Thinking about joining 4th year

[WhoisJohnGalt]

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Hi! I'm a second year who did NOT do HPSP (didn't meet the weight requirements), and I'm seriously thinking about joining the Air Force 4th year and doing a military residency, now that I'm on a weight reduction program that seems to be going pretty successfully. Am I out of my mind for taking on all the obligations of AF medicine without any of the HPSP benefits? (I'm not looking here for the traditional cons of military medicine, I have read those threads in the forum, and I am an AF brat). Will I get any help repaying my loans since the military didn't pay for med school? (I know, I could ask a recruiter, but they tend to be a little persistent, so I want a little info before I do that.) I'm currently interested in OB/GYN, is that easy to match into? Do physicians get the same pay as everyone else of their rank? I know that some of these questions have been asked before, but I'm running into a very frustrating maze of "file not found"'s, and I was hoping you guys would have some insight before I actually contact a recruiter. Thanks in advance!

 

[The White Coat Investor]

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[NavyFP]

Hi! I'm a second year who did NOT do HPSP (didn't meet the weight requirements), and I'm seriously thinking about joining the Air Force 4th year and doing a military residency, now that I'm on a weight reduction program that seems to be going pretty successfully. Am I out of my mind for taking on all the obligations of AF medicine without any of the HPSP benefits? (I'm not looking here for the traditional cons of military medicine, I have read those threads in the forum, and I am an AF brat). Will I get any help repaying my loans since the military didn't pay for med school? (I know, I could ask a recruiter, but they tend to be a little persistent, so I want a little info before I do that.) I'm currently interested in OB/GYN, is that easy to match into? Do physicians get the same pay as everyone else of their rank? I know that some of these questions have been asked before, but I'm running into a very frustrating maze of "file not found"'s, and I was hoping you guys would have some insight before I actually contact a recruiter. Thanks in advance!

1) The military has not traditionally taken students in the 4th year. I know the Navy is thinking about it, but only in the thought processes now. You would have the same obligation if you go now vice wait untill your 4th year, so why not go now if you are going to do it.

2) THe Navy (yes I will push Navy for obvious reasons.) is offering $20K if you sign for a 2 year right now.

3) OB match is variable from year to year. Hard to say, but if you graduate in 2009, your chances should be pretty good as long as you are not dreadfull.

4) Pay is more if you are a doc. We get a number of bonuses.


Does that answer your questions?

 

[delicatefade]

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[island doc]

Am I out of my mind for taking on all the obligations of AF medicine without any of the HPSP benefits?

Yes

 

[HumptyDumptyMil]

Definitely go with the FAP program. You will be able to serve in the military, get paid beforehand to pay off your school debts, and not worry about the possiblity of not matching with the residency of your choice. You were able to wait this long, why not wait another 3/4yrs.?

 

[Galo]

If your weight was an issue before, it will likely come up again. I have seen them make people's life hell, monthly weigh ins, withholding of pay, all kinds of ridiculous crap. Oh, plus you may not get to do OB.

Get trained first, and then consider it.

 

[Ex-44E3A]

I'll echo Galo's sentiment; don't even think about it until after you've matched, and I'm not sure I'd think about it even then.

And if your weight is a problem, you're in for a rough ride. You won't get your bonuses, and they'll be on you every second about it.

And do NOT believe what the recruiter tells you, and be firm in telling him to shove off if he/she is bugging you.

 

[USAFdoc]

Hi! I'm a second year who did NOT do HPSP (didn't meet the weight requirements), and I'm seriously thinking about joining the Air Force 4th year and doing a military residency, now that I'm on a weight reduction program that seems to be going pretty successfully. Am I out of my mind for taking on all the obligations of AF medicine without any of the HPSP benefits? (I'm not looking here for the traditional cons of military medicine, I have read those threads in the forum, and I am an AF brat). Will I get any help repaying my loans since the military didn't pay for med school? (I know, I could ask a recruiter, but they tend to be a little persistent, so I want a little info before I do that.) I'm currently interested in OB/GYN, is that easy to match into? Do physicians get the same pay as everyone else of their rank? I know that some of these questions have been asked before, but I'm running into a very frustrating maze of "file not found"'s, and I was hoping you guys would have some insight before I actually contact a recruiter. Thanks in advance!

if after reading this site, speaking to some OB docs on their first tour, and doing some serious praying, if then, you still want to do it, go for it. At least you have informed consent. Why you would still do it is another question.

 

[island doc]

If your weight was an issue before, it will likely come up again. I have seen them make people's life hell, monthly weigh ins, withholding of pay, all kinds of ridiculous crap. Oh, plus you may not get to do OB.

Get trained first, and then consider it.

How true this is. For some odd reason, the military seems to think that an overweight physician or surgeon is for some reason less competent or capable, or just maybe "image" is more important.

Case in point, I knew an active duty AF neurosurgeon who was obese, having gained weight during residency. Rather than having such a highly trained professional spending their time in the clinic, OR, ICU, ER, ICU, etc., the powers that be felt that this person's time would be better spent in mandatory gym sessions! How many craniotomies or laminectomies could have been performed during that time? By the way, this NS separated still overweight, but went on to "bigger" and better things.

Even more worrisome is the fact that the military ignores the fact that there is serious pathology which causes obesity, such as Cushing's Syndrome/Disease being just one example. Rather than viewing obesity as a medical problem, which it is, it is viewed by the military as a reason for discrimination and punishment. Let's face it, just as in civilian life, there are military occupations which can be performed very successfully by obese individuals. The military's policies on obesity are simply one other manifestation of misguided priorities-placing greater value on "image" rather than skill and capability.