Hello All,
This is my first time posting. Just wanted some input as I have lurked and read most of the posts on this page and have also tried to talk to as many current physicians in the military as possible. So a little back story I was admitted into an osteopathic school last year but ended up deferring a year for some personal reasons during that time I retook the MCAT, and published twice and figured I would apply next cycle as well in hopes to be admitted to schools closer. I was fully committed to military medicine as I looked at the pros and cons and looked at the military as a place I could have a chance to match into specialties that would be really hard in the civilian side and the uncertainty of how the (AOA ACGME) merger was going to affect osteopathic physicians looking into competitive specialties. So fast forward a year I have been accepted into UCLA DGSOM and don't know what I should do about taking HPSP (AF by the way). I wanted to serve before I went to college but didn't because of the career I wanted I figured it would put me really far behind.
Financially I will most likely graduate at the normal in debt range 200-250k if I took out the loans which right now is definitely terrifying. I just am having trouble deciding which way is better financially and career wise. As you can scour the forum reading about how these superstars are considering a research year with there 245 step score in order to make sure they match.
Really would love some constructive input.
This is my first time posting. Just wanted some input as I have lurked and read most of the posts on this page and have also tried to talk to as many current physicians in the military as possible. So a little back story I was admitted into an osteopathic school last year but ended up deferring a year for some personal reasons during that time I retook the MCAT, and published twice and figured I would apply next cycle as well in hopes to be admitted to schools closer. I was fully committed to military medicine as I looked at the pros and cons and looked at the military as a place I could have a chance to match into specialties that would be really hard in the civilian side and the uncertainty of how the (AOA ACGME) merger was going to affect osteopathic physicians looking into competitive specialties. So fast forward a year I have been accepted into UCLA DGSOM and don't know what I should do about taking HPSP (AF by the way). I wanted to serve before I went to college but didn't because of the career I wanted I figured it would put me really far behind.
Financially I will most likely graduate at the normal in debt range 200-250k if I took out the loans which right now is definitely terrifying. I just am having trouble deciding which way is better financially and career wise. As you can scour the forum reading about how these superstars are considering a research year with there 245 step score in order to make sure they match.
Really would love some constructive input.