Which schools?

[justtemp492]

I am currently applying for Navy HPSP, but this would probably also be useful information for Army or Air Force as well:

Which schools have strong programs for HPSP? Which do not?

I know that in terms of medical education alone schools like Harvard, WashU, Duke, etc. are phenomenal. But I would imagine that having other HPSP students would be an asset during med school.

Essentially I am wondering what people's HPSP experiences have been at a variety of schools and how much the school had to do with that

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[BigNavyPedsGuy]

I am currently applying for Navy HPSP, but this would probably also be useful information for Army or Air Force as well:

Which schools have strong programs for HPSP? Which do not?

I know that in terms of medical education alone schools like Harvard, WashU, Duke, etc. are phenomenal. But I would imagine that having other HPSP students would be an asset during med school.

Essentially I am wondering what people's HPSP experiences have been at a variety of schools and how much the school had to do with that

Go to the best medical school you can. The one that's right for you. There is no such thing as a "strong program for HPSP".

Oh, I'm going to have to change my profile name to BigNavyGMOGuy. Seriously, don't join HPSP. This last selection board officially made me join forces with the old bitter folks on this site.

 

[FNU LNU]

HPSP really isn't anything like ROTC. HPSP students have no military duties or obligations (heck, you barely even have a chain of command) so I don't think you can really compare the program from one school to another. If this is an important issue for you, I would recomend asking to speak with an HPSP student when you go interview at a particular school. Our servicemen need good, dedicated doctors, so good luck with everything.

BigNavyPeds - glad to see you are posting again, your avatar always makes me grin.

 

[RugbyJC]

HPSP is a federal program--not specific to school.

There are 4 Navy, 3 Army and 1 AF in my class, but none the year before and two the year after, so even if you go to a school that has a reputation for having more HPSP students, this might not be the case for your class. Im at a state school in a blue state. In theory, we should have very few people here with the scholarship and my class is the exception.

Also, you are basically just cut off from the military during med school. No drill, no military classes, none of that except for your ATs. I will admit that it is nice to have friends who understand the situation and we can vent together about how NROWS is soooo not user friendly, but it is really not necessary. Financial aid, bursar and registra offices, etc. at all schools should be familiar with the program and know how to sign any paperwork you might need and if they are not, then they will figure it out really fast.

As others say, go to the best med school you can get in to, or the one you like the best....unless you are considering the Uniformed services medical school.

 

[mar8d]

I agree with the above posters.

There are only 4 HPSPers in my class at my school (2 army, 2 AF) and we all ended up with our first choice in the match. Any logistical issues (ie. where to find our orders, pay, etc.) you can find here at SDN or by asking around at your institution, or the HPSP POCs in your particular branch.

Get into the best medical school for you, and you can figure the rest out. Best of Luck!!!

and HAPPY HOLIDAYS

 

[Bubblehead-to-MD]

For the most part, I agree with the rest of the posters on this thread - go to the medical school that is best for you independent of the HPSP concerns.

I will state, however, that I think it is beneficial to go to a school that routinely deals with the HPSP administration. It took four months for my tuition to be paid this semester. Because the Offices of Financial Aid and Financial Affairs at my school understand how the process works, my additional loan that I took out to cover personal expenses was still distributed to me instead of being put towards my tuition. Further, not once did I have to take time away from school to address these issues with those offices - they already knew how to take care of everything. Personally, I think this can make a big difference.

Just food for thought. As I said, I don't think you should ultimately make your decision based on this, but it may be worthwhile to find out how much experience these offices at the schools you are considering have in dealing with the HPSP administration.

 

[justtemp492]

thanks everyone!

i realize that hpsp is not a very high level of commitment during the school year, but i was more looking for information like bubblehead provided (apparently jhu is good- though i didn't apply there, this is good info). thanks and if anyone has a similar situation (or one in which the school has been excessively difficult) please let me and others know

 

[BomberDoc]

Oh, I'm going to have to change my profile name to BigNavyGMOGuy. Seriously, don't join HPSP. This last selection board officially made me join forces with the old bitter folks on this site.

Welcome to the old bitter folks club, BigNavyGMOGuy. We share your sense of misery at not matching. It has happened to so many of us. Do your time as a GMO. Have as much fun as possible running around in the operational world. Be a strong anti-recruiter for military medicine. Get out and get a great civilian residency and never look back.

 

[BigNavyPedsGuy]

Welcome to the old bitter folks club, BigNavyGMOGuy. We share your sense of misery at not matching. It has happened to so many of us. Do your time as a GMO. Have as much fun as possible running around in the operational world. Be a strong anti-recruiter for military medicine. Get out and get a great civilian residency and never look back.

Actually, I still have every intention of coming back to do peds in the Navy. I LOVE my program. I think we get top notch training. I'm just frustrated about not getting to do that training now.

After a little time to cool off, I'm not so angry. Every GMO that has come back to my program has been great (not good, great). It will also make my gap between residency and fellowship shorter (2 years instead of 4).

My new motto: I'm a glass is quarter full kind of guy.

 

[Founder]

I am currently applying for Navy HPSP, but this would probably also be useful information for Army or Air Force as well:

Which schools have strong programs for HPSP? Which do not?

I know that in terms of medical education alone schools like Harvard, WashU, Duke, etc. are phenomenal. But I would imagine that having other HPSP students would be an asset during med school.

Essentially I am wondering what people's HPSP experiences have been at a variety of schools and how much the school had to do with that

I think there is a military club or something at my school... so it really isn't all that important. I don't see how there can be a "strong" program really... I mean the only HPSP people you'll meet are in your class or the ones in second year really and all HPSP stuff or military stuff is probably handled by email. We get emails concerning military stuff just sent to the entire class by administrators and whoever. You wont be doing any military stuff, I haven't worn a uniform since I commissioned and all you have is OIS unless you get that done before starting. 🙂