Usuhs

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so how difficult is it to find your way to USUHS/interview check-in once you're on the NNMC campus? Also, does anyone have any idea how long it will take to get from GW area to USUHS? I'll be staying with a friend who lives like .2 seconds from GW and was wondering if i'm going to have to leave at like 530am to get there by 730/8 or if leaving at like 645 or 7 would be plenty of time. I'm probably going to do the trip when i get in wednesday mid-morning but i wont have to deal with crowds, and wont be able to get the blue line shuttle? Thanks for any input. Interview this Thursday always thought i wanted to do Navy but the more and more i read the more it seems like army GME is maybe not better, but has more spots for everything. It also seems like they use fewer GMOs (only those that choose not to accept a residency they match to or dont match?). Guess I'll probably fill out the preference form there. Any thoughts?
 
Coastie2Doc said:
Yes I did. The facility is still in development, but interesting nonetheless. Although it does make for a long day.
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What new facility? for teaching? ready for Fall 09?

Thanks for the post Coastie, lotta good info.

Hey word to the wise: If you think your application is complete but you haven't heard from them, it might be good to call the admissions office. I just did. They thought my app was incomplete (missing my LOA), but it in fact was there. So they noted it as complete and forwarded it the admissions committee. Phew!
 
they give you the option in your interview info to tour the new teaching facility after the interviews....they say you could be done as late as like 7pm and its totally optional
 
Hey guys...have an interview on thursday and I just realized that USPHS was another branch available. just wondering what that entails. i hear it is very competitive, what type of person would be interested in that branch? thanks
 
freubr said:
Hey guys...have an interview on thursday and I just realized that USPHS was another branch available. just wondering what that entails. i hear it is very competitive, what type of person would be interested in that branch? thanks
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I would go to the USUHS website and look for a link. From the research I've done on the topic, it's pretty much just a bunch of medical/health people dedicated to serving the most impoverished communities in the US (prisons, native American reservations, etc.) If it's what you're looking for, great! I haven't heard anything about it being the most competitive (I always thought the AF had that reputation), but I guess if you'd rather not go outsdie the US, it may be your cup of tea.

Good luck to all!
 
freubr said:
Hey guys...have an interview on thursday and I just realized that USPHS was another branch available. just wondering what that entails. i hear it is very competitive, what type of person would be interested in that branch? thanks
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i really doubt that its the most competitive.

If you want to devote yourself to practicing solely primary care on indian reservations for your career - then USPHS is a good bet. Otherwise, not so much.
 
eschott said:
I would go to the USUHS website and look for a link. From the research I've done on the topic, it's pretty much just a bunch of medical/health people dedicated to serving the most impoverished communities in the US (prisons, native American reservations, etc.) If it's what you're looking for, great! I haven't heard anything about it being the most competitive (I always thought the AF had that reputation), but I guess if you'd rather not go outsdie the US, it may be your cup of tea.

Good luck to all!
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USPHS also provides all physicians for the Coast Guard and NOAA since neither have MDs.

The 2 available positions at USUHS for USPHS are for IHS. The 7 year commitment must be spent on an Indian Reservation. From my understanding, after the payback, you are free to choose/apply for any position within the USPHS, including work in the USCG and NOAA.
 
I meant it was most competitive as there are so few spots...Thanks for all the feedback.
 
Just spoke with Dr. Porvaznik...the spots for PHS are for IHS and NIH infectious diseases...Also, the payback is 10 years active duty, not 7 as for others. If I find out anymore I will post it as I am interviewing thursday at USUHS. Should get some more info then.
 
hey all,

I have an interview coming up next thurs & was wondering, as a ROTC cadet, if I should wear my uniform (service dress?) or just a business suit....

Thanks!
 
airforcedukie said:
hey all,

I have an interview coming up next thurs & was wondering, as a ROTC cadet, if I should wear my uniform (service dress?) or just a business suit....

Thanks!
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As per their pre-interview email:

"Military persons (i.e. ROTC, Academy, active duty and reservists) are strongly encouraged to wear their dress uniforms, (AF-Service Dress, A-Class A, and N-Service Dress Blues)."

Having said that, I am Army ROTC and will be wearing a business suit instead to my interview tomorrow, primarily because my Class A's were issued to me three years ago and fit terribly. Also, my friend in ROTC with me interviewed there last week, wore civilian attire, and said he had no issues; no one asked him about it or anything. My impression is that the whole day is very relaxed.
 
Hey all,

(forgive me for reposting this)

Does anyone have an interview for Nov yet?

I'm anticipating an invite and am trying to get an idea of where they are in scheduling. I'm assuming since we're almost in Oct, that all of the interview slots for Oct are booked, but I'm not sure, hence my question. (my Nov is crazy hectic, sooner I know the better) . . i luv the waiting game :laugh:

thanks!
 
How long ago were you complete Roberie? I just want to gauge how much longer I should expect to wait before I hear from USUHS about whether or not I get an interview. (I know someone reported like a two week turnaround?) I got a "secondary application complete" email about twenty days ago so I don't think it has been absurdly long, it just feels like it.
 
SirGecko said:
How long ago were you complete Roberie? I just want to gauge how much longer I should expect to wait before I hear from USUHS about whether or not I get an interview. (I know someone reported like a two week turnaround?) I got a "secondary application complete" email about twenty days ago so I don't think it has been absurdly long, it just feels like it.
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I rec'd a postcard that confirmed receipt of my primary, secondary, and letters. But I never rec'd any confirmation that my entire application was complete (I was waiting on a letter of approval from my CO, and my MCAT scores from the 8/5 test). I was a little worried, so I called the admissions office. They thought that my letter-of-approval was missing, but it was not. It was right there. So they closed out my application and forwarded it to the Admissions Committe. This was on Monday (9/22). Haven't heard from them yet, but that's probably b/c the Admissions Committee hasn't reviewed me.

Anyway, if you think your app is sitting in limbo, might be best to call the admissions office to make sure they got everything. And best to call early in the morning!
 
Well I did get the email saying my app was complete and called to confirm that a couple of days before getting the email. (I assume that means they got my LOA, I've never seen the thing but I asked NROTC for it back in June)

Actually I got that email on the 5th of September as well so maybe they'll get around to my file here in the next couple of days. (if I don't here anything I'll call on Monday I guess)

Oh and Roberie, did they just tell you the day you are interviewing or did they ask you what days would work and tell you one off of that?
 
anyone know about how long it takes to get a response from usuhs after the interview?
 
That question was answered on the previous page:

eschott said:
Here's some information from USUHS AdCom in regards to response times for decisions:

Response Times
Please use the following as a general guideline regarding response times from the Admissions Committee. These time frames will be lengthened if you are taking fall classes, took the MCAT anytime after June 2007, did not secure a Letter of Approval, or any other extenuating circumstance.
If you interview in September, you should hear a response in approximately 4-6 weeks.
If you interview in October/November, you should hear a response in 6-8 weeks.
If you interview in December, you should hear a response in 8-10 weeks.
If you interview in January or thereafter, your response will arrive in a minimum of 10 weeks.
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Roberie said:
A day later I received the official "complete" email, but the fact that this woman went out of her way to call me was amazing.
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Ok, so now I'm worried that I haven't received a "complete" email! Although, as I mentioned above, I was told over the phone that my app was complete and would be forwarded to the admissions committee.

Should I insist that they send me a "complete" email too??? Or am i just being neurotic??? :scared:
 
Well you don't get a postcard unless you included one in the package you sent them. (self addressed and stamped, they just drop it in the mail when they get your stuff; they don't write anything on it)

As for the email... you might want to call again just to make sure it did go to the committee. (it will happen isn't always the same thing as it did happen, I know I feel more at ease hearing that something is done vs about to be done)
 
SirGecko said:
Well you don't get a postcard unless you included one in the package you sent them. (self addressed and stamped, they just drop it in the mail when they get your stuff; they don't write anything on it)

As for the email... you might want to call again just to make sure it did go to the committee. (it will happen isn't always the same thing as it did happen, I know I feel more at ease hearing that something is done vs about to be done)
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Arghh!! I should've asked them about the completion email when I had them on the phone on Monday! Ok, I'll give it a couple days then call them back.

Does anybody know how often/when the admissions committee meets?
 
Roberie said:
I've been skulking around this forum for quite some time and couldn't help posting a reply.

Just got an interview invite yesterday morning for Oct 23rd. I'm super excited, but it looks to be an expensive trip.
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Try to fly into DCA (Reagan National) You can take the metro most places straight from the airport. If BWI is cheaper no worries you can take the MARC trian to union station and then get on the metro. Also, try to use the host program but if you can't get somebody make sure you have a hotel booked ahead of time. This goes for everyone....there is not any reason to book a hotel in Bethesda!!!! You just spend too much. Look for hotels in rockville or even further north like Gaithersburg. You can take a taxi from the hotel to the metro (or the school) and then ride the train to right across the street from the NNMC. There is a walk from the front gate to the school but it's not horrible. If you do this and aren't sure how long it takes you can message me and I'll try to help give you an idea of what time to leave and stuff.
 
Hey I've heard a couple different answers to this question so I thought I would throw it out there. I'm active duty Navy applying to USUHS this cycle (2009). My application is complete, with the exception of my Letter of Approval from the Navy releasing me to attend school. Getting the letter won't be a problem, its just that its stuck in the black hole known as BUPERS and I have no idea when it will be done. Will USUHS interview me without this letter, or will my package be pending until they receive it? I hope it is the former, because it will be like another month or so until that thing is done. Thanks in advance.
 
mcaliboyw said:
Hey I've heard a couple different answers to this question so I thought I would throw it out there. I'm active duty Navy applying to USUHS this cycle (2009). My application is complete, with the exception of my Letter of Approval from the Navy releasing me to attend school. Getting the letter won't be a problem, its just that its stuck in the black hole known as BUPERS and I have no idea when it will be done. Will USUHS interview me without this letter, or will my package be pending until they receive it? I hope it is the former, because it will be like another month or so until that thing is done. Thanks in advance.
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You're application isn't complete if they're missing your LOA. No, I don't think theyll interview you before they have it (they want to make certain that you can lat. transfer into the medical corps). I'd get on the phone (not email) with BUPERS and hunt it down, find out who's got it and push it through.
 
DrMedal said:
You're application isn't complete if they're missing your LOA. No, I don't think theyll interview you before they have it (they want to make certain that you can lat. transfer into the medical corps). I'd get on the phone (not email) with BUPERS and hunt it down, find out who's got it and push it through.
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There were several other applicants I talked to yesterday between interviews that had not submitted their LOA yet.
 
DrMedal said:
really?! ok, nevermind then, i was told differently. but will they offer you a conditional acceptance without it?
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It was my impression that the LOA is required for an offer of acceptance (of either kind), but not for an interview. They encouraged us to check our files before we left to make sure they had our LOA.
 
dwb8p said:
It was my impression that the LOA is required for an offer of acceptance (of either kind), but not for an interview. They encouraged us to check our files before we left to make sure they had our LOA.
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yeah, that must be it. thanks for the clarification.

just some clarification (i just talked to the adm office): you don't get the 'completion' email until you're invited for an interview. So in between the time that they receive all of your materials and when your app goes into review, you'll here silence! (which is deafening)
 
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SirGecko said:
But don't lie on it. (especially if you ever want a higher clearance)
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No polygraph for a top secret even (nobody trusts a polygraph anymore, they're too easy to fake out).

Regarding your clearance: be careful about this. make sure you answer everything truthfully and disclose everything (especially with respect to your finances). They don't care that you have debt, even a few defaults . . . but they will care if you lie about it, or fail to disclose it. same goes for any prior arrests or criminal activity. just be forthcoming.
 
i'm interviewing next week, and i'm just wondering if anyone has any idea of how many that make it to the interview typically go to the waitlist. duke science classes have butchered my science gpa, and my MCAT is OK but not spectacular. I have tons of extracurriculars/ROTC leadership, involvement, achievement/clinical experience, but I am wondering how much they focus on the numbers.......
 
airforcedukie said:
i'm interviewing next week, and i'm just wondering if anyone has any idea of how many that make it to the interview typically go to the waitlist. duke science classes have butchered my science gpa, and my MCAT is OK but not spectacular. I have tons of extracurriculars/ROTC leadership, involvement, achievement/clinical experience, but I am wondering how much they focus on the numbers.......
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Do you mind posting what your numbers are??? Might be easier to give an opinion then. I think if they're interviewing you, and especially this early, you're probably in good shape.
 
airforcedukie said:
i'm interviewing next week, and i'm just wondering if anyone has any idea of how many that make it to the interview typically go to the waitlist. duke science classes have butchered my science gpa, and my MCAT is OK but not spectacular. I have tons of extracurriculars/ROTC leadership, involvement, achievement/clinical experience, but I am wondering how much they focus on the numbers.......
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If you got an interview (esp this early), you are academically qualified for USUHS. End of story. The ADCOM wouldn't waste its time with you if they thought otherwise. Do not worry about how your numbers stack up against other applicants at this point, and that goes for any school you get an interview at.

One of the Deans who spoke to us yesterday, COL Moores, emphasized that the primary purpose of the interviews is to ensure that you are normal--that you can string two sentences together, that you have a sincere desire to become a physician, and that you know what a medical career in the military entails.

After interviewing there yesterday, my best advice is to just relax. Know what an accomplishment it is to have made it this far and be confident in yourself. USUHS throws softball interview questions compared to other schools. There were no ethical questions, no challenges to my responses, and neither of my interviewers tried to screw with me. Just talk up your leadership and medical experiences and you will impress them.

It was my impression yesterday that unless you interview late in the cycle or have less than stellar interviews, they will offer you a spot in the class if there is space available at the time.
 
im going to agree with the above poster.

ive always thought of the process as 2 tiered. Stage 1 is having the numbers and the criteria to warrant getting an interview. At this point, the school has deemed that your numbers are worthy of being a student at their school. Stage 2 starts fresh with the interview where the committee can make their decision based on who you are and what you can offer rather than your numbers.
 
We've mentioned here that if you interview late, you're less likely to get in. But how late is late??? If you interview in Dec/Jan, is it a foregone conclusion that they'll just put you on the waiting list? Anybody heard of somebody getting interview late, but getting in right off the bat?
 
For the most part the interviewers are really helpful but dont think they wont try to mess with you. I had a fourth year med-student that was really stand-offish, confrontational, and made it seem like having to interview me was an inconvenience. She challenged a few responses, the most memorable was when I made the comment that I thought that in military medicine you're GENERALLY dealing with people who take care of their bodies and are in better shape than most of the population. She countered it by saying "not all military people take care of themselves. Look at spec ops marines, how can you say they take care of their bodies? They willingly put themselves through hell." I couldn't help but laugh to myself. The fittest 1% of people in the military apparently dont take care of themselves. So yeah. My other interview with an active duty colonel was completely different. He was awesome and a great source of information regarding life as a military physician. Make sure you take advantage of the chance to ask your interviewers questions they can offer a lot
 
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A really positive note on the interview day/experience. The staff and most of the students seem really really glad that you're there and interested in the school. They (students and staff) do make it seem like everyone that interviews early, as long as you dont totally botch the interviews, is going to get a spot. They always talk, in the briefings, about "when," not if you come to USUHS. And obviously everyone that interviews isnt going to get in but they really do make it seem like they're glad that you came. The staff in the admissions office is really helpful too. It seems that most of the students and staff are really happy to answer questions too.


Also, how awesome is it that they're building a brand new teaching hospital?
 
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mslall said:
I made the comment that I thought that in military medicine you're GENERALLY dealing with people who take care of their bodies and are in better shape than most of the population. She countered it by saying "not all military people take care of themselves. Look at spec ops marines, how can you say they take care of their bodies? They willingly put themselves through hell." I couldn't help but laugh to myself. The fittest 1% of people in the military apparently dont take care of themselves. So yeah. My other interview with an active duty colonel was completely different. He was awesome and a great source of information regarding life as a military physician. Make sure you take advantage of the chance to ask your interviewers questions they can offer a lot
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Yeah, when people tout that misconception (even generally-speaking) that military members are usually in good health, it tends to demean the purpose of military medicine. That's probably what struck a nerve with your interviewer. Of course, that's not always the case. Plenty still smoke, drink, are obese, and have a ton of psychological issues. And I think what she meant by spec ops folks, is that they overexert themselves, and they're in the line of fire the most, so they tend to get hurt and are in need of medical attention the most. This is very true. If you're into ortho for example, the spec ops community can be your wet dream come true in terms of caseload. Plus, you have to keep in mind that as a military doc, you're also charged with the healthcare of dependents and retirees, and they can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.

In any case, maybe your interviewer could have been more tactful. (the student interviewers tend to be the harshest!). And if you think she was particularly harsh or standoffish, you might want to let the Admin office know. They're not supposed to be that bad, they're supposed to try to sell the program to you. Remember, you're interviewing them as much as they're interviewing you!

Thanks for sharing, info like this is very useful.
 
Yeah i completely understand. It was in a little different context I was talking about how that would be a challenge, generally taking care of people who are in good health, and then having someone who 12 hours ago was perfectly healthy and now is critically ill and how much pressure that could put on a physician.
They give you a interview feedback sheet to turn in and I did that. Another funny/i cant believe you said that moment: Me: "so how do you feel that residencies in the navy compare to residencies in the civilian world?" Her: "Well i'm transferring branches next week so i really dont care about the ones in the navy"
There's got to be a better way to phrase that response. I still think the interview went fine from a pure interview standpoint but as far as being a representative for the student body she did a really poor job. But like i said earlier this was the only negative experience I had throughout the entire day. Sometimes you just get the unluck of the draw. I would like to know what the other M4's that were interviewing were like just for curiosity's sake

I think I was just shocked/disappointed after having my first interviewer who really really did a great job of "selling" the school. After the interview I knew I was at the right place. I was also unsure about which service to preference (stuck between army and navy) and after hearing his experiences both stateside and deployed, and how satisfied he was with his career path he definitely tipped the balance.
 
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mslall said:
I think I was just shocked/disappointed after having my first interviewer who really really did a great job of "selling" the school. After the interview I knew I was at the right place. I was also unsure about which service to preference (stuck between army and navy) and after hearing his experiences both stateside and deployed, and how satisfied he was with his career path he definitely tipped the balance.
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well that's unfortunate, that she expressed she "doesn't care". You should always care, albeit you may be more concerned about something else. They really should be careful in selecting their interviewers . . . USUHS can be a tough sell for some, especially given the military commitment.

in any case, you interviewed early, i'm sure you'll get in.
 
yeah, and thats basically what I put on the feedback form under the suggestions section, something like "screen student interviewers so that the ones who conduct interviews give a positive impression about the school and its student body to potential students" or something like that. Again i cant stress enough how this was the only non-positive experience of the day. Also, for those of you who haven't interviewed yet, definitely take the tour of the sim-center at the end. Especially if you think there is even the slightest that you might want to one day do surgery. They've got some pretty amazing things going on there. It makes for a really long day, but the tour is low key and really really interesting
 
Roberie said:
Thanks for the advice. I actually booked my flight this morning and I'll be coming into DCA. In my interview materials it mentioned having to give advanced notice about who will be dropping me off. Does this apply to Taxis as well? Would I be better off to take the metro instead? Isn't there a shuttle straight from the metro to the school?
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I don't think you need advance notice for taxi but I would just say that you plant to use one if that's what you'll do. Metro is probably easier if you stay in a hotel nearby a stop.

there is a shuttle directly from the metro to the school...it is either the gold or the blue...you'd have to ask the driver but it picks up at the medical center stop. I don't know what the schedule is but I think it runs on the half hour....you should check into this though wouldn't want you to be late on account of me not knowing the shuttle schedule.
 
unless you're staying right near the school its probably going to be cheaper to use the metro. It cost me like 3 dollars to get to the medical center stop. NNMC is right across the street from the metro and its about a 15-20 minute walk to USUHS from the metro stop. Once you cross the street and get on the actual base there are signs that point to USUHS and as long as its not raining its not a bad walk. I think a cab is going to cost a good bit more than the metro and the time difference probably wont be that big of a deal. Now if its raining definitely try to find the Blue line shuttle or take a cab. If not the walk isnt bad at all
 
As some others have stated, I felt that USU was the place for me when the day was over on 9/18. As far as the interview went I had one w/ a ms4 and one with a CDR, both NAVY. The first interview went great. My interviewer seemed a little nervous, but it was more like a 25 minute conversation than any specific questions. My disappointment came in the second interview (with the CDR), because it made me feel like I was not properly prepared. As someone stated earlier, they may mess with you. I don't know if it was intended or not , but my interviewer showed up 5 minutes late which made me initially on edge. The whole thing felt more like an interrogation/lecture, and by the end I was feeling pretty like I was visibly nervous.

One specific question in the second interview that I was asked, "As a military doctor you will take two oaths, one as doctor and one as an officer. If the two are ever to conflict, which is more important." I had prepared for this specific question, and gave what I thought to be a very clear and reasonable response. After my answer, the interviewer responded, "That’s not what I meant at all...Anyway, what challenges do you anticipate as an officer." It was at this point when I feel I began to start acting like *****. I was a little fazed by the harsh response and I think I botched the next two easy questions.

The second interview lasted about 40 minutes. It seemed that my interviewer wasn't wiling to show any emotion to my responses or provide much verbal feedback. The first 20 went okay, but the last 20 I acted half-*****, half-normal guy. The lesson for all you future interviewers is take everyone’s advice and relax. I got the impression that as long as you can NOT act like a *****, and seem sincerely enthusiastic about mil-med you are set. Be clear that I do not blame the interviewer (who actually did a great job to test how I respond under pressure) as I should have been prepared for something like this. Who knows it may not be as bad as I think. I enjoyed meeting almost all of the students and other interviewees, and there was an instant feeling of camaraderie. If I am denied admission I will probably just withdraw my other apps and re-apply to USUHS. Sorry for the long rant.

White Lightening
 
whtlight2121 said:
As some others have stated, I felt that USU was the place for me when the day was over on 9/18. As far as the interview went I had one w/ a ms4 and one with a CDR, both NAVY. The first interview went great. My interviewer seemed a little nervous, but it was more like a 25 minute conversation than any specific questions. My disappointment came in the second interview (with the CDR), because it made me feel like I was not properly prepared. As someone stated earlier, they may mess with you. I don't know if it was intended or not , but my interviewer showed up 5 minutes late which made me initially on edge. The whole thing felt more like an interrogation/lecture, and by the end I was feeling pretty like I was visibly nervous.

One specific question in the second interview that I was asked, "As a military doctor you will take two oaths, one as doctor and one as an officer. If the two are ever to conflict, which is more important."
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I hate this question. The virtues of a good officer and a good physician go hand-in-hand with each other . . . .you shouldn't have to give one up for the other! And anybody that tells you there's a huge conflict between being a doctor and being an officer (as you might read elsewhere on this forum) is probably not good at being either. In fact, being a doc may give you more clout! I had a friend that was a LT GMO on a carrier, he had a straight line of communication with the CO. Some of the dept heads didn't even have that, they had to go thru the XO, ha ha!

in any case, push coming to shove, I think everyone (including those in the military, especially if it was a love one that you were caring for) would agree that you should er on the side of being a good doctor.

thanks for the info. you probably have a good shot. but if you get in elsewhere and not usuhs, you should probably go, do hpsp.
 
I wouldn't worry too much about it White Lightning... it seems most people I talked to had one smooth, conversational interview and one with a skeptical interviewer. I did as well. Did you talk to the other people who interviewed with that same person?
 
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