Military

[ChessMess]

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Has anyone had experience with the military controlling their designation of speciality study post graduation?

I had heard that, for example, if the military needs more dermatologists, then that's what you're gonna do.

I would like to join the military, but am unwilling to work so hard only to have the military strong arm me into a future I'm not interested in.

 

[phrygian]

I have never heard of any doctor being forced into a specialty, but getting into the one you desire may take time. Most of the physicians I worked with did multiple years as a general medical officer sometimes for 5 years before getting into the specialty they desired. The last one did his entire enlistment as a GMO, and had to leave so he could get into pediatrics before he turned 40. On the other hand I worked with surgeons who got into a residency pretty quickly. It seemed that if the service needed certain specialists, it was easy to get in, but if not they were in limbo. As with anything in the military, your needs are second to the needs of what ever service you enter. From personal experience, they will try their best to accomodate your wishes, but just remember that there are no guarantees. My experiences were generally good so just go in with open eyes and it should be a rewarding experience.

 

[RxnMan]

I talked to a Navy recruiter for a long time, investigating options, and in the Navy, you choose your speciality. In the Army (he told me), you don't - the Army decides for you. However, residency is given (within the Navy) by seniority - unless you are top of your class, you're probably going to do a 2-year stint as a GMO before you can do PGY-1.

This may be a line of inter-service competition garbage. Call up a recruiter with each of the different services and find out your commitment, opportunities, pay, and if you can decide your residency.

 

[flighterdoc]

I talked to a Navy recruiter for a long time, investigating options, and in the Navy, you choose your speciality. In the Army (he told me), you don't - the Army decides for you. However, residency is given (within the Navy) by seniority - unless you are top of your class, you're probably going to do a 2-year stint as a GMO before you can do PGY-1.

This may be a line of inter-service competition garbage. Call up a recruiter with each of the different services and find out your commitment, opportunities, pay, and if you can decide your residency.

Yes, garbage. From what people have told me, I'd say that the navy is the most malignant in terms of treating their physicians - you can wind up as a GMO after 1 year of residency, and stay there for a few years. When your enlistment is up, you're on your own getting back into a residency. The Air Force and Army will (generally) let you finish your residency before they screw with you.

BTW, anyone who wants to know about the military should post questions on the military forum.

 

[chrisjohn]

Ahh sweet young flesh, step into my office.

Run as fast as you can, in the other direction.

The other option, sign up and see why those of us who are prior service feel the way we do. You'll never quite understand without enlisting. Drop out of school; tell an Army recruiter that you like camping and guns. See what he picks out for you.

Seriously, it's an admirable thing to serve something larger than yourself. The price ain't low.