USUHS Class of 2013

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If I understood Silverhorse's post correctly, she was trying to avoid the remedial and the waiver process by writing a letter to rebut DoDMERB's findings (which DoDMERB would decide). I tried doing this & failed and then had to try to get a waiver by going to the remedial appointment.


Actually, as far as I know, I'm still "pursuing" a waiver. When Rebecca told me I'd need one for asthma because I was prescribed meds after the age of 13, I said they were precautionary and I never needed them after the age of 10. I also mentioned that I've done a couple of triathlons, half-marathons, and was the long distance swimmer on my hs team (not something an asthmatic could do very well). That's when she told me to write a letter detailing all this. Concord had already requested I make an appointment with a pulmonologist, and before I did so I got a call from Rebecca saying they didn't need any more information to make a decision on a waiver.

So, I'm pretty sure I'm still waiting on a waiver. Sorry for any confusion! 😛

I was going to try to call her today to see if she had an update, but now that I'm at work I realized I forgot her number at home 🙄 Maybe I'll try going through the admissions office to get to her.
 
Actually, as far as I know, I'm still "pursuing" a waiver. When Rebecca told me I'd need one for asthma because I was prescribed meds after the age of 13, I said they were precautionary and I never needed them after the age of 10. I also mentioned that I've done a couple of triathlons, half-marathons, and was the long distance swimmer on my hs team (not something an asthmatic could do very well). That's when she told me to write a letter detailing all this. Concord had already requested I make an appointment with a pulmonologist, and before I did so I got a call from Rebecca saying they didn't need any more information to make a decision on a waiver.

So, I'm pretty sure I'm still waiting on a waiver. Sorry for any confusion! 😛

I was going to try to call her today to see if she had an update, but now that I'm at work I realized I forgot her number at home 🙄 Maybe I'll try going through the admissions office to get to her.

Oh sorry... it sounded like you are trying to rebut DoDMERB's finding that you were prescribed asthma meds after the age of 13. I thought a waiver was only for people who have a disqualifying condition but don't think it should bar them from serving. But if Rebecca said that it was a waiver, then I must be wrong. This is confusing!

I will PM Rebecca's contact info to you, in case you haven't called her yet. Good luck!
 
Actually, as far as I know, I'm still "pursuing" a waiver. When Rebecca told me I'd need one for asthma because I was prescribed meds after the age of 13, I said they were precautionary and I never needed them after the age of 10. I also mentioned that I've done a couple of triathlons, half-marathons, and was the long distance swimmer on my hs team (not something an asthmatic could do very well). That's when she told me to write a letter detailing all this. Concord had already requested I make an appointment with a pulmonologist, and before I did so I got a call from Rebecca saying they didn't need any more information to make a decision on a waiver.

So, I'm pretty sure I'm still waiting on a waiver. Sorry for any confusion! 😛

I was going to try to call her today to see if she had an update, but now that I'm at work I realized I forgot her number at home 🙄 Maybe I'll try going through the admissions office to get to her.


So I had to go through the same thing as you did. I was DQ'd by DODMERB for asthma after 13. I then talked to Rebeccas and sent in a letter similar to the one you wrote. Rebecca told me that they would only request more information if they feel it would help approve you for the waiver. SO I would take this as a good sign. All I had to send in was my letter and I did not have to do the extra DODMERB visit for pulmonary testing. I was approved for my asthma waiver and am now waiting to start in June. If you have any questions let me know. Rebeccas was very helpful to me and can explain who approves you for the waiver. I know there was some discussion on this earlier. Hope this helps.
 
So I had to go through the same thing as you did. I was DQ'd by DODMERB for asthma after 13. I then talked to Rebeccas and sent in a letter similar to the one you wrote. Rebecca told me that they would only request more information if they feel it would help approve you for the waiver. SO I would take this as a good sign. All I had to send in was my letter and I did not have to do the extra DODMERB visit for pulmonary testing. I was approved for my asthma waiver and am now waiting to start in June. If you have any questions let me know. Rebeccas was very helpful to me and can explain who approves you for the waiver. I know there was some discussion on this earlier. Hope this helps.


Thanks! That definitely gives me a little more hope! 😀 Yeah, I hope I hear back soon; I just don't like waiting! 😛
 
I received this e-mail yesterday,

Cadet, Congratulations on being accepted to USUHS! I have attached your USUHS contract package documents for you to complete and have back to me by 13 March 2009. You will not complete your oath (FM 133) into the MSC corps until you are contacted by AFPC/DPAME that you have been approved by the SECDEF to oath. Oath approval could take 60 to 90 days from the date of this email. By law you cannot oath until the SECDEF authorizes you to do so.

Please be sure to complete all other attached documents in this package except for your oath (FM 133) by 13 March 2009.


My question is, if I send these documents in do I automatically forfeit my acceptance to other schools? Or does that take place through AMCAS....?
 
Got the call last week, conditional AF. Looking forward to see everyone in the Fall.
 
Nope, straight accepted. I: 12/10. I actually had to wait for the letter to make sure I didn't dream up that conversation.
 
I received this e-mail yesterday,

Cadet, Congratulations on being accepted to USUHS! I have attached your USUHS contract package documents for you to complete and have back to me by 13 March 2009. You will not complete your oath (FM 133) into the MSC corps until you are contacted by AFPC/DPAME that you have been approved by the SECDEF to oath. Oath approval could take 60 to 90 days from the date of this email. By law you cannot oath until the SECDEF authorizes you to do so.

Please be sure to complete all other attached documents in this package except for your oath (FM 133) by 13 March 2009.


My question is, if I send these documents in do I automatically forfeit my acceptance to other schools? Or does that take place through AMCAS....?

Yep, I got the same thing on Friday. I don't think filling out the forms would forfeit you from other schools, except for the fact that orders will be generated by you filling them out. If you are still waiting to decide on schools, you may want to hold out on the forms, but the DPME guy may have more ideas for you in that regard...I've found him pretty helpful. Did any non-USAFA/ROTC acceptees get that email?
 
I just got a call from Rebecca saying my asthma waiver has been approved! Woo Hoo! 😛 I'm just glad it's done and I don't have to go see a pulmonologist (not that I don't like them, I'm just sick of insisting I no longer have asthma...😳).

Hey, is anyone thinking of revisiting the school? I know USUHS doesn't have a second look/revisit day but I'm heading out to the east coast anyway and I won't be far from the campus. 🙂
 
I just got a call from Rebecca saying my asthma waiver has been approved! Woo Hoo! 😛 I'm just glad it's done and I don't have to go see a pulmonologist (not that I don't like them, I'm just sick of insisting I no longer have asthma...😳).

Hey, is anyone thinking of revisiting the school? I know USUHS doesn't have a second look/revisit day but I'm heading out to the east coast anyway and I won't be far from the campus. 🙂

Congrats that is great news. I remember the call and it is very nice to hear those words said. What branch will you be going into?
 
I just got a call from Rebecca saying my asthma waiver has been approved! Woo Hoo! 😛 I'm just glad it's done and I don't have to go see a pulmonologist (not that I don't like them, I'm just sick of insisting I no longer have asthma...😳).

Hey, is anyone thinking of revisiting the school? I know USUHS doesn't have a second look/revisit day but I'm heading out to the east coast anyway and I won't be far from the campus. 🙂

Congrats! My waiver was approved too! That's a big relief...

Have fun re-visiting all the schools you were admitted to! You have a tough decision ahead of you... it's definitely a good idea to go back and get more information. I might go and check out housing in the area in May.

Did anyone else get contacted by their MS-1 sponsor today?
 
Ok, so I keep hearing a lot of you talk about needing medical waivers...is that because DoDMERB requests your patient records to verify everything you stated on the survey? If they do I'm in trouble as my records are now inaccessible since my doctor eloped to Kenya (mad weird situation, I know) and my family has no idea how to access our files...
 
Ok, so I keep hearing a lot of you talk about needing medical waivers...is that because DoDMERB requests your patient records to verify everything you stated on the survey? If they do I'm in trouble as my records are now inaccessible since my doctor eloped to Kenya (mad weird situation, I know) and my family has no idea how to access our files...

The only reason why DODMERB requested medical files in my case was because I had checked that I had asthma after the age of 13. For this reason they requested medical information to determine if I would still qualify or not. If you can honestly say no to any of the health problems listed on the sheet, then they will most likely not request any additional information. If they do request more information then I would call DODMERB and speak to the representative for USUHS about your situation. They would be able to direct you on how to handle the situation. I found the individuals very helpful at DODMERB when I spoke to them over the phone. Hope this helps and good luck.
 
Congrats! My waiver was approved too! That's a big relief...

Have fun re-visiting all the schools you were admitted to! You have a tough decision ahead of you... it's definitely a good idea to go back and get more information. I might go and check out housing in the area in May.

Did anyone else get contacted by their MS-1 sponsor today?


Congrats!! Yeah, it's a huge relief to know it's still an option!

No, I haven't heard from anyone. Maybe yours is just more on top of things...😛
 
No, I haven't heard from anyone. Maybe yours is just more on top of things...😛

I've heard that this is the case with student sponsors. It just depends on who you get paired up with and how 'on top of things' they are.
 
For those of you that successfully got a medical waiver, do you eventually see a change in your DODMERB login (at https://dodmerb.tricare.osd.mil/ ) ??? USUHS is supposed to communicate that with them, right?

I asked the same question myself and was told by Rebecca that your status will never go to medically qualified. If I remember correctly, the only change you will see is that your waiver has been approved. Hope that helps.
 
I asked the same question myself and was told by Rebecca that your status will never go to medically qualified. If I remember correctly, the only change you will see is that your waiver has been approved. Hope that helps.

Ok. Do you get some documentation from USUHS saying that you've been granted a waiver? (mine's is pending, just want to know what to expect).
 
Ok. Do you get some documentation from USUHS saying that you've been granted a waiver? (mine's is pending, just want to know what to expect).


I haven't gotten it yet, because I was just cleared yesterday, but if you're medically qualified and your security clearance goes through you'll get an unconditional acceptance (as opposed to the conditional one you already have). I believe that's how it'll go anyway - I'll tell you for certain when it happens 😛
 
Ok. Do you get some documentation from USUHS saying that you've been granted a waiver? (mine's is pending, just want to know what to expect).

I did get a an email that had a PDF memo from the university that did say that my waiver had been granted. I also got a call from Rebecca. The email came a day or so after she called me.
 
I did get a an email that had a PDF memo from the university that did say that my waiver had been granted. I also got a call from Rebecca. The email came a day or so after she called me.

Ok sounds good. That's what I need then. I already have a security clearance, so if I can get this waiver through, maybe that'll help me roll off the wait list.
 
Hi all,

I got the acceptance phone call about 3-4 weeks ago, and haven't heard anything since. Does anyone know if they contact us 'soon'? Do they send orders (I'm not sure if that's ther right term) or additional paperwork to be filled out?
Thanks
 
Hi all,

I got the acceptance phone call about 3-4 weeks ago, and haven't heard anything since. Does anyone know if they contact us 'soon'? Do they send orders (I'm not sure if that's ther right term) or additional paperwork to be filled out?
Thanks


You should have gotten a conditional letter of acceptance by now from the school. I think a couple people did not get the conditional letter because they had already been cleared medically and through security. In those cases i believe they just got the unconditional letter. I would think that you would have gotten something after that amount of time though. I would call the school and ask somebody in admissions just to make sure you didn't miss the paperwork somehow.

In terms of other paperwork for order and such you should be contacted by somebody from your branch with a whole lot of paperwork for you to fill out. I know some of the AF and Army guys have gotten these emails. Not sure about Navy though. The person that will be contacting you is on the yellow sheet of paper you got at the interview. For Army is is Louise Taylor. Congrats on the acceptance.
 
3 August was the report date they settled on for everyone who doesn't have to go to OBC (and I suppose for when everyone who goes to OBC has to be to Bethesda). Not really sure why they moved it up a week from previous years, but I guess that will give us all more time to enjoy ourselves before classes start.
 
3 August was the report date they settled on for everyone who doesn't have to go to OBC (and I suppose for when everyone who goes to OBC has to be to Bethesda). Not really sure why they moved it up a week from previous years, but I guess that will give us all more time to enjoy ourselves before classes start.


Thanks for that info. Guess it will be a quick move up there once OBC is done.
 
CoNgRaTs to all the accepted students of the USUHS c/o 2013. I'm an Army MSI at USUHS and am willing to answer any questions you may have. Anything from summer training (i can only answer questions about OBC) to books, classes and teachers.

Good luck 👍 to you all and see you in the fall!
 
What unit patch will we wear at OBC? What about at USUHS?
 
3 August was the report date they settled on for everyone who doesn't have to go to OBC (and I suppose for when everyone who goes to OBC has to be to Bethesda). Not really sure why they moved it up a week from previous years, but I guess that will give us all more time to enjoy ourselves before classes start.


May I ask where you obtained these dates from? Is there some kind of calendar we can look at with all those crucial dates. All I am completely sure about as of now is June 14!!!

So excited!!!
 
What unit patch will we wear at OBC? What about at USUHS?

USUHS has a patch, you'll probably have to order it online I doubt its carried at many clothing and sales outside DC. At OBC you can typically wear either your unit patch (which would be USUHS) or the AMEDD patch. Since most everyone in the class is coming to USUHS, they might dictate it to you when you get down there but it will be one of those two.
 
May I ask where you obtained these dates from? Is there some kind of calendar we can look at with all those crucial dates. All I am completely sure about as of now is June 14!!!

So excited!!!

I got the date in an email from the commissioning coordinator. I needed that date for my paperwork since I'm not going to OBC. On the USUHS website there are 4 year calendars for all the classes currently there, looking at last years class will give you a good idea of what to expect in August and you can look at their second year to see the academic start date for us (24 Aug).
 
When do they do the in depth security check? After your interview, after you've been conditionally accepted, or after you've been cond. accepted and medically cleared?
 
When do they do the in depth security check? After your interview, after you've been conditionally accepted, or after you've been cond. accepted and medically cleared?
I'm pretty sure (read: I think I remember hearing on interview day) that they don't actually start the full-fledged security clearance process until matriculation in August due to people possibly dropping the program. Getting a security clearance for every individual is an expensive endeavor.
 
I thought we had to have a security clearance before we could commission?
 
I'm pretty sure (read: I think I remember hearing on interview day) that they don't actually start the full-fledged security clearance process until matriculation in August due to people possibly dropping the program. Getting a security clearance for every individual is an expensive endeavor.

I also remember them saying this
 
I also remember them saying this


I'll agree...I called the security office to verify my secret clearance date and at first he told me I didn't have one yet, because they do those in the fall once the class is set. Then he realized I was ROTC and gave me the date. Really, great people down there, don't hesitate to give them a call.
 
1) Does the OBLC class @ Ft. Sam have ONLY USUHS non-prior army, or does it have ROTC included, and would it have HPSP'rs as well?

2) Someone said August 3rd for those who don't go to OBC, well, what about if you do! (same date?)

3) Where is the best place to get all my uniform stuff/any tips on what to get, or is it all standard. What do they do if you last name is Smith besides having 10 people look whenever they say it?
 
1) Does the OBLC class @ Ft. Sam have ONLY USUHS non-prior army, or does it have ROTC included, and would it have HPSP'rs as well?

2) Someone said August 3rd for those who don't go to OBC, well, what about if you do! (same date?)

3) Where is the best place to get all my uniform stuff/any tips on what to get, or is it all standard. What do they do if you last name is Smith besides having 10 people look whenever they say it?

1) No ROTC kids (that's a slightly different course), only USUHS and HPSP. And most of the HPSP kids will have already completely their 1st year in school.

2) AFAIK, 3 AUG is for everyone.

3) rangerjoes.com or uscav.com are two good, reliable online retailers to get uniforms and other supplies.
 
1) No ROTC kids (that's a slightly different course), only USUHS and HPSP. And most of the HPSP kids will have already completely their 1st year in school.

2) AFAIK, 3 AUG is for everyone.

3) rangerjoes.com or uscav.com are two good, reliable online retailers to get uniforms and other supplies.

So you're not going to come on our camping trips?
 
So you're not going to come on our camping trips?

Sorry, I misinterpreted the question. Yes, any Army ROTC kids going to USUHS (me) or taking HPSP will be in attendance. My response was pertaining to ROTC kids who branched Medical Service Corps on track to become platoon leaders, because they also attend AMEDD OBLC at Ft. Sam with similar content but 2 weeks longer (8 vs. 6 weeks).
 
Has any body received their orders? Is that even possible to receive them this early? I know I probably seem so impatient but just curious.

Also ...

What happens June 14? Do we have to get ourselves to Ft. Sam and just show up there on a plane and taxi it over? Is it our responsibility to find/pay for the flight there and what not? OR does Uncle Sam pick up this tab as well? Same question w/ regard to after OBLC ... do we get to go home to get our stuff and move then or should this be done prior to OBLC.

I guess all this information will be in the orders, but I wanted to know in case I had to plan a little bit ahead ... anything with the run down / timeline of what happens between June and August 24 would be greatly appreciated from those already at USUHS.

Thank you!
 
Has any body received their orders? Is that even possible to receive them this early? I know I probably seem so impatient but just curious.

Check out the USUHS Class of 2012 Facebook wall posts... it seems that last year they didn't get orders till the last minute... like early-mid June (depending on what branch you are in).

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5276129559

You can get a rough timeline from reading through the posts.
 
Hey Everyone,

I just got a call from Dr. Calloway today to offer me a Army spot in the class of 2013.

I was initially waitlisted for Navy but she offered me an Army spot for an acceptance today so of course I took it!

After getting over the initial wave of bliss and excitement I returned to my normal cautious self and didn't want to count my chickens before they hatched. How long does it take for security clearance? Also, has anyone lost their acceptance because they couldn't be cleared? I definitely don't have any reason to not be accepted but I'm still careful to keep all possibilities in mind.

Thanks and I'm definitely honored and excited to be a member of the class of 2013!
 
Hi everyone!

My name is Frank, I am graduating this spring with a degree in Chemistry and a minor in Spanish. I have been unconditionally accepted to the USUHS class of 2013 in the Army. I interviewed Dec. 4th, received conditional acceptance on Feb. 17th, unconditional about a week or so later. (I did my eye/physical evaluations early)

Congrats to all the others who have their unconditionals!
I have also been accepted to some civilian schools, and now I must make that life-changing decision. As a non-prior, I am both thrilled and terrified.

How did you make your decision?
Did you choose USUHS over civilian programs and why (besides the obvious things)?
 
Did you choose USUHS over civilian programs and why (besides the obvious things)?

Well, it's the obvious things that matter. Remember, you're not just choosing to go to USUHS, you're also choosing to join the military (and to stay in for a career, potentially). You've already made the decision to go to medical school. The real question now for you is do you want to join the military? So just make sure you understand military life, and milmed life, and that you're ok with all of its glory. It's really just a personality thing, there's no right or wrong. Some people don't fit the military bill, some people do. You just have to categorize yourself appropriately.

I'll get on my soapbox now. Here's the qualities you need to be happy in the military, and in milmed (IMO):

1. Can't be a home-body. If you wanna your kids (or future kids) to grow up in your hometown, go to your grammar school b/c you have some sort of sentimental of familial attachment to where you grew up, don't join. B/c chances are, you're not going to live in you're hometown for another 20 years. (if your hometown happens to be a military-concentrated area, then belay my last)

2. have to be flexibile in terms of your medical training and timeline. If you say to me, "I have to be a BC Ped Onc by the year 2018 or my head will explode!", I'd say don't join. B/c although there are pathways in milmed to become whatever kinda MD you like, you may have to fight for it a little harder and you may have to be flexibile in your timeline (you may not be allowed to go straight thru your training, so you may become a Ped Onc in 2020 instead of 2018). To me that's no big deal, but to others it's a death blow.

3. have to be able to deal with the admin BS of military life. Honestly, it's not so bad. If you just pay attention to details, military admin becomes a science and it's not so hard to knock out.

4. above all, the most important thing, you gotta roll with flow. not everything will go your own way . . . sometimes sh** happens, and you gotta suck it up and move forward.

5. Also, as an officer, you'll be inherently be in a leadership position. Make sure you take care of your guys! That means their medical/dental, admin, advancement, and yes sometimes even nasty personal situations.

6. Don't glorify the consumption of alcohol. But do consume it, preferably in the comfort of your own safe home. Get a comfy recliner and a good whiskey stash . . .you're gonna need it.
 
Hi everyone!

My name is Frank, I am graduating this spring with a degree in Chemistry and a minor in Spanish. I have been unconditionally accepted to the USUHS class of 2013 in the Army. I interviewed Dec. 4th, received conditional acceptance on Feb. 17th, unconditional about a week or so later. (I did my eye/physical evaluations early)

Congrats to all the others who have their unconditionals!
I have also been accepted to some civilian schools, and now I must make that life-changing decision. As a non-prior, I am both thrilled and terrified.

How did you make your decision?
Did you choose USUHS over civilian programs and why (besides the obvious things)?

Hey Frank,

I choose USUHS due to my interest in Emergency Medicine, the proximity of the school to my family, and the desire to practice medicine in the areas of greatest need.

I did choose USUHS over a civilian program due to the financial package and the possibility of practicing medicine in unique overseas situations. I figured that I'd prefer to be happy and financially stable when I'm younger and able to enjoy it more.

I also liked how family friendly USUHS is. I don't have a family right now or really plan to have one any time soon but it's nice to know that it is possible to have a family during residency if I choose to.
 
1. Can't be a home-body. If you wanna your kids (or future kids) to grow up in your hometown, go to your grammar school b/c you have some sort of sentimental of familial attachment to where you grew up, don't join. B/c chances are, you're not going to live in you're hometown for another 20 years. (if your hometown happens to be a military-concentrated area, then belay my last)

2. have to be flexibile in terms of your medical training and timeline. If you say to me, "I have to be a BC Ped Onc by the year 2018 or my head will explode!", I'd say don't join. B/c although there are pathways in milmed to become whatever kinda MD you like, you may have to fight for it a little harder and you may have to be flexibile in your timeline (you may not be allowed to go straight thru your training, so you may become a Ped Onc in 2020 instead of 2018). To me that's no big deal, but to others it's a death blow.

3. have to be able to deal with the admin BS of military life. Honestly, it's not so bad. If you just pay attention to details, military admin becomes a science and it's not so hard to knock out.

4. above all, the most important thing, you gotta roll with flow. not everything will go your own way . . . sometimes sh** happens, and you gotta suck it up and move forward.

5. Also, as an officer, you'll be inherently be in a leadership position. Make sure you take care of your guys! That means their medical/dental, admin, advancement, and yes sometimes even nasty personal situations.

6. Don't glorify the consumption of alcohol. But do consume it, preferably in the comfort of your own safe home. Get a comfy recliner and a good whiskey stash . . .you're gonna need it.

I appreciate the advice. I think I can deal with administrative BS, especially considering we are entering as O-1's, and I am the definition of rolling with the flow. And sometimes, a good scotch is all you need to get through the day.

Hey Frank,

I choose USUHS due to my interest in Emergency Medicine, the proximity of the school to my family, and the desire to practice medicine in the areas of greatest need.

I did choose USUHS over a civilian program due to the financial package and the possibility of practicing medicine in unique overseas situations. I figured that I'd prefer to be happy and financially stable when I'm younger and able to enjoy it more.

I also liked how family friendly USUHS is. I don't have a family right now or really plan to have one any time soon but it's nice to know that it is possible to have a family during residency if I choose to.

These are the reasons I chose USUHS. The financial situation is undeniably better than going to a private civilian school, and honestly I think we will come out ahead in most cases. My biggest concern is starting a family. I don't have one either, but I will want to, and the military has been very inviting of this idea. Traveling the world with the woman I love and saving lives in extreme conditions sounds like a great life to me.

Thanks guys, and good luck to you!
 
I'm dying to try to figure out the dates for various things and this is what I can piece together:

June 14th - July 15th = OBC
August 3rd = Report to USUHS
Mid-late August = orientation and classes?

Does that sound about right?
 
So a couple of you stated that you chose USUHS over civilian because of financial reasons. But are you comparing USUHS and HPSP at a civilian school or just military vs civilian?

I'm trying to decide between doing HPSP at a civilian school or USUHS. 🙂Anyone have any advice? (I know the decision is mine and up to me, I just want to hear from people who may have also made this choice to see if your reasons may apply to me).
 
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