MDSSP Army Reserve

[Rigby306]

I wanted to know more about the MDSSP program for dental students.
Is anyone in this currently?
How often do dentists really deploy? Where?
My main concern: How can one run a practice if they are deployed every 18 months? (for 90 days boots on ground, 1 month prior and 2-3 weeks after)


MDSSP: Medical and Dental Student Stipend Program
Aprox $2000 monthly stipend as Income.
1. Participation Does not incur active duty obligation after completion of school.
2. Students recieving MDSSP are not available for mobilization while in school.
3. 6 months of MDSSP requires a 1 year commitment. So basically for 4 years of school you will owe 8 years of reserves time.

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[krmower]

I wanted to know more about the MDSSP program for dental students.
Is anyone in this currently?
How often do dentists really deploy? Where?
My main concern: How can one run a practice if they are deployed every 18 months? (for 90 days boots on ground, 1 month prior and 2-3 weeks after)


MDSSP: Medical and Dental Student Stipend Program
Aprox $2000 monthly stipend as Income.
1. Participation Does not incur active duty obligation after completion of school.
2. Students recieving MDSSP are not available for mobilization while in school.
3. 6 months of MDSSP requires a 1 year commitment. So basically for 4 years of school you will owe 8 years of reserves time.

With current deployments, the goal is to deploy reservists once very 3 yrs. If you join the reserve or guard, realize you could deploy. If you are in a solo practice it will be something very serious for you to consider prior to committing.

 

[Luonghd]

Are you saying we are guaranteed a deployment within this "reserve" period?

 

[krmower]

Are you saying we are guaranteed a deployment within this "reserve" period?

Nope but I am saying you should be aware that it could happen. If you are selected for a deployment stating that it would hurt your practice and income will not get you out of the obligation.

 

[teeth63a]

Due to its high time commitment and low return of pay, the MDSSP is the worst program, IMO.

 

[Luonghd]

Due to its high time commitment and low return of pay, the MDSSP is the worst program, IMO.

Even with the 50k/year(for 3 years) tuition reimbursement ?

 

[teeth63a]

Even with the 50k/year(for 3 years) tuition reimbursement ?

My understanding is the MDSSP is only a stipend and not a loan repayment, unless something's changed recently. The last time I saw, the HPLRP (loan repayment) was $25k/year. Does anyone have any new links on this?

MDSSP is one year of commitment per 6 months of benefit, whereas other bonuses are 1 year bonus:1 year commitment. So 1 full year of MDSSP will earn you $24,000 and *2 years* commitment, as opposed to the standard dental bonus which is $25,000 and one year of commitment.

The big difference is the stipend comes to you while you're in school. The bonus and loan repayment you get after you graduate and are licensed.

Again, because of the changing nature of the army, bonuses may be different from the last time I looked.

 

[Luonghd]

This is a part of the email that was sent to me by my super eager recruiter.

'2) Option 2- You can apply for the MDSSP Program. This is a Reserve program. Basically you receive the same monthly Stipend as the HPSP (currently $2187) but do not get the tuition, and other incentives. Advantages are after school you can practice in the civilian sector, and after Dental school you are qualified for up to 250K (50K/year) in student loan repayment. You would serve 1 weekend a month, and for 2 weeks during the summer for your payback period."

 

[EugeneF]

Hi everyone, I just saw this thread. I'm starting med school in August, and am deciding b/w the ARNG and USAR. The Reserves AMEDD recruiter told me that I would be attached to APMC while in medical school, and had the option of taking MDSSP/STRAP if I so choose. The repayment is incredibly confusing. It seems that my regular 8 year Reserves commitment pays back starting the day I sign on the dotted line, but MDSSP/STRAP obligation repayment only counts once I start drilling "good years" starting in Residency. So if I take MDSSP and not strap, and drill throughout residency, then my service obligation would be 4 years post residency. Is this accurate?

On another note, is there any Army Reserve physician who joined as a medical student/resident who wouldn't mind if I PM'ed so as to get a better idea of what I'm getting myself into? I am not taking this decision lightly, and want to make as an informed decision as possible.

Thanks!

 

[krmower]

Hi everyone, I just saw this thread. I'm starting med school in August, and am deciding b/w the ARNG and USAR. The Reserves AMEDD recruiter told me that I would be attached to APMC while in medical school, and had the option of taking MDSSP/STRAP if I so choose. The repayment is incredibly confusing. It seems that my regular 8 year Reserves commitment pays back starting the day I sign on the dotted line, but MDSSP/STRAP obligation repayment only counts once I start drilling "good years" starting in Residency. So if I take MDSSP and not strap, and drill throughout residency, then my service obligation would be 4 years post residency. Is this accurate?

On another note, is there any Army Reserve physician who joined as a medical student/resident who wouldn't mind if I PM'ed so as to get a better idea of what I'm getting myself into? I am not taking this decision lightly, and want to make as an informed decision as possible.

Thanks!

Wrong thread friend...this is a dental forum.

 

[EugeneF]

Wrong thread friend...this is a dental forum.

I've just found so little information online I figured it was worth asking anyway, since both medical and dental schools are 4 years and very work intensive.

 

[USArmyHPSP]

There are two members in the Military Medicine forums that are quite knowledgeable about the reserve programs. Dead Cactus and Not Dead Yet would probably be able to help answer some of these questions.

 

[EugeneF]

There are two members in the Military Medicine forums that are quite knowledgeable about the reserve programs. Dead Cactus and Not Dead Yet would probably be able to help answer some of these questions.

Awesome, thanks!