Ok...so I was (still am) highly considering HPSP. That was, until I thought about the opportunities afforded by the national guard.
Now, I know that the guard does not pay for tuition or fees or whatnot...but this is not the largest concern for me because my COA is about 22k/year including books and fees. So, with that said - being part of the NG would allow me the chance to do a civilian residency wherever I want. Furthermore, you are non mobilizable during med school and during intern year...during the remainder of residency you are available for mobilization but the national guard prefers (and I have seen it in official writing) for their GMOs to be residency trained family docs. Then after residency there is no such thing as PCS unless I want to move. During school and residency I will be held accountable for 1 weekend every 3 months and 2 weekends during the summer (this is also flexible based on school).
So, it doesnt pay as much as HPSP but it sure seems like there is a lot more "freedom" associated with this decision.
Does anyone have any experience with the national guard? Any comments, etc? Thanks - anything helps right about now.
Now, I know that the guard does not pay for tuition or fees or whatnot...but this is not the largest concern for me because my COA is about 22k/year including books and fees. So, with that said - being part of the NG would allow me the chance to do a civilian residency wherever I want. Furthermore, you are non mobilizable during med school and during intern year...during the remainder of residency you are available for mobilization but the national guard prefers (and I have seen it in official writing) for their GMOs to be residency trained family docs. Then after residency there is no such thing as PCS unless I want to move. During school and residency I will be held accountable for 1 weekend every 3 months and 2 weekends during the summer (this is also flexible based on school).
So, it doesnt pay as much as HPSP but it sure seems like there is a lot more "freedom" associated with this decision.
Does anyone have any experience with the national guard? Any comments, etc? Thanks - anything helps right about now.