at the time of my interview it wouldn't be an issue? It will only matter before the initial training (preceding the start of MS1)? I am not sure what COT stands for. So basically if I want to matriculate into the August 2009 class, I have until like June 2009 or so to meet the fitness requirements... and can still be accepted before then?

I had earlier assumed that I had to pass the physical requirements THIS year. I recently talked to a current USUHS student, and he told me that he had to meet the physical fitness requirements the September before matriculation, so I wasn't sure what that was about... hence my questions here. Thanks.

You should think hard even more than twice. If you have to loose 80 lbs to meet some military standard, you are going to have a difficult time keeping it off throughout med school, training, active duty. Statistically 95% of people fail long term sustain weight loss. I think its perfect that you are loosing that weight, and that you should keep it off. However, if it creeps back up while you are active duty, your life will have an extra measure of misery beyond the misery you will incur as a physician in the military.

Best of luck.

 

[notdeadyet]

If you have to loose 80 lbs to meet some military standard, you are going to have a difficult time keeping it off throughout med school, training, active duty. Statistically 95% of people fail long term sustain weight loss.

I'd also like to point out that in medical school, you have a group of pretty fit, young individuals who probably never experienced the "freshman 15" in their undergrad years due to good genes and better habits. But med school definitely has a way of packing on the weight as your free time is much more limited and availability of home cooking is not always ready.

Not saying it's not do-able rkaz, I'm just pointing this out so that you should probably shoot to be well under whatever weight you need to be, as odds of regaining a bit back are pretty good. That has nothing to do with you, everything to do with medical school.

 

[RugbyJC]

Regardless of whether or not you serve, if you plan on being a physician you might want to consider being within acceptable standards anyway. Part of your job involves telling others that they need to lose weight and live a healthy lifestyle. Its difficult to do this if you are overwight yourself. Yes, it can be hard to loose and keep it off, but there are a lot people who do just that. Not the majority, but it is possible.

 

[a1qwerty55]

You should think hard even more than twice. If you have to loose 80 lbs to meet some military standard, you are going to have a difficult time keeping it off throughout med school, training, active duty. Statistically 95% of people fail long term sustain weight loss. I think its perfect that you are loosing that weight, and that you should keep it off. However, if it creeps back up while you are active duty, your life will have an extra measure of misery beyond the misery you will incur as a physician in the military.

Best of luck.

I have to agree with Galo on this one.

The military is extremely draconian when it comes to overweight officers. I have seen physicians who could not apply for fellowships or get promoted because they were overweight. You might be setting yourself up for some real disappointments if you find you can't stay within weight regs, or body fat standards. I'm not trying to discourage you but go in eyes open.

 

[rkaz]

Hi, thank you all so much for your replies to my question. I went through the supplemental application... and it asks point blank if we qualify medically to serve in the military (they is an attached page that details disqualifying conditions, such as excess weight, and other medical issues). On the secondary you have to either choose the option of 'yes' (you meet the requirements) or 'uncertain' (in which you have to specify why you don't think you meet the requirements). It then says that on the day of your interview you will be checked. Here is the excerpt copied from the application:

3. Physical and Security Requirements. All persons accepted to the School of Medicine must meet the physical and security requirements for commissioning in the Uniformed Services; otherwise, they are ineligible to matriculate. Physical examinations will be given by the Services when applicants are invited to interview by the School. To avoid possible problems later, carefully review the medical standards for commissioning listed in the School of Medicine Bulletin Excerpt, Appendix B, and complete the questions below. The School assumes no liability for expenses incurred by applicants who are not medically qualified for entrance. All entrants to the School of Medicine will be investigated to ensure that their acceptance into the Uniformed Services of the United States is not detrimental to the interests of the national security. Individuals who fail to meet suitability standards will not be eligible for admission;

a. I certify that I have read the medical and security standards in the School of Medicine Bulletin Excerpt Yes________
b. To the best of my knowledge, I am qualified for commissioning Uncertain_____________ Yes________
(If you answered Uncertain, explain why in the spaces below, and give complete details regarding the potentially
disqualifying condition.)

 

[rkaz]

At one point, I thought about writing them a letter for a few months extension to meet the weight requirement; however, after reading through this forum extensively on the pros/cons of military medicine, I think I will avoid going into it at this time. Maybe in the future I will consider FAP, but for now, I'm withdrawing my application to USUHS and going civilian (though of course, I'm continuing to work on my physical fitness). I'm leaving shortly to go on a hiking expedition in the Himalayas.

Anyways, thank you all sincerely for your advice on this forum which has really opened my eyes to things I need to consider as a future military doc. I hope this doesn't sound trite... but I genuinely thank all of you in the military for your service.

 

[Sgt Whizzo]

I think you have gotten some good advice above. I have seen several great doctors get out in part due to extra hassels related to fitness/wt policy. This is an area where the regulations can be particularly frustrating to a practicing physician (mandatory diet class during afternoon clinic time, mandatory aerobics classes--some things useful but generally not so much and fairly inflexible). Run away and do it on your own terms.