I'd like to hear from people who are thinking about or are planning to participate in military programs to pay for school. This would mean either going to the military university, or serving after school. The thought of being debt free is intriguing, but is it worth it? What issues would affect students with families? What specialties are the military looking for and how much latitude does a military student have as far as picking electives and residency?
Military Scholarships
- Thread starter SqB
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Your best bet would be to contact different branches and find out for yourself. Take nobody's words for granted. Contact a military hospital at a base and schedule a visit and talk to military docs.
MSI-KCOM, USAF
MSI-KCOM, USAF
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I just received a conditional selection from USUHS and am excited about attending (assuming I meet the criteria for commissioning). This decision is based on great thought as to what would be best for my husband and myself - physically, mentally, and financially. Not having to take out loans is a great advantage, but what won me over was how committed the administration is to helping students achieve. The Assistant Dean for Admissions discussed the pros and cons of attending this school as opposed to State University - and the best 'pro' was the training - being able to function effectively in any given situation in any part of the world. It is an exciting place and opportunity. I cant think of a more fulfilling life than to practice a personal philosophy of service to others. The military will provide me with the opportunity to do this, and my career will start this summer at Officer Basic Course.
One applies to USUHS through AMCAS, so there is minimal cost if you apply and change your mind. It is worth considering.
Good luck.
One applies to USUHS through AMCAS, so there is minimal cost if you apply and change your mind. It is worth considering.
Good luck.
Dena,
What have they told you about how often you may have to move. One of my biggest concerns is that my wife would get established in an area and we would have to move. She will soon be a psychology professional and moving often would obviously affect her career. Once you are through with training is it possible to remain at a station?
What have they told you about how often you may have to move. One of my biggest concerns is that my wife would get established in an area and we would have to move. She will soon be a psychology professional and moving often would obviously affect her career. Once you are through with training is it possible to remain at a station?
SqB,
From what I know, you would apply for a military residency after graduation or complete a civilian residency if none is available in the military. Remember, the need of the Armed Forces always come first, so you sometimes might not be able to specialize in your specialty of choice. In the AF eg., the most popular residencies are in Fam Prac, Int Med, Ortho, Peds and one more I forgot. DoD folks do not try to pull you out of training to active duty unless they absolutely have to. If there is no major war, you would stay in residency training at a base for a # of years, then list out your choices for a home base. The Armed Force now requires you to stay at a base for 4-5 years instead of 2 years as before. So no, you wouldn't have to move from year to year but they can practically pull you out anywhere anytime. I know this Navy doc who was called to a 4-month tour in the Gulf with a 4-month notice. So you can be called sometime to go somewhere but your home base won't change for 4 years. I am also trying to figure things out myself so hope this little information helps somewhat.
From what I know, you would apply for a military residency after graduation or complete a civilian residency if none is available in the military. Remember, the need of the Armed Forces always come first, so you sometimes might not be able to specialize in your specialty of choice. In the AF eg., the most popular residencies are in Fam Prac, Int Med, Ortho, Peds and one more I forgot. DoD folks do not try to pull you out of training to active duty unless they absolutely have to. If there is no major war, you would stay in residency training at a base for a # of years, then list out your choices for a home base. The Armed Force now requires you to stay at a base for 4-5 years instead of 2 years as before. So no, you wouldn't have to move from year to year but they can practically pull you out anywhere anytime. I know this Navy doc who was called to a 4-month tour in the Gulf with a 4-month notice. So you can be called sometime to go somewhere but your home base won't change for 4 years. I am also trying to figure things out myself so hope this little information helps somewhat.
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Sorry it has taken a bit to reply.... my experience as an Army wife is being at the same station about 3 years - and a minimum of 3 years on an overseas tour with dependents (not a hardship tour like Korea, Johnson Island, etc....). When I was at USUHS some students were talking about a new program where doctors will be assigned to specific units - and if the unit deploys the doctor will go with them. So, it could be six months in Bosnia working with troops and displaced civilians. Or assisting with the Persian Gulf conflicts. It makes it difficult on a family, but it is like anything else - if you want it bad enough, you will make it work. And to make it work, one would assume that it takes a motivation much greater than graduating from medical school debt free. (Unless, I suppose, one believes that life is all about money.)
As stated above, talking with the health care recruiters is invaluable. Much of what they say can be applied to USUHS as well - except of course for the commitment, which is 7 years post-residency. The recruiter I met with to apply for HPSP was wonderful, and more than happy to discuss the program with my husband as well. (Note: the recruiters are 'competing' with USUHS to get the best students...a visit to USUHS is a good idea as well!)
Good luck,
Dena
As stated above, talking with the health care recruiters is invaluable. Much of what they say can be applied to USUHS as well - except of course for the commitment, which is 7 years post-residency. The recruiter I met with to apply for HPSP was wonderful, and more than happy to discuss the program with my husband as well. (Note: the recruiters are 'competing' with USUHS to get the best students...a visit to USUHS is a good idea as well!)
Good luck,
Dena
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