Usuhs

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So this might be a ridiculous question...I'm actually a little embarassed to ask but I figure it's worth a shot.

What is the schedule like for COT? Is it possible to take a day or so of leave during it? My sister is getting married in July and I am the maid of honor, and I was wondering if there was any possibility of me flying out for the wedding (on a Saturday) and then flying back the next day or something. I obviously understand that it might be silly to even think that this would be possible, but again, worth a shot.

I can tell you what would happen at OBC, not having been to COT don't know if it would work the same but it should at least be close. If you have a reasonable class advisor and tell them as soon as you get there about the wedding it shouldn't be an issue particularly if you are planning on leaving on saturday and coming back sunday. Except for maybe one or two times we had weekends off and were permitted to take passes as long as we were back in time for monday formation. They may even let you leave friday depending on what is scheduled that day. If you talk to them early and they don't take care of you I'd be very surprised.
 
I can tell you what would happen at OBC, not having been to COT don't know if it would work the same but it should at least be close. If you have a reasonable class advisor and tell them as soon as you get there about the wedding it shouldn't be an issue particularly if you are planning on leaving on saturday and coming back sunday. Except for maybe one or two times we had weekends off and were permitted to take passes as long as we were back in time for monday formation. They may even let you leave friday depending on what is scheduled that day. If you talk to them early and they don't take care of you I'd be very surprised.

Thanks! Wow I wasn't expecting that. I'll make sure to ask early.

Also, not to be an attention hog here, but Dr. Calloway told me that I should be receiving my paperwork via email/mail soon. Does anyone who has been moved off the waitlist know how long this will take?

And I was only offered a conditional acceptance...but I was already notified that I am medically qualified. What else are they waiting on? Security clearance?

Thanks!
 
Thanks! Wow I wasn't expecting that. I'll make sure to ask early.

Also, not to be an attention hog here, but Dr. Calloway told me that I should be receiving my paperwork via email/mail soon. Does anyone who has been moved off the waitlist know how long this will take?

And I was only offered a conditional acceptance...but I was already notified that I am medically qualified. What else are they waiting on? Security clearance?

Thanks!

Which paper work are you talking about? I don't remember if you're prior or not, but if you're talking about orders, none of us non-priors have gotten those (I'm Navy, but I'm pretty sure AF hasn't either).

I believe they need your security clearance to go through before giving you the unconditional. If I remember correctly, they don't process it until after your acceptance, so that's probably what they're waiting on. Hopefully, you'll get the unconditional soon! 🙂

Hope that helps! 😳
 
after much very long agonizing deliberation and talking to a bunch of military docs i just turned down a navy USUHS spot and and am deciding to go the HPSP route. Best of luck to you guys waiting on the USUHS waitlist, I hope a fellow SDNer gets the spot!
 
So the 15th has arrived. Anyone hear anything? Anyone got an idea of when people may start to hear something? Carter, when you sent in your decline how did you do it? By mail? Email? Phone?
 
For those of you at USUHS now, do you have many opportunities and do you use leave that much during your four years there? I'm AD and have close to 50 days on the books, should I burn up some or all this summer as we'll be in school the next few years? Thanks.

Use up as much leave as possible. You will collect leave like it is going out of style while at USUHS. You can usually only take leave during christmas or spring break and then for a little bit during summers. There is a generous liberty policy there which really keeps you from having to use leave that often.
 
If you look at the USUHS tread for the class of 2012, it looks like a lot of acceptances off the waitlist occurred near the end of May. I guess admissions need all that time to straighten everything out.
 
I know every student at USUHS receives O-1 pay, but do you get paid based on your prior time in service (O-1 over 4 for example)?
 
Just got a call from Dr. Calloway around 1 PM today that I was accepted into the Class of 2013 off of the waitlist into the Air Force!

Stats wise, I interviewed on Feb 5 and was placed on the waitlist a few weeks later. My service preferences were: 1st AF, 2nd Navy, 3rd Army. My UG GPA 3.7, science GPA ~3.6, MCAT 36.

I think I probably surprised Dr. Calloway with my "yes" but after the call was over, I realized that she offered me a conditional acceptance. Can anyone clarify what this means as I was notified that I was cleared by DoDMERB back in March?

Thanks and best of luck to everyone waiting!
 
I also got a call from Dr. Calloway today. I can't believe I actually made it in off of the navy waitlist!!! 😀😀😀 I must of screamed and jumped for an hour. :laugh: Good luck to everyone that continues to wait!!!

mugenshock - She also told me that I was getting a conditional acceptance. She said that after I turned in the acceptance paperwork that they would just double check with dodmerb and then it would be unconditional. I am going to call her though on Monday because in all my excitement I forgot to ask a couple of important questions. Its hard to think of everything though when you are so excited. 😀 So I will clarify this with her and let you know what she says on monday.

Again... GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!! :xf::luck::xf::luck::xf:
 
I know every student at USUHS receives O-1 pay, but do you get paid based on your prior time in service (O-1 over 4 for example)?

Depends on what your situation is. Over 4 years enlisted would get O1-E pay with their years, under 4 years would get O-1 at their years. Officers maintain their base pay at their prior level but receive O-1 bah. for example an O-3 with 6 years maintains base pay at that rate but suffers a drop in bah. Makes USUHS even more attractive for prior service.
 
Depends on what your situation is. Over 4 years enlisted would get O1-E pay with their years, under 4 years would get O-1 at their years. Officers maintain their base pay at their prior level but receive O-1 bah. for example an O-3 with 6 years maintains base pay at that rate but suffers a drop in bah. Makes USUHS even more attractive for prior service.

Good deal, thanks for the info.
 
I think I probably surprised Dr. Calloway with my "yes" but after the call was over, I realized that she offered me a conditional acceptance. Can anyone clarify what this means as I was notified that I was cleared by DoDMERB back in March?

Congrats to both of you!

Have you turned your security packet in? If so, you can call the security dept to make sure they have it (mine got lost, so make a copy before you send yours in fyi).

If they do have that, then it may just be a matter of checking you off and giving you the unconditional!
 
Does anyone know how deep the waitlist is?

Just wondering b/c I made it onto the alt list... and I really want in.

Thanks and good luck all!
 
Does anyone know how deep the waitlist is?

Just wondering b/c I made it onto the alt list... and I really want in.

Thanks and good luck all!

the army waitlist is short, air force is average, and the navy's is really deep. If you want in off the alt. list call and change your preference to army if thats not what it is already.

to clarify

short = 10-20ish
medium= 30ish
deep= 50ish
 
the army waitlist is short, air force is average, and the navy's is really deep. If you want in off the alt. list call and change your preference to army if thats not what it is already.

to clarify

short = 10-20ish
medium= 30ish
deep= 50ish

Thank you! I had AF as my number one choice, and everything else tied for second. I didn't want Navy b/c I didn't want to be on a ship...

other than that, I didn't really care where I would be stationed, so maybe calling and changing my preference would be a smart idea, b/c I wouldn't mind skipping the whole swarm of secondaries this year!
 
Got the call on Saturday ... unconditional Air Force! I'm currently an AD Navigator and plan on burning the rest of my 55 days of leave before school! Anyone know if you have a line number to promote will you receive your pay increase after school starts? My O-4 promotion date is Sept 1 (might miss it by a few a weeks --- arghhh) ... but I'm not complaining, just happy to be here! See you all in August and good luck to everyone waiting!
 
Got the call on Saturday ... unconditional Air Force! I'm currently an AD Navigator and plan on burning the rest of my 55 days of leave before school! Anyone know if you have a line number to promote will you receive your pay increase after school starts? My O-4 promotion date is Sept 1 (might miss it by a few a weeks --- arghhh) ... but I'm not complaining, just happy to be here! See you all in August and good luck to everyone waiting!

Congrats on getting in unfortunately you won't get the O-4 bump. You'll have to resign your commission effective the first week of august and then recommission as an O-1. Your base pay rate will lock in for all four years at the rate the day of your resignation. So you will get O-3 pay with however many years you've been in. See you in August
 
just wanted to thank you all for your help on the forums,
see some of you all in MD
and good luck and send us some house hunting prayers
 
Hey all,

I am applying for the 2010 cycle, and this clinical letter has been bugging me:

"Each candidate that is advanced to the secondary stage must submit a clinical letter of recommendation. This letter must describe some traditional clinical activity with patients and/or health care professionals or paraprofessionals and may be submitted by a physician, nurse, EMT, physician assistant, or a program administrator/coordinator."



So, can the letter be from a physician I shadowed? Or is it more about clinical volunteering? Thanks!
 
Hey all,

I am applying for the 2010 cycle, and this clinical letter has been bugging me:

"Each candidate that is advanced to the secondary stage must submit a clinical letter of recommendation. This letter must describe some traditional clinical activity with patients and/or health care professionals or paraprofessionals and may be submitted by a physician, nurse, EMT, physician assistant, or a program administrator/coordinator."



So, can the letter be from a physician I shadowed? Or is it more about clinical volunteering? Thanks!

shadowed physicians are fine
 
Hey all,

I am applying for the 2010 cycle, and this clinical letter has been bugging me:

"Each candidate that is advanced to the secondary stage must submit a clinical letter of recommendation. This letter must describe some traditional clinical activity with patients and/or health care professionals or paraprofessionals and may be submitted by a physician, nurse, EMT, physician assistant, or a program administrator/coordinator."



So, can the letter be from a physician I shadowed? Or is it more about clinical volunteering? Thanks!

Yes, of course. I don't think it even has to be from a volunteering experience, it could be from a paid-employement situation. It's just got to be a clinical (paid or not) experience.

Remember though, it's the quality of the letter that counts (not the title of the author). So if you're MD is running around with his hair on fire and shlops together a half-assed letter for you, then don't use it. Better to get a praiseful letter from someone else that's supervised you in some capacity (volunteer coordinators are usually good as well).

So how do you know if the letter is good? Well, if you're close with the author of the letter, perhaps he/she will give you a copy of it or let you read it. I wouldn't ask for it directly, as that would be too bold. Perhaps the author will allow you to provide inputs, like a bulleted list of all the great things you did.

If the author is completely secretive about it and wont allow any input, that might be a red flag.

good luck,
 
Remember though, it's the quality of the letter that counts (not the title of the author).
Agree with this. MD is the best choice, all things being equal, but if they can't write you a decent one, volunteer coordinators are fine.
So how do you know if the letter is good? Well, if you're close with the author of the letter, perhaps he/she will give you a copy of it or let you read it. I wouldn't ask for it directly, as that would be too bold.
Don't expect a copy of the letter. Even if you are close to the author. Many medical schools will not accept letters of recommendation unless you waive the right to see them. Even those that don't have this policy prefer letters you haven't read. This lets the letter writer send in honest impressions. Many physicians have been asked to write letters and are familiar with this policy so they might not send you a copy. Asking for one is just rude.
Perhaps the author will allow you to provide inputs, like a bulleted list of all the great things you did.
Always do this with letters of rec, though I wouldn't call them inputs and I'd avoid bullet points (which look more demanding). After a letter writer agrees, I usually tell them I'll give them a letter with the address and instructions. I then write them a letter thanking them for their help and give the address. I also include something along the lines of:

"This school requires three Letters of Recommendation not to exceed 1-2 pages. I am sending in one from ___ that outlines my research experience and one from ____ that talks about the shadowing I've done. What I'm hoping that your Letter will touch on is how I interact with patients and any passion I've demonstrated for medicine, etc. etc."
If the author is completely secretive about it and wont allow any input, that might be a red flag.
Keep in mind that many (most?) physicians are control freaks by nature. They might be open to your asking what you'd like the letter to focus on, but don't be surprised if they don't want you to direct it or if they don't give you a copy.

The way you determine if a letter writer is going to write you a good letter is by asking directly, "Based on our time together, would you be able to write me a strong letter of recommendation?" If the potential writer says, "Uh... maybe..." then walk away. If they say, "sure", you're gold. MDs and volunteer coordinators understand what you're after.

Best of luck to those in the upcoming cycle...
 
Thanks! You might feel different about me when you find out I'm a die-hard Lakers fan!

:barf: Yeah, I definitely take it back!

Ha ha ha, but seriously I guess yesterday was REALLY a great day for you then with the big win and all.
 
Thanks! You might feel different about me when you find out I'm a die-hard Lakers fan!

Congrats! I know you have been stressing for a while, so you must be relieved. See you in August.

Go Red Sox!
 
First, I would like to thank mslall, DrMetal, and notdeadyet for helping me with the question. I have decided to ask a PA whom I am familiar with for the clinical letter.

More questions:
1. Currently the AMCAS website says:
We are currently entering transcripts into the application that were received on 05.27.09. Please Note: Submission of the application will begin on or about June 2, 2009. Medical schools will begin receiving applications on June 24, 2009.

June 24?!

2. And the USUHS website on supplementary packet says:
"Your verified AMCAS application has not yet arrived in the Admissions Office. Therefore, you are receiving this request for Supplemental Materials based on preliminary data, before any review of your credentials."

QUESTION #1: How soon can I send the supplementary materials? June 2, 2009? Or am I notified by USUHS when I am allowed to send it?
QUESTION #2: Where/how do I include my letter of release from active duty? In the supplementary packet, during interview, or something else?

THANK YOU!
 
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First, I would like to thank mslall, DrMetal, and notdeadyet for helping me with the question. I have decided to ask a PA whom I am familiar with for the clinical letter.

More questions:
1. Currently the AMCAS website says:
We are currently entering transcripts into the application that were received on 05.27.09. Please Note: Submission of the application will begin on or about June 2, 2009. Medical schools will begin receiving applications on June 24, 2009.

June 24?!

2. And the USUHS website on supplementary packet says:
"Your verified AMCAS application has not yet arrived in the Admissions Office. Therefore, you are receiving this request for Supplemental Materials based on preliminary data, before any review of your credentials."

QUESTION #1: How soon can I send the supplementary materials? June 2, 2009? Or am I notified by USUHS when I am allowed to send it?
QUESTION #2: Where/how do I include my letter of release from active duty? In the supplementary packet, during interview, or something else?

THANK YOU!

The reason for the June 24th date is that once you submit your application, it has to be verified and this usually takes about 2 weeks. When I received my supplemental request, they asked me to send it to them within 3 weeks. I would assume that the sooner you get it in the better. They won't begin to look at you until they receive the information from AMCAS, but at least once they get that you could be considered instead of then having to wait on your supplemental material getting to them. For USUHS early interviews really help which mean early submission of all materials for a complete file is key. When I was going through the process I found the admissions office to be very helpful. You may have to try a couple times to get someone to pick up, but they helped me with some specific issues during the process. Best of luck this application cycle.
 
June 24?!

I think this refers to the date after which they start sending verified AMCAS applications to the schools (assuming of course you have all of your transcripts in). I think when you commit the original submit, they notify your schools that you will be applying. So it's possible that you'll get supplementary materials from the schools, even before they've rec'd your verified AMCAS. I believe this was the case w/ USUHS.

QUESTION #1: How soon can I send the supplementary materials? June 2, 2009? Or am I notified by USUHS when I am allowed to send it?
Are the 2ndary application materials now made public, on the website, for all to have access to? I thought it was by invite only after you turned in your primary; I guess it doesn't matter since they ask for 2ndaries from all of their applicants. . . Nothings stopping you from prepping your 2ndary essay and the rest. But I'd wait for the prompt from USUHS before turning it in, you don't wanna jump the gun too much (you should get an email a few weeks after turning in your primary).

QUESTION #2: Where/how do I include my letter of release from active duty? In the supplementary packet, during interview, or something else?
Still AD? enlisted or an O? what service?

If you're not currently AD, then a DD214 (copy sent to admissions) should suffice. If you are AD, then you have to go through the admin drill within your service, to get the release.
 
When I was going through the process I found the admissions office to be very helpful. You may have to try a couple times to get someone to pick up, but they helped me with some specific issues during the process. Best of luck this application cycle.
Thanks! I usually e-mail them for complex questions, but I think this is simple enough for a phone call.

I think this refers to the date after which they start sending verified AMCAS applications to the schools (assuming of course you have all of your transcripts in). I think when you commit the original submit, they notify your schools that you will be applying. So it's possible that you'll get supplementary materials from the schools, even before they've rec'd your verified AMCAS. I believe this was the case w/ USUHS.
That's what I am thinking too. Once I get confirmation from USUHS next Monday, my goal is to have everything done within June.

Are the 2ndary application materials now made public, on the website, for all to have access to? I thought it was by invite only after you turned in your primary; I guess it doesn't matter since they ask for 2ndaries from all of their applicants. . . Nothings stopping you from prepping your 2ndary essay and the rest. But I'd wait for the prompt from USUHS before turning it in, you don't wanna jump the gun too much (you should get an email a few weeks after turning in your primary).
Yup, all supplementary materials are at website.


Still AD? enlisted or an O? what service?

If you're not currently AD, then a DD214 (copy sent to admissions) should suffice. If you are AD, then you have to go through the admin drill within your service, to get the release.

I e-mailed USUHS already and have yet to get a response, but I will probably just include my letter of release inside the supplementary packet. I will make a copy of it before I submit it, of course.

I am AD Army officer. And my initial ADSO is not done yet, so USUHS is my only option according to my branch manager. Hence my overeagerness to get things done. I was having trouble trimming my list of +30 schools for HPSP, but the Army was kind enough to make the decision for me. 😀
 
I am AD Army officer. And my initial ADSO is not done yet, so USUHS is my only option according to my branch manager. Hence my overeagerness to get things done. I was having trouble trimming my list of +30 schools for HPSP, but the Army was kind enough to make the decision for me. 😀

This sounds kind of fishy. Have you confirmed this with anyone else? I'm active-duty Navy, and USUHS and HPSP are treated the same as far as applications for release from active duty. I would contact the Army's version of BUPERS before you limit yourself just to USUHS. Oh, and Beat Army.
 
This sounds kind of fishy. Have you confirmed this with anyone else? I'm active-duty Navy, and USUHS and HPSP are treated the same as far as applications for release from active duty. I would contact the Army's version of BUPERS before you limit yourself just to USUHS. Oh, and Beat Army.

So far, the regulations seem to point that way. I have e-mailed recruiters and USUHS to double check and have yet to receive replies, but I am not expecting any miracles.

I wish I were a squid right now. Still, Sink Navy.
 
So far, the regulations seem to point that way. I have e-mailed recruiters and USUHS to double check and have yet to receive replies, but I am not expecting any miracles.

I wish I were a squid right now. Still, Sink Navy.

I was in the same situation last year, still owed the Army 2 years and they would only grant a release to attend USUHS. Its not a regulation issue, its a numbers issue for DA their reasoning is if you want to do HPSP they'll make you wait our your service time if you want to get released and go now they're gonna get you for 7 years after residency instead of 4. Not a totally ridiculous position. Good news is you unless your obligation is due to West Point or ROTC (mine was the result of a bonus) you can serve it concurrently with your USUHS obligation so you basically get that time wiped off the books. Good luck with everything.
 
Thank you manucelt.

Another question: Why does USUHS specifically mention PRK as one of the disqualifying conditions? I thought that LASIK was the one that could disqualify you for special trainings and whatnot... I specifically chose the painful PRK for this reason and now it seems to be coming back to bite me in the behinds... 🙁

Anybody had similar experiences? Any luck with medical waivers?
 
Thank you manucelt.

Another question: Why does USUHS specifically mention PRK as one of the disqualifying conditions? I thought that LASIK was the one that could disqualify you for special trainings and whatnot... I specifically chose the painful PRK for this reason and now it seems to be coming back to bite me in the behinds... 🙁

Anybody had similar experiences? Any luck with medical waivers?

Huh? Where is this written? The military (at least the Air Force, anyways) performs PRK (and LASIK)--doesn't make sense that it would then be a disqualifying condition. I got PRK at the Air Force Academy medical center 4 years ago.
 
Thank you manucelt.

Another question: Why does USUHS specifically mention PRK as one of the disqualifying conditions? I thought that LASIK was the one that could disqualify you for special trainings and whatnot... I specifically chose the painful PRK for this reason and now it seems to be coming back to bite me in the behinds... 🙁

Anybody had similar experiences? Any luck with medical waivers?

I had both LASIK and PRK done (5 years apart), was never an issue in the USUHS application process. And if it is, should be easily waiverable.
 
Thank you manucelt.

Another question: Why does USUHS specifically mention PRK as one of the disqualifying conditions? I thought that LASIK was the one that could disqualify you for special trainings and whatnot... I specifically chose the painful PRK for this reason and now it seems to be coming back to bite me in the behinds... 🙁

Anybody had similar experiences? Any luck with medical waivers?

I had the PRK surgery in 2004 and was initially medically disqualified. I contacted Rebecca and she had me send in all of my med records and started the waiver process. I was supposed to see the dr for a follow up eval. but the waiver was approved without. Long story short, it should not keep you out of USUHS. Good luck!!
 
Huh? Where is this written? The military (at least the Air Force, anyways) performs PRK (and LASIK)--doesn't make sense that it would then be a disqualifying condition. I got PRK at the Air Force Academy medical center 4 years ago.
Page 58 (71 of 193) of USU catalogue states:
The following are disqualifying conditions:
.Radia keratotomy, phot refractive keratotomy, orthokeratology, or any other surgical procedure to correct myopia
.Keratoconous

And yes, I had myopia according to my medical records.

I had both LASIK and PRK done (5 years apart), was never an issue in the USUHS application process. And if it is, should be easily waiverable.
Hmm, did you get them done due to myopia or was it for something else? Yes, I am banking on the waiver part.

I had the PRK surgery in 2004 and was initially medically disqualified. I contacted Rebecca and she had me send in all of my med records and started the waiver process. I was supposed to see the dr for a follow up eval. but the waiver was approved without. Long story short, it should not keep you out of USUHS. Good luck!!
Thank you!! I was getting disheartened since all the options were shutting down around me even before I could submit the AMCAS, but there's still a glimmer of hope!

What do you recommend for course of action? Contact USU ahead for waiver paperwork or wait? Haha, I see that I am getting ahead of myself already, i.e. thinking of waiver when I haven't even submitted AMCAS or been asked for interview... 😳
 
What do you recommend for course of action? Contact USU ahead for waiver paperwork or wait? Haha, I see that I am getting ahead of myself already, i.e. thinking of waiver when I haven't even submitted AMCAS or been asked for interview... 😳

You will first have to go through the whole DODMERB process of seeing the doctor and eye doctor and fill out medical paperwork on your medical history. Then DODMERB does a couple things. If they approve you, then great you are medically qualified. DODMERB can also ask for you to send in additional paperwork so they can make their decision of passing or being DQ'd. The final option is you can be given a DQ. Once the DQ happens then Mrs. Patterson or whoever the commissioning coordinator will contact you and ask you if you want to submit a waiver. If you want to pursue the path they will then instruct you and prepare a waiver packet for you that then gets sent to individuals who decide if you get the waiver or not. I had to go through the whole process myself. But yeah for right now sit back and wait. The first step of the medical process is DODMERB and you can't start that process until you have an interview. Hope that answers your question. Best of luck.
 
Has anyone heard of any more movement on the waitlists? AF in particular? Thanks all!
 
Has anyone heard of any more movement on the waitlists? AF in particular? Thanks all!

I called the admissions office and they said that this week is the actual week that they send the list of those holding acceptances to other med schools so there might be some movement this week. (but no promises naturally)
 
What do you recommend for course of action? Contact USU ahead for waiver paperwork or wait? Haha, I see that I am getting ahead of myself already, i.e. thinking of waiver when I haven't even submitted AMCAS or been asked for interview... 😳

When you go for your DODMERB physical, make sure you bring all of your medical records for your surgery, including followups. You may get disqualified still but at least they will already have the paperwork when they go to do your waiver. That is what Rebecca told me to do and the process was really quick. Hope that helps!
 
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