Dan, if JH accepts you are you planning on attending and still pursuing a medical corps commission via HPSP, or would you then pursue a civilian residency and academic career? An acceptance from JH sounds very attractive, but USU still would seem to be the better option if your career interests lie with the Navy. What does your wife think about the USU as opposed to JH as an USU alumni?
Ahhh yes. This is the question that is at the very heart of my dilemma.
Based on my time in service (almost 11 years by the time I start med school), I am inclined to pursue a career in Navy medicine either way. As you already pointed out, USUHS is the better option for me in that regard.
However, if I end up going to Hopkins, it will be primarily due to the following reasons:
(1) I really like the way the curriculum is set up at Hopkins. The preclinical years are on the block system, which allows you to narrow your focus for short, intense periods of time (rather than having to balance several courses at once), which definitely favors my learning style.
(2) The preclinical years end in March of 2nd year, which allows for significant flexibility in scheduling your core and elective clerkships, and therefore provides you with the ability to really test yourself in your desired specialty before having to participate in the residency match.
(3) The diversity of experiences with patients - nothing more to be said here.
(4) I would only be practicing medicine in the military for 6 - 7 years beyond residency, so it would be a great opportunity to establish contacts outside of the military.
This has been a very difficult decision-making process for me. My wife and I were married while she was a student at USUHS, so I have a strong appreciation for the school. On the other hand, I have the above factors that are pulling me towards Hopkins. We will see what happens!
...please send me some 
