Navy HPSP Primer for a newbie?

[lukeday99]

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Hey guys, great posts. I am pretty seiously considering applying to the Navy HPSP, actually, the paperwork is in the mail. But I want to know everything I can, before I sign on the dotted line. I like everything I've been reading, people certainly seem jazzed to be a part of this organization. But what are the downsides, if any? How was your expereince at OIS? What is it like to get military versus civilian residencies? How hard is it to specialize versus going the GP route?
Oh, and about the app. I know for my Commission Statement I have to say more than "Geez, it's alot of money and seems kind of cool". What is the language which I need to use? What do they typically like to hear? What are things to NOT say?
So, should I do this is what I'm asking? The $$$ is a big carrot, but I want to make sure that I am doing it for the right reasons, and not just for that.
Oh, and does one need to be gung-ho republican to serve in today's military, because I am not. How does one mantain a sense of self (very important to me) while still providing good service and good medical care?
Any and all info would be super appreciated. Thanks guys!

 

[MoosePilot]

I'm not a doctor, but you don't have to be a gung-ho republican to be in the operational Air Force at least. A buddy of mine and I debated the war before it started to help us stay awake across the Atlantic.

I don't know what a "sense of self" is, so I'm not sure if you can keep one or not 🙂 Really, I'm not the type to get lost in an organization. I'm myself and pick organizations based on that, not the other way around. If you're easily influenced, the military is good at making you into what it wants you to be. Doctors aren't exposed to as much of that, in my limited experience, but the military does tend to be a life changing thing.

 

[Heeed!]

I'm not a doctor

....but I play one on TV....or but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn last night...

you don't have to be a gung-ho republican

...but life is much better if you are!

 

[MoosePilot]

In general, yes...

 

[lukeday99]

Thanks, moosepilot, even though y'all hijacked my thread. Yeah, I guess the keeping one's individuality thing is big for me. How much autonomy do military docs have? What are the "average" billets that Navy docs get posted to? Is it fun?