All Branch Topic (ABT) Join the Navy now or then?

[LongHaultoMD]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi all,
I'm 24 and currently a graduate student getting my Master's of Science in Athletic Training (graduation 05/2017), my grades are (uGPA 3.5, sGPA 3.65, gGPA 4.0). Unfortunately, I wasn't flirting with the thought of medical school until I started this program. After hundreds of hours working with physicians in hospitals, clinics, ORs, etc. I decided I'd like to become a physician (pending acceptance to medical school). I still have to take some pre-reqs (I'm currently completing them through a state school in Atlanta, Ga). After graduating from this master's program my plans are to take the MCAT, working/taking pre-reqs for a year, and then applying to medical school. I'm also strongly considering joining the Navy so they'd pay for medical school and also because I want to (several family members are/were in the Navy).
My question is should I join the Navy now, after I graduate from this master's program, or when I get to medical school?
Thank you for your advice.

 

[psychbender]

If you seriously want to be a doctor, do not join before med school.

Also, please read the stickies regarding the various options to get in to military medicine.

Sent from my SM-G920V using SDN mobile

 

[Red Lobster Actual]

Yea, your numbers are pretty good at the current moment. I would not join right now considering commissioning or enlisting will throw off all your plans for about 4-5 years.

 

[Gastrapathy]

Then

 

[j4pac]

Educate yourself on the different scholarship programs that are out there. Also, consider the possibility of not using a scholarship. Most folks who use the scholarship break even AT BEST. If you WANT to be a Flight Surgeon, GMO, or dive officer...then I think that HPSP or HCSP aren't a bad deal. Those people are pretty rare (I'm one of them). If you don't want to do a GMO/FS/UMO tour...I would strongly consider FAP if you want to serve in the military as a physician. This forum is littered with opinions...and you need to read all of them. Seriously...start reading.

 

[LongHaultoMD]

Educate yourself on the different scholarship programs that are out there. Also, consider the possibility of not using a scholarship. Most folks who use the scholarship break even AT BEST. If you WANT to be a Flight Surgeon, GMO, or dive officer...then I think that HPSP or HCSP aren't a bad deal. Those people are pretty rare (I'm one of them). If you don't want to do a GMO/FS/UMO tour...I would strongly consider FAP if you want to serve in the military as a physician. This forum is littered with opinions...and you need to read all of them. Seriously...start reading.

I'm really interested in UMO and definitely wouldn't mind being deployed somewhere, therefore I'm looking more strongly at HPSP and HCSP. If you don't mind me asking what did you do and how did you get there?

 

[j4pac]

I'm really interested in UMO and definitely wouldn't mind being deployed somewhere, therefore I'm looking more strongly at HPSP and HCSP. If you don't mind me asking what did you do and how did you get there?

I'm a Flight Surgeon...about to get out this summer. You have to apply as an intern for FS/UMO. You will need to get a LOR from a FS/UMO, which is easier for FS because the numbers are much greater. You have to have a dive/flight physical and be within medical standards (which are much more stringent than general military service requirements). FS and UMO are typically not competitive...but if you go UMO, be prepared for rigorous training...dive school is a bear.

The match process is what's most likely to change between now and the time you apply UMO. We ranked GMO spots with GME. My list was:

1) PM&R FTIS
2) PM&R FTOS
3) PM&R deferment
4) Flight Surgery

I expected to get FS...and got it.