health issues and hpsp

[GOCHARGERS]

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Hello!

Could anyone shed some light as to how medical issues that arise during dental school are dealt with while on the hpsp scholarship? A buddy of mine in the navy developed anxiety after his first year of dental school and was prescribed benzos. He disclosed everything to the navy and he was facing the loss of a scholarship+monetary payback.

I'm pretty nervous about dental school myself and at times have very high levels of anxiety. I'm afraid if this continues, I'll have to seek medical attention. In the event that I do, and am prescribed benzos, how do you guys think this will affect my scholarship?

I would also like to mention that I passed my physical with flying colors and this has never been an issue before. I am sincerely worried that if this continues or worsens, that I will be in trouble. I wanted to seek as much advice as possible if I am granted the scholarship and decide to take it. Thank you.

 

[ALTOSS]

I am not sure 100%, but if you get injured during d school but can still practice dentistry but not as a soldier, you would still have to work for the Army as a civilian dentist to fulfill the HPSP contract. If you cannot finish dental school but still fit as a soldier you would have to serve in the med svc corp to fulfill the contract. I am really not sure what happens if you, let say, lose an arm (God forbid). I honestly dont think the military would enforce the service onligation or recoup the scholarship. You just make sure you have a disability insurance while in d school, I guess.

 

[USArmyHPSP]

Hello!

Could anyone shed some light as to how medical issues that arise during dental school are dealt with while on the hpsp scholarship? A buddy of mine in the navy developed anxiety after his first year of dental school and was prescribed benzos. He disclosed everything to the navy and he was facing the loss of a scholarship+monetary payback.

I'm pretty nervous about dental school myself and at times have very high levels of anxiety. I'm afraid if this continues, I'll have to seek medical attention. In the event that I do, and am prescribed benzos, how do you guys think this will affect my scholarship?

I would also like to mention that I passed my physical with flying colors and this has never been an issue before. I am sincerely worried that if this continues or worsens, that I will be in trouble. I wanted to seek as much advice as possible if I am granted the scholarship and decide to take it. Thank you.

It's way too early in the game for anyone to try and guess (and that's all anyone can do without a whole lot more info) at an outcome for fhis. That said, should you need help, get it. Do not sacrifice your well being for a reason such as this. Also, should it be that you are put on medication let the HPSP office know so they can tell you how to be evaluated by an Army doc (who will have all that needed info).

 

[GOCHARGERS]

thank you for the responses.

USArmyHPSP, is there a high probability that the scholarship could be rescinded in this sort of a situation? Do you know how strict the hpsp governing body is about this?

I'm especially worried because with the navy, my friend's situation was deemed as a ''pre-exisiting condition'' when it really wasn't. The stress of dental school really got to her.

 

[USArmyHPSP]

thank you for the responses.

USArmyHPSP, is there a high probability that the scholarship could be rescinded in this sort of a situation? Do you know how strict the hpsp governing body is about this?

I'm especially worried because with the navy, my friend's situation was deemed as a ''pre-exisiting condition'' when it really wasn't. The stress of dental school really got to her.

Anything at this point is pure speculation. You haven't been diagnosed, there is no prognosis. Further, matters of this type are not adjudicated at the HPSP office.

If and when you have a firm diagnosis/prognosis contact the HPSP office. As stated, they will help you with the process of being evaluated by an Army doc, who will then determine if you meet retention statndards. If you do not tell them and turn up hot on a UA because of prescribed meds, or access and then need to be separated due to a pre-existing condition, that's where you can find yourself in real trouble.

Make sense?

 

[GOCHARGERS]

got it. thank you very much

 

[USArmyHPSP]

I am not sure 100%, but if you get injured during d school but can still practice dentistry but not as a soldier, you would still have to work for the Army as a civilian dentist to fulfill the HPSP contract. If you cannot finish dental school but still fit as a soldier you would have to serve in the med svc corp to fulfill the contract. I am really not sure what happens if you, let say, lose an arm (God forbid). I honestly dont think the military would enforce the service onligation or recoup the scholarship. You just make sure you have a disability insurance while in d school, I guess.

There are several options that are outlined in the Service Agreement (contract) that each of your have signed. Each of those listed above are possible.

The option of being something other than a dental officer exists, but don't count on the Medical Service Corps. Recently most have ended up in Transportation or Ordinance Corps.

The Army looks at each on a case-by-case basis. The HPSP office makes a recommendation to the powers that be concerning the students military status, but that's all it is - a recommendation. Ultimeately the decision is made at the Assistant Secretary of the Army and he can impose whichever option he wants.

In the case of a catastrophic illness or injury, the HPSP office will not recommend recoupment.

If the degree can be utilized in a civilian setting because of something that disqualifies a person from the Army, the office will recommend recoupment.

The option of serving as a civilian to pay back the ADSO is an option that is unprecedented. There is no guidance on the enforcement of this option. Also, if the student turns out to be a bad employee, either through performance or behavior the Army would be forced to fire them and try to recoup the funds then.

Again, ultimately it is the ASA who makes the determination.