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- Aug 4, 2017
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Hello Everyone,
I am posting in the military medicine forum because firstly, I am a veteran with some issues that I think military people could understand. Second, I am undecided with which direction I would take medicine, but the military is not something I would take off the table. I ask forgiveness for my ignorance but am just looking for some general guidance so I can narrow down my research on this subject.
I left the military in 2014 after doing a stint in an infantry unit. I first developed an interest in medicine after being involved in a number of casualty incidents in Afghanistan, including a serious mass casualty incident. After witnessing experienced combat surgeons, PAs, and medics working on casualties I was very intrigued by the medical field, which I hadn't considered before. My training consisted of basic combat trauma aid, and I usually handled a litter or just gave medical supplies to the medical personnel when needed in these situations. I always wished I had been able to play a bigger part in the process.
After I was discharged, I made a series of mistakes like a lot of veterans. For the sake of brevity, I will say that my post service aimlessness didn't do me any favors. I attended three different community colleges and one university. I was only pursuing general education at the time. My first community college I left after one semester with a 3.5. Second community college I attended for art but mostly didn't attend classes and racked up a very bad GPA. I then attended a liberal arts college and withdrew, so not as much academic consequence there. I then attended community college (trade school) for welding and did OK, but got one F because of lack of attendance.
Anyways, sorry for the long story but just wanted to properly explain my academic history. I also did horrible in high school (Graduated with a 2.4). I know some will read this and assume I wouldn't have the discipline to re-attack school. Understandable. I merely want to know a couple of things from those with more knowledge than me on the subject.
First, can I recover from this poor record if I decided to pursue becoming a doctor? I would be interested in trauma medicine. Second, can one pursue medicine without immediately deciding to pursue military medicine? For example, could I decide after/during medical school to pursue this path? Is it possible to transition from being a civilian doctor to a military doctor? Third, what would my best course of action be to pursue medicine from my current position? I understand the basic steps of College-Med School-Residency, and then beyond for trauma medicine. However, are there any details I should be aware of? I appreciate any advice on this matter.
Sincerely,
California752
I am posting in the military medicine forum because firstly, I am a veteran with some issues that I think military people could understand. Second, I am undecided with which direction I would take medicine, but the military is not something I would take off the table. I ask forgiveness for my ignorance but am just looking for some general guidance so I can narrow down my research on this subject.
I left the military in 2014 after doing a stint in an infantry unit. I first developed an interest in medicine after being involved in a number of casualty incidents in Afghanistan, including a serious mass casualty incident. After witnessing experienced combat surgeons, PAs, and medics working on casualties I was very intrigued by the medical field, which I hadn't considered before. My training consisted of basic combat trauma aid, and I usually handled a litter or just gave medical supplies to the medical personnel when needed in these situations. I always wished I had been able to play a bigger part in the process.
After I was discharged, I made a series of mistakes like a lot of veterans. For the sake of brevity, I will say that my post service aimlessness didn't do me any favors. I attended three different community colleges and one university. I was only pursuing general education at the time. My first community college I left after one semester with a 3.5. Second community college I attended for art but mostly didn't attend classes and racked up a very bad GPA. I then attended a liberal arts college and withdrew, so not as much academic consequence there. I then attended community college (trade school) for welding and did OK, but got one F because of lack of attendance.
Anyways, sorry for the long story but just wanted to properly explain my academic history. I also did horrible in high school (Graduated with a 2.4). I know some will read this and assume I wouldn't have the discipline to re-attack school. Understandable. I merely want to know a couple of things from those with more knowledge than me on the subject.
First, can I recover from this poor record if I decided to pursue becoming a doctor? I would be interested in trauma medicine. Second, can one pursue medicine without immediately deciding to pursue military medicine? For example, could I decide after/during medical school to pursue this path? Is it possible to transition from being a civilian doctor to a military doctor? Third, what would my best course of action be to pursue medicine from my current position? I understand the basic steps of College-Med School-Residency, and then beyond for trauma medicine. However, are there any details I should be aware of? I appreciate any advice on this matter.
Sincerely,
California752