Just to clarify, I was talking about allowing MSIV's to apply for the match and then decide whether or not they want to join based on the results. The part I left out is the military should retroactively pay for their medical education and the recipient would incur a 4 year payback after they complete their residency.
I did not think about this at first, but I see how it could be unfair to HPSP students who sign on as first years, like NavyFP says. If an MSIV accepts the scholarship with a residency garantee, would this affect the HPSP students who sign on earlier since they are not garanteed the residency of their choice? Maybe accepting civilian applicants with the military applicants, but if it is stated on a civilians application that he will only accept a certain position, there has got to be some bias on the selection committee's part to increase numbers. Unless this means more deferrments for the HPSP students who want them, but there might be a lopsided effect from what the military needs and what specialties are sought after. Or perhaps availible military positions are open to non-HPSP/UHSUS applicants after the military match, but then there is always the possibility of not filling all the residency slots.
I could see how the primary care programs and positions in the military could appeal to anyone going into these fields, and from this board, it seems that this is what is needed since this is generally what the GMO does. Some of my classmates say they considered the military, but some of their concerns (aside from being shot at) include staying with their families, the PT, a physical disqualification, frequent moves, and deployments. Would it be possible to try to attract this population who is committed to primary care, but perhaps cator to their concerns? Perhaps allow them to sign a contract to work at a certain place? Maybe with shorter or no deployments? Or a garanteed state side position that does not relocate for the length of the contract? Then again, would the more ideal billets be taken by this group?
As far as recruitment, I know some people who got disqualified for reasons that might prevent them from running around with a gun in Iraq, but would not necessarily prevent them from being good physicians in the military. Two of my current classmates looked at the scholarship and one was turned away because she is dyslexic and another because she has scoliosis. One of my friends in college had a shoulder that could not handle push-ups. I was rejected by the army because of my weight being disproportionate to my height, in spite of the fact that I actually had less than 18% body fat at that time. How can you justify turning away a perfectly good physician who wants to serve in the military for reasons like this, especially considering there is a shortage? If it really is that big a deal, how about some way to not commission these students, but contract them to work for the service?
Or perhaps increasing the retention of military physicians. This site would give me the impression that the paperwork, the pay, and people not getting what they want are the major issues. Anyone know how to fix that? Was I the only person who signed knowing that my job was going to be based on the needs of the navy and I was going to have a pay cut and did not really care? Maybe there is some way to change the pay issue? I guess I was not aware of a lot of the other bull that makes it difficult for doctors to do their jobs, but maybe there is a large-scale movement that can somehow change all this?
Sorry...im bored. RugbyJC for President, 2024.
