LOR to USUHS

[cavalier329]

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Hey all,

I am a civilian, not enrolled in ROTC for specific reasons relating to my desire to go to medical school. I have become good friends with a combat medic SFC for the Army ROTC at my University after taking a military science course. He is aware of my decision to not join ROTC, and is also aware of my desire to become a military doctor...either through USUHS or HPSP. He has told me on numerous occasions that it was too bad I wouldn't be joining their unit during my time in school because he thinks I'd excel.

I want to convince USUHS that I am 100% willing and ready for a military lifestyle, even though I didn't do ROTC. I am aware of how its going to be (as much as someone on the outside could be anyway) since I basically grew up with a military family. Will an LOR from this SFC help my case out any?

I am aware that a lot of people apply to USUHS as a safety and then back down once an acceptance is looking likely, but I have decided this is what I want...even after reading and hearing about much of the BS associated with it. It should be a wild ride I suppose...filled with much frustration, but regardless, its what I want.

 

[Bubblehead-to-MD]

Hey all,

I am a civilian, not enrolled in ROTC for specific reasons relating to my desire to go to medical school. I have become good friends with a combat medic SFC for the Army ROTC at my University after taking a military science course. He is aware of my decision to not join ROTC, and is also aware of my desire to become a military doctor...either through USUHS or HPSP. He has told me on numerous occasions that it was too bad I wouldn't be joining their unit during my time in school because he thinks I'd excel.

I want to convince USUHS that I am 100% willing and ready for a military lifestyle, even though I didn't do ROTC. I am aware of how its going to be (as much as someone on the outside could be anyway) since I basically grew up with a military family. Will an LOR from this SFC help my case out any?

I am aware that a lot of people apply to USUHS as a safety and then back down once an acceptance is looking likely, but I have decided this is what I want...even after reading and hearing about much of the BS associated with it. It should be a wild ride I suppose...filled with much frustration, but regardless, its what I want.

While I think this LOR would not hurt, I think it would be more beneficial for you to obtain a clinical LOR (which is required by USUHS anyways) from a military physician. Show them that you know what military medicine is about...not just the military.

 

[cavalier329]

sorry, I may have misunderstood your post. Is a military clinical experience LOR required, or is it any sort of clinical LOR?

Ive also wondered about that, I would love to do some clinical work in the military, but is that even allowed?

I do clinical work for the NYPD with their medical division. Ive always thought there were some similarities there. But I know its def not the same.

 

[TheGoose]

a clinical letter of recommendation is required. (not a military one)....

also, unless this SFC knows you well, USUHS specifically says "we dont want people who dont know you and will sound good, we want people who know you to write your recommendations" (i may have paraphrased). =D

you can find the secondary application and the letter of recommendation requirements and all requirements for admission at their website if you want to take 20 minutes to review it....

 

[cavalier329]

i read through it the other day actually, just wanted to make sure i didnt miss that.

I love some of USUHS's requirements haha, you have to imagine that so many people miss what they are looking for.

Especially the clinical letter thing and the fact that AP's are acceptable for general pre-reqs

 

[Bubblehead-to-MD]

Apologies for the delay - it looks like TheGoose answered your question.

With regard to the military clinical experience: If you do not know of any military physicians that you could shadow, ask the SFC if he knows of any. Where do the ROTC individuals receive their medical care? That may be a way into the system.

 

[cavalier329]

they get it at student health like the rest of the university.

Is it really that easy to just work at a VA or something?

 

[Bubblehead-to-MD]

they get it at student health like the rest of the university.

Is it really that easy to just work at a VA or something?

Although it is not truly the same as experiencing the military medical system, if that is your only option, I think some time in a VA hospital would look good. You should have no difficulty working there - they are not nearly as difficult to gain access to as a military medical center on a DoD installation.

 

[Gastrapathy]

A LOR from a mid-level enlisted medic would not be helpful, in my opinion. Get the best letters from professors that you can.

 

[cavalier329]

hes actually considered an asst. professor here for the ROTC program. I have plenty of LOR's from my academic professors. This would only be supplemental for USUHS.

So general consensus= not worth much?

 

[SirGecko]

I'd say it isn't worth too much, though if I did read that right you took a class with him? (so is he a former medic then? because at least in my NROTC unit all the people teaching classes are officers) If you did take a class with him then go ahead and get a letter I guess but I wouldn't expect that the fact that it came from a military person will hold much sway. (I have a letter from my NROTC LT in charge but that is because ROTC has been such a huge part of my life for the last three years and he have to write one for the Navy selection committee anyway)

Oh and remember that you have to get a clinical letter for USUHS. This doesn't have to be from a physician, just someone associated with your clinical experience.

Personally though I think the place to mention your exploration of military life is the USUHS essay. That is what it is there for.

 

[SirGecko]

Especially the clinical letter thing and the fact that AP's are acceptable for general pre-reqs

You mean aren't right? Because they aren't.

 

[cavalier329]

right sorry, I meant aren't