Subspecialists in the Military

[Surgess]

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Does anyone have ideas about how subspecialists fare in the military? I've seen a lot of discussions from primary care docs and some general surgeons but not much from the other areas of medicine. I'm considering FAP as a resident accepted to an ophthalmology residency who has already completed an internship. I've considered all of the financial ramifications of this, but I can't shake a long-time interest in the military. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[orbitsurgMD]

Does anyone have ideas about how subspecialists fare in the military? I've seen a lot of discussions from primary care docs and some general surgeons but not much from the other areas of medicine. I'm considering FAP as a resident accepted to an ophthalmology residency who has already completed an internship. I've considered all of the financial ramifications of this, but I can't shake a long-time interest in the military. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Support for subspecialty training for those in the military and on active duty is sometimes no better than chance. Everything depends on attrition and projected need for subspecialists. My suggestion to you as a prospective ophthalmology fellow: do an ophthalmology fellowship as a civilian if you want to subspecialize. Most military ophthalmology billets are for general ophthalmologists except at major teaching medical centers. You will be expected to do at least some general ophthalmology almost everywhere and unless you are at the residency training hospitals, you probably will not be able to confine your practice to your subspecialty area, if that is what you are seeking.

 

[s42brown]

Advice on this board is hit or miss at best. I would suggest speaking with current ophthalmologists in the Army, or what ever branch you are considering. I guarantee 😎 your recruiter can set this up for you if you are serious. Do what your gut tells you and if you decide to serve uncle sam he'll be happy to have you. 😀 😀

 

[orbitsurgMD]

Support for subspecialty training for those in the military and on active duty is sometimes no better than chance. Everything depends on attrition and projected need for subspecialists. My suggestion to you as a prospective ophthalmology fellow: do an ophthalmology fellowship as a civilian if you want to subspecialize. Most military ophthalmology billets are for general ophthalmologists except at major teaching medical centers. You will be expected to do at least some general ophthalmology almost everywhere and unless you are at the residency training hospitals, you probably will not be able to confine your practice to your subspecialty area, if that is what you are seeking.

The navy has very few slots for training ophthalmologists and only one medical center left training residents. Their need for subspecialists is not all that great. In some years, no one is selected for fellowship training. You will have difficulty anticipating with any accuracy the availability of an outservice training opportunity at the end of your residency unless you are nearly finishing now.

As to utilization, I knew some subspecialty-trained people who did both subspecialty work and general ophthalmology when on active duty.

 

[militarymd]

Advice on this board is hit or miss at best. I would suggest speaking with current ophthalmologists in the Army, or what ever branch you are considering. I guarantee 😎 your recruiter can set this up for you if you are serious. Do what your gut tells you and if you decide to serve uncle sam he'll be happy to have you. 😀 😀

Advice here is given without an alterior motive ....... EVERYTHING that a recruiter arranges for you will be with an alterior motive....and YOUR best interest is definiitely not considered.