Usuhs

[backrow]

Just wondering if there are any Exercise Science (Kinesiology) Undergrads out there interested in USUHS (besides me!) and what their prep included. I have geared my last year towards the required sciences but don't know whether to apply to Kinesiology grad school or apply directly to USUHS. There are not any real research opportunities in my bacc program. Any insight would be appreciated!

Depends on if you want to be a physician or not. If you want to be a physician then apply to USUHS, if you don't want to be a physician then apply to grad school.

Maybe I'm not reading your question correctly, but that seems to be the real decision you need to make.

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[afmedic2md]

Sorry, I guess my post was vague. I definitely want to be a physician. I am just worried that since I have no research experience in a degree that is geared towards research, atleast in the post bacc, that my application will not be as strong. I am looking for anyone that has is a nontraditional student that has gone straight from undergrad to USUHS with a Kinesiology background. I am taking the harder sciences as well as the exercise science classes and have a 3.7 GPA, but I have a feeling that my breaks in academic attendance (spent a few yrs. overseas and life also necessitated some breaks) will be an obstacle so I just want to "get it right the first time". I have read/heard about applicants that spent years in post bacc programs only to fail at getting in anywhere they wanted to go. I know two things: 1. I want to be a military physician above all else, and 2. I don't want to drag my family through years of unnecessary grad work in the process. Thank you for your input.

 

[MoosePilot]

Sorry, I guess my post was vague. I definitely want to be a physician. I am just worried that since I have no research experience in a degree that is geared towards research, atleast in the post bacc, that my application will not be as strong. I am looking for anyone that has is a nontraditional student that has gone straight from undergrad to USUHS with a Kinesiology background. I am taking the harder sciences as well as the exercise science classes and have a 3.7 GPA, but I have a feeling that my breaks in academic attendance (spent a few yrs. overseas and life also necessitated some breaks) will be an obstacle so I just want to "get it right the first time". I have read/heard about applicants that spent years in post bacc programs only to fail at getting in anywhere they wanted to go. I know two things: 1. I want to be a military physician above all else, and 2. I don't want to drag my family through years of unnecessary grad work in the process. Thank you for your input.

You're prior service? I don't think they'd have any problem. I don't have any research background. Are your numbers decent (i.e. somewhere around their averages?)?

 

[afmedic2md]

Yes, I am a 10 tear member of the AF Reserves as a medic (4N). I was Aerovac for 4 years and then went into a unit that was primarily MASF (EMEDS) so I got off flight status. My wife is ADAF so we moved around a bit in the states and then went overseas(of course) and that is the main reason I have 3 Comm. Colleges and now finally am finishing out at CSUS (Sac State). My service record is impeccable, and I am currently an IMA attached to an ADAF MDG so I am getting great exposure to medicine. As far as grades, I had some "bumps" in my first year of college, but ever since I dedicated myself to a career in healthcare it has been As and Bs (I have two Bs, one in Chem II and 1 in Government of all things). As you can imagine, my extracurriculars are less than most but I was an ARC volunteer, EMT/CPR instructor and volunteered for a short tour to help out the AD MDG overseas (120 days) and prior to leaving the states I was the EMT Site Code Administrator for my Reserve Wing. Yes, I definitely do everything I can to be involved in the military! I guess my concern is that I may be lacking in the "other" category than most.

 

[MoosePilot]

Yes, I am a 10 tear member of the AF Reserves as a medic (4N). I was Aerovac for 4 years and then went into a unit that was primarily MASF (EMEDS) so I got off flight status. My wife is ADAF so we moved around a bit in the states and then went overseas(of course) and that is the main reason I have 3 Comm. Colleges and now finally am finishing out at CSUS (Sac State). My service record is impeccable, and I am currently an IMA attached to an ADAF MDG so I am getting great exposure to medicine. As far as grades, I had some "bumps" in my first year of college, but ever since I dedicated myself to a career in healthcare it has been As and Bs (I have two Bs, one in Chem II and 1 in Government of all things). As you can imagine, my extracurriculars are less than most but I was an ARC volunteer, EMT/CPR instructor and volunteered for a short tour to help out the AD MDG overseas (120 days) and prior to leaving the states I was the EMT Site Code Administrator for my Reserve Wing. Yes, I definitely do everything I can to be involved in the military! I guess my concern is that I may be lacking in the "other" category than most.

You sound solid. USUHS is all about producing military physicians, so they'll ask two questions:

Does the applicant look good for medical school?

Does the applicant look good for the military?

I'd say you answer the first question with your high recent GPA and ECs. You've got lots of medical experience. Make sure you can say that you know a physician's role (which you probably do, just spell it out).

You answer the second with your service record.

Have you taken the MCAT?

 

[afmedic2md]

No, not yet. I have not taken Calculus or Physics yet. They are on my schedule for this semester. I figured that since the MCAT places such a high emphasis on Physics that it would be unwise to plan on taking it this year. I have a study plan that will leave me ready to take it April 2007. I know that depending on that first score I may have to delay applying to USUHS until 2008. That is where I am conflicted b/c I could apply to the MS in Biology in the mean time at my college, but that will add an additional year as well (hope that makes sense). I am 32 y/o this month and not getting younger...I know, it will be worth it in the end!

 

[MoosePilot]

No, not yet. I have not taken Calculus or Physics yet. They are on my schedule for this semester. I figured that since the MCAT places such a high emphasis on Physics that it would be unwise to plan on taking it this year. I have a study plan that will leave me ready to take it April 2007. I know that depending on that first score I may have to delay applying to USUHS until 2008. That is where I am conflicted b/c I colud apply to the MS in Biology in the mean time at my college, but that will add an additional year as well (hope that makes sense). I am 32 y/o this month and not getting younger...I know, it will be worth it in the end!

Have you looked at the USUHS age limit? Normally it's 30, isn't it? I thought there was an automatic waiver with commissioned time, but does it apply to enlisted time? I'm sure they'd waive it anyway, especially since you're only in your 30s, but you might look into that.

Why do the MS? I don't think there's much value added if you want to be a doc.

 

[afmedic2md]

From my understanding they do waivers but I will check. I plan on taking a commision next year, the day after I graduate!

 

[MoosePilot]

From my understanding they do waivers but I will check. I plan on taking a commision next year, the day after I graduate! No but seriously I am going to b/c I am ready to and I think that it wil demonstrate my true desire to be an officer in the MC in the military. I have been told by some that I should remain enlisted b/c more stripes (5) would be better than a gold bar at my interview. Not sure the logic in that is sound...

Take a commission? Will your unit just automatically send you to a commissioning program once you have your bachelors?

 

[afmedic2md]

In the AF Reserves YOU talk to a recruiter and take a commision. I know that in other services you have to be recommended for OCS/OTS/Officer trx but there is more flexibility for us. My current enlistment is up in 2007 anyways. What do you think of the stripes vs bars arguement? I actually heard it from a USUHS grad. The MS is in Cell and Molecular Biology so it could actually help up my MCAT score. I guess I will have to wait and see what my April scores are. The USUHS website says something about needing to get a 30 to be considered for an interview...When do you start USUHS? Congrats by the way!

 

[MoosePilot]

In the AF Reserves YOU talk to a recruiter and take a commision. I know that in other services you have to be recommended for OCS/OTS/Officer trx but there is more flexibility for us. My current enlistment is up in 2007 anyways. What do you think of the stripes vs bars arguement? I actually heard it from a USUHS grad. The MS is in Cell and Molecular Biology so it could actually help up my MCAT score. I guess I will have to wait and see what my April scores are. The USUHS website says something about needing to get a 30 to be considered for an interview...When do you start USUHS? Congrats by the way!

That's cool that they're flexible. People are the ultimate resource, so I'm happy for that.

My opinion on the stripes to bars issue is that, depending on any time added to your committment through the commissioning, being an officer is going to be better. Sure, you'll *only* be a 2Lt, but your enlisted time will still be in your record. It's always better to be able to claim more and in this case you'll be able to claim both officer and enlisted experience.

I'm hoping for a report NLT date of 1 Aug or so. I'm going to take all my leave enroute, because I hear you build up enough there that you don't want to start with any. Thanks! I'm so excited. It's really the best school for me.

 

[afmedic2md]

The recruiter actually told me "bring me your diploma and I'll draw up the papers". Gotta love recruiters...

 

[MoosePilot]

The recruiter actually told me "bring me your diploma and I'll draw up the papers". Gotta love recruiters...

Awesome! Hopefully there's some truth to it. Would you stay with your unit or would you have to be flexible?

 

[afmedic2md]

The recruiter actually told me "bring me your diploma and I'll draw up the papers". Gotta love recruiters...

The deal is that you have to get a "release" letter from your sponsoring service that allows you to take an appointment to USUHS. No problems there as long as I am not in the bucket for deployment. You are gonna love the area where the school is! I grew up not too far from Bethesda.

 

[MoosePilot]

Yeah, that was my thinking too. I will have too many ribbons on and enlisted flight wings for them not to figure it out w/out me telling them. The deal is that you have to get a "release" letter from your sponsoring service that allows you to take an appointment to USUHS. No problems there as long as I am not in the bucket for deployment. You are gonna love the area where the school is! I grew up not too far from Bethesda. You pretty much take a commision to a particular unit so there is security in that. I have literally moved myself everytime my wife PCS'd and chose my next assignment!

The process of getting the release was the hardest part for me. The Air Force did not want to give it to me.

What enlisted wings? I missed that one when I was reading your history - what career field did you earn those in?

What does your wife do?

 

[afmedic2md]

Yeah, ADAF needs pilots bad so I can see where the difficulty came in. I was an Aeromedical Evacuation Technician (AET). You do the regular medic stuff then go to the AF School Aerospace Medicine, do survival trx, altitude chamber and AET ground school and then fly on Aerovac Missions. Now that I am not on flying orders I work as a "regular" medic at an ADAF MTF when doing duty. You keep the wings though and can wear them even as an officer. What do you fly?

 

[MoosePilot]

Yeah, ADAF needs pilots bad so I can see where the difficulty came in. My brother is doing the NATO Pilot Trx at Sheppard. I was an Aeromedical Evacuation Technician (AET). You do the regular medic stuff then go to the AF School Aerospace Medcine, do survival trx, altitude chamber and AET ground school and then fly on Aerovac Missions. Now that I am not on flying orders I work as a "regular" medic at an ADAF MTF when doing duty. You keep the wings though and can wear them even as an officer. What do you fly? I come from a family of pilots, Saratoga HP...

That's cool. We've got AET guys flying with us fairly often. I fly C-17s and we get a lot of opportune aeromed stuff. That missions makes me feel most worthwhile, even though it doesn't happen unless someone needs medical treatment, so in that sense it's bad.

 

[afmedic2md]

That's awesome! I trained on the C-17 when they were first rolling out. They flew a couple down to Kelly and we practiced configurations and loading. Never got to do any short runway takeoff/landings though. I got to fly in 130s (almost every model), 141s (good riddance), C-9s (miss the caddy), KC-10s, KC-135s and just about everything the AF even tries to fly Aeromed in. You wouldn't happen to be at Mccord would you
?

 

[MoosePilot]

That's awesome! I trained on the C-17 when they were first rolling out. They flew a couple down to Kelly and we practiced configurations and loading. Never got to do any short runway takeoff/landings though. I got to fly in 130s (almost every model), 141s (good riddance), C-9s (miss the caddy), KC-10s, KC-135s and just about everything the AF even tries to fly Aeromed in. You wouldn't happen to be at Mccord would you
?

Maybe

 

[afmedic2md]

Enough said, I understand. I go back and edit out truly personal identifiers in my posts for "security" reasons. I meant to ask you, how did they handle the security check at USUHS since you are prior service? Did you have to provide evidence of a background check or did they make you fill out those dreadfull papers again? Did they make you get another physiacal as well? Just wondering if the process is more streamlined since you are already plugged in to the matrix.

 

[MoosePilot]

Enough said, I understand. I go back and edit out truly personal identifiers in my posts for "security" reasons. I meant to ask you, how did they handle the security check at USUHS since you are prior service? Did you have to provide evidence of a background check or did they make you fill out those dreadfull papers again? Did they make you get another physiacal as well? Just wondering if the process is more streamlined since you are already plugged in to the matrix.

The security clearance was really easy. They just looked me up in the system and found my current clearance.

The physical was harder. Apparently, I haven't been getting a flying class I physical every year, like I thought, or I wouldn't have had to get another physical (I think they call what I do get a PHA, I don't know the difference). I had to do another physical and send it to DODMERB. They are, in my personal opinion, the biggest joke in the DOD. They disqualify way more than they need and let USUHS fix the problem through the waiver process.

They diagnosed me with a certain disqualifying condition. I asked what they based that on, because they were mistaken, and they pointed to a flying waiver completed by Dr. N. I emailed Dr. N and he sent them a reply saying that I never had the disqualifying condition, they were mistaken. They took his note and a Navy O-6 M.D. made a ruling... that I did indeed have that condition. So an administrator overrruled a practicing physician who had actually examined me and examined the evidence of a specialist who examined me. WTF?

 

[MoosePilot]

Incidentally, I don't know why he never posted his story, but the creator of this USUHS thread, despite being really enthusiastic, got to OIS and decided he didn't like it. He withdrew without owing time, if I heard correctly. I thought it would be nice of him to tell his story here, because it throws a cautionary note on enthusiasm for military life without firsthand experience in the military. If anyone knows that any of this is incorrect, please correct me, but that's how I heard it at the time.

 

[afmedic2md]

PHA is a Periodic Health Assessment which basically is the answer to the backlog that used to occur due to the lengthy physicals that were given. We get them too but they call them RCPHA(Reserve Component). Man, I don't miss those flight physicals! I used to sit in that Audiology booth for what seemed like an eternity thinking that I was hearing things that didn't exist! When I first joined they stamped my record as complete, flight qualified with no comments. Then I go to my home unit after all the training and they told me that my footprints, DNA and I don't remember what else "disappeared". This was back when they were still doing the long physicals for just about everyone so I sat in the clinic for two days reaccomplishing it ALL. I was aready on flight orders mind you so that doesn't make sense. Oh, and I am so glad that I don't have to fill out all those security forms then. I am due to re-up my security clearance in 08 so it'll be a done deal then. I'm glad they figured out the SNAFU and you got in. Those things can drag out for some...

 

[MoosePilot]

PHA is a Periodic Health Assessment which basically is the answer to the backlog that used to occur due to the lengthy physicals that were given. We get them too but they call them RCPHA(Reserve Component). Man, I don't miss those flight physicals! I used to sit in that Audiology booth for what seemed like an eternity thinking that I was hearing things that didn't exist! When I first joined they stamped my record as complete, flight qualified with no comments. Then I go to my home unit after all the training and they told me that my footprints, DNA and I don't remeber what else "disappeared". This was back when they were still doing the long physicals for just about everyone so I sat in the clinic for two days reaccomplishing it ALL. I was aready on flight orders mind you so that doesn't make sense. Oh, and I am so glad that I don't have to fill out all those security forms then. I am due to re-up my security clearance in 08 so it'll be a done deal then. I'm glad they figured out the SNAFU and you got in. Those things can drag out for some...

I still have to sit in the aud booth! I hate it. I don't know if my hearing is still really good or I've gotten used to the pace, so once I hear one sound, I know when to hit the button for the really inaudible ones. They're so quiet I don't know if I'm hearing something or reacting to what I expect to hear.

The waiver threatened to drag out for me (and felt like it did), but I was a bulldog. I bet they've never had someone that aggressive about a waiver before.

 

[afmedic2md]

You did the right thing then. It is not unimaginable for people to get rejected for service due to simple administrative issues. I had a buddy who worked in the office where they review Pilot program packages and he said that it was insane the way things were done. I think I hear the beeping now...

 

[MoosePilot]

You did the right thing then. It is not unimaginable for people to get rejected for service due to simple administrative issues. I had a buddy who worked in the office where they review Pilot program packages and he said that it was insane the way things were done. I think I hear the beeping now...

It is crazy. I thought it was like something out of the book "Catch 22". I'm a commissioned officer, but I'm disqualified for commissioning. I'm a pilot, but I'm not qualified to be a doc? Weird. Anyway, waiver fixed it

 

[afmedic2md]

What is a BCPM GPA? Is that the pre-reqs? Yeah you are fit enough to fly at altitude, in command of a multimilion dollar piece of equipment, but you cannot attend med school*LOL* You have an impressive interview rate. Did you find it hard to retake the MCAT after such a long break? I kinda feel the same way about some subject areas b/c I took Gen Bio almost 10 years ago.

 

[MoosePilot]

What is a BCPM GPA? Is that the pre-reqs? Yeah you are fit enough to fly at altitude, in command of a multimilion dollar piece of equipment, but you cannot attend med school*LOL* You have an impressive interview rate. Did you find it hard to retake the MCAT after such a long break? I kinda feel the same subjects b/c I took Gen Bio almost 10 years ago.

BCPM is your GPA in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Any classes in these categories contribute to this "science" GPA.

Thanks.

The MCAT was tough, but I am so much more disciplined now. I took a prep course and really concentrated on it. I'm proud of the improvement between my undergrad years and now.

 

[afmedic2md]

Your dedication shows in your scores! I am reviewing as we speak myself. I have tha MCAT-prep study program (got it for dirt cheap brand new too). Any words of wisdom about the MCAT? I have read around the internet and it seems like there is no substitute to just hitting the books hard. The perfect scenario obviously is to score high (>32) the first time and get in to USUHS right away. Otherwise the year will drag until I can retake the MCAT and then enter the following app cycle. Hey, you'd make a great flight surgeon...

 

[MoosePilot]

Your dedication shows in your scores! I am reviewing as we speak myself. I have tha MCAT-prep study program (got it for dirt cheap brand new too). Any words of wisdom about the MCAT? I have read around the internet and it seems like there is no substitute to just hitting the books hard. The perfect scenario obviously is to score high (>32) the first time and get in to USUHS right away. Otherwise the year will drag until I can retake the MCAT and then enter the following app cycle. Hey, you'd make a great flight surgeon...

My thought is to find a program that goes deep enough, but not too deep. The MCAT doesn't get too cosmic, really. Learn what you need to, very, very thoroughly, so you understand all the ways you can twist it and use it. Take practice tests and use them up by taking them in a realistic setting and then reviewing the answers over and over until you know the right answer and the quickest way to get there, whether you got it right or not, because if you guessed or took a difficult way to get the right answer, you can still learn from the ones you got right. The MCAT forum on SDN is excellent. Q and Shrike (and many others) have put a lot of work into the subforums.

 

[afmedic2md]

Thank you for your help! I hope to talk to you again when you are an MS-1 ! Good Luck in you future endeavors.

 

[MoosePilot]

Thank you for your help! I hope to talk to you again when you are an MS-1 ! Good Luck in you future endeavors.

No problem. Thanks for the conversation and hope to see you at USUHS!

 

[midn]

I have a question about USUHS which is rather open. How is the MD/PhD program at USUHS and how does it work for your military commitment? Also, if I apply to the MD/PhD program at USUHS, but get into another one at another medical school, will I still be able to do biomedical research or would I have to become a regular doctor?
The MD/PhD thing is really new to me and seems really like everything I want so far, so I would appreciate any information. Thanks!

 

[t_boziu]

I've been accepted to USUHS class of 2010, and I love the Air Force (Air National Guard for 5 1/2 years). I keep going back and forth between USUHS and HPSP. I definitely want to serve my country as a physician. I have been accepted at Indiana University and University of Louisville for civilian side. I've declined Louisville, but Indiana is a good school. What does everyone think about a good civilian school via HPSP vs. USUHS? Where would I get a better education?
Thanks alot,
T

 

[USUHS2008]

I've been accepted to USUHS class of 2010, and I love the Air Force (Air National Guard for 5 1/2 years). I keep going back and forth between USUHS and HPSP. I definitely want to serve my country as a physician. I have been accepted at Indiana University and University of Louisville for civilian side. I've declined Louisville, but Indiana is a good school. What does everyone think about a good civilian school via HPSP vs. USUHS? Where would I get a better education?
Thanks alot,
T

Wow, what a hard question. USUHS *is* a "normal" medical school in that it teaches everything that normal medical schools teach (it wouldn't keep it's accreditation to operate under AAMC otherwise), and does a pretty good job of it, if our students generally scoring above the national average on USMLE boards is any indication. However, it also teaches additional, military stuff as well: we have 800 additional course hours over the 4 years that other medical schools don't teach because they assume that you'll only be practicing in the US and won't see things like malaria, crazy worms, mass casualty situations, etc.

So, really the question is this: do you really want a career as a military doc (20+ years), or do you want to serve your country for about 4 years and then go out into the civilian world? Because if it's the latter, I'd go HPSP, if it's the former, USUHS is the best way to be properly prepared.

 

[jhorton282]

I've been accepted to USUHS class of 2010, and I love the Air Force (Air National Guard for 5 1/2 years). I keep going back and forth between USUHS and HPSP. I definitely want to serve my country as a physician. I have been accepted at Indiana University and University of Louisville for civilian side. I've declined Louisville, but Indiana is a good school. What does everyone think about a good civilian school via HPSP vs. USUHS? Where would I get a better education?
Thanks alot,
T

I'm a graduate of USUHS and can't say enough good things about the place. However, one thing to keep in mind (especially for those going into the Air Force) is that your residency choices are much more limited by attending USUHS. If you are planning on going into Family Practice, Peds, or IM, maybe it's not a big deal. Put the Air Force has fewer slots than the army for more competitive slots like ER, Rads, etc. As a USUHS grad you will find it very difficult to for them to allow you to go to a civilian residency. My lab mate was near the top of the class and had > 250 on USMLE and still did not get an ER residency. If you're set on primary care, USUHS is the way to go. If you are considering something more specialized or competitive (ie surgery/rads/ER) you might want to consider civilian med school or enrolling at USUHS in an Army slot.

 

[romansfive]

Hi folks, I've been accepted to USUHS class of 2010. I'm looking to take the plunge into military medicine for the training and to serve, but am trying to decide how to take that plunge. One of my questions is this:

Does anybody have statistics or just a feel for how USUHS grads do vs. HPSP grads in securing army residency slots? Would an USUHS education provide an advantage when it comes to securing army residencies such as General Surgery and Emergency Medicine?

 

[Pemberley]

I've got a question for the last poster (or anybody else who knows...)

I will be applying this year both to USUHS and to HPSP, keeping my options open. The USUHS website says that, if accepted, I will have two weeks to respond. If I accept a spot in the USUHS class, am I bound by contract to take that spot, or can I switch to HPSP later if an acceptance comes in from a civilian school?

With the rolling admission process, it's likely that USUHS will be one of the first schools to accept/reject me.

Thanks
-Pemberley

 

[GAdoc]

I've got a question for the last poster (or anybody else who knows...)

I will be applying this year both to USUHS and to HPSP, keeping my options open. The USUHS website says that, if accepted, I will have two weeks to respond. If I accept a spot in the USUHS class, am I bound by contract to take that spot, or can I switch to HPSP later if an acceptance comes in from a civilian school?

With the rolling admission process, it's likely that USUHS will be one of the first schools to accept/reject me.

Thanks
-Pemberley

I'm sorry to post something unrelated to the last couple questions. But this is a suitable sticky for my question. I interviewed this year at USUHS and recently found out I was placed on the Alternate List (a step below the wait list). I put Army as my preference. I don't suppose any of yall got off the Alternate List?

 

[romansfive]

You can accept right away, without feeling that the military owns you. I'm processing right now, and basically I was told by the administrators that I am not "bound" until I take the oath right before school starts in August. That means that you can be going through the OBC training and not be bound to go to USUHS. I don't know whether HPSPers do OBC with USUHS folks, but it may get a bit sticky if they didn't and you wanted to switch from USUHS to HPSP. The switching between HPSP and USUHS is not that clear to me. I think overall that it's easier to get a HPSP scholarship. I think that you can even get one after you start medical school.

I've got a question for the last poster (or anybody else who knows...)

I will be applying this year both to USUHS and to HPSP, keeping my options open. The USUHS website says that, if accepted, I will have two weeks to respond. If I accept a spot in the USUHS class, am I bound by contract to take that spot, or can I switch to HPSP later if an acceptance comes in from a civilian school?

With the rolling admission process, it's likely that USUHS will be one of the first schools to accept/reject me.

Thanks
-Pemberley

 

[gottalovemilk]

I'm sorry to post something unrelated to the last couple questions. But this is a suitable sticky for my question. I interviewed this year at USUHS and recently found out I was placed on the Alternate List (a step below the wait list). I put Army as my preference. I don't suppose any of yall got off the Alternate List?

when did you interview? i'm waiting to hear back from them. it has been 2.5 wks since my interview. everything has been turned in and just waiting there decision.

i'm worried that if you interviewed before me and got placed on the alternate list, then those after probably the same or worse..... (i picked army too to help my acceptance. doesn't look like it helps much)

 

[phil413ru]

Hi folks, I've been accepted to USUHS class of 2010. I'm looking to take the plunge into military medicine for the training and to serve, but am trying to decide how to take that plunge. One of my questions is this:

Does anybody have statistics or just a feel for how USUHS grads do vs. HPSP grads in securing army residency slots? Would an USUHS education provide an advantage when it comes to securing army residencies such as General Surgery and Emergency Medicine?

Hi! I am a current USU MSII. To answer you question about residency.
Compared to HPSP, USU usually is an advantage. If you want something competitive, remember that USU MUST put you in an Army residency program. HPSP is not obligatted. Hence, if you attend USU, your likliehood of getting something you want is much higher. If you request ER, and you didn't get it, you would get a transitional intern positition, and then probably get it the following year. (USAF is a different story). If you have any specific questions, feel free to email me. The Army just came and talked to us about residency.
Congrats on you acceptance! Although I am biost, you will find that if you want to be MILITARY, USU is the best way to go. It can be a much harder transition/adjustment if you are HPSP and never wore the uniform before now. If you want to be in the military, USU will prepare you better than other schools, militarywise (equal on medical education) and, if ARMY, you have a very high change of getting what you want.

 

[JKhelix]

"You can accept right away, without feeling that the military owns you. I'm processing right now, and basically I was told by the administrators that I am not "bound" until I take the oath right before school starts in August. That means that you can be going through the OBC training and not be bound to go to USUHS."


Congrats on the acceptance Romans. I was offered an Army spot last month and have been contemplating the daunting processing paper work. I'm still waiting on a couple of other schools and am weighing the USU v.s. HPSP choice. I did not know that I could go to OBC and still not be bound to USUHS. Did you get this info from admissions or from a contact in your branch. I need to start talking to some people.

 

[grumbo]

Unless things have changed, you have to take your oath of office before you get to OBC. If you haven't done it when you arrive at Ft. Sam, you will do it on the first day when you arrive. During OBC, you are not a candidate, you are an officer.

I went through OBC in 2004, and unless something drastically has changed since then, you can't treat OBC as a summer camp test period to see if you really like the Army. In order to get to OBC, you need to have orders. In order to get orders, you have to sign your contract. In order to participate in OBC, you need to have taken your oath of office.

 

[JKhelix]

Unless things have changed, you have to take your oath of office before you get to OBC. If you haven't done it when you arrive at Ft. Sam, you will do it on the first day when you arrive. During OBC, you are not a candidate, you are an officer.

I went through OBC in 2004, and unless something drastically has changed since then, you can't treat OBC as a summer camp test period to see if you really like the Army. In order to get to OBC, you need to have orders. In order to get orders, you have to sign your contract. In order to participate in OBC, you need to have taken your oath of office.

Thanks for the post. That is more along the lines of what I thought.

 

[USUHS2008]

Hi folks, I've been accepted to USUHS class of 2010. I'm looking to take the plunge into military medicine for the training and to serve, but am trying to decide how to take that plunge. One of my questions is this:

Does anybody have statistics or just a feel for how USUHS grads do vs. HPSP grads in securing army residency slots? Would an USUHS education provide an advantage when it comes to securing army residencies such as General Surgery and Emergency Medicine?

I'm a second year with 2LT Grumbo, and I took a look at the presentation they gave us about residencies to see if they gave us hard numbers to answer this question. They didn't, but the contact that they gave us is: [email protected]. She is the contact for the office that is in charge of the Army's match, and would have statistics if they've ever been calculated. She could at least give you an insight into whether or not there is an actual advantage (a certain number of "points" etc.) given to USU students, or if it's just a general preferential treatment (i.e. all other things being equal, they'll choose the USU student over the HPSP). I agree that the general feeling with last year's match was: Army USU had it made, Air Force USU got screwed, and Navy was even more screwed because they don't have a match at all, they all get sent out for GMO's (they say that "some" can skip the GMO year, but since the Navy is down something like 150 HPSP students each year, they *have* to fill those slots, so this isn't going to be a reality for at least a few years for HPSP or USU, even for those who have prior Navy service years under their belt).

Here's what statistics they gave us that you might find interesting, and which you could compare to the civilian match statistics:

overall # of students (USU and HPSP) that applied for slots available:

General Surgery (29 training slots available)
2002: 1.08 (applicants per slot)
2003: 1.04
2004: 1.44
2005: 1.35
2006: 1.29

Emergency Medicine (24 training slots available)
2002: 1.6
2003: 1
2004: 1.17
2005: 1.38
2006: 1.25


I have more statistics for other specialties, if anyone wants them in a less pretty format:

SPECIALTY 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
Emergency Medicine (24) 1.6 1 1.17 1.38 1.25
Family Medicine (43) 0.93 0.98 0.81 1.05 1.09
General Surgery (29) 1.08 1.04 1.44 1.35 1.29
GS Neurosurgery (2) 1 1 1 1 0.5
GS Urology (7) 1 1 1.67 1.67 1.57
Internal Medicine (50) 1.02 0.96 0.9 0.76 0.84
Neurology (5) 0.2 0.6 0.2 0.8 1.2
Child Neurology (1) 0 1 0 2 0
OB-GYN (15) 1.27 1.06 1 1/53 1.53
Orthopaedics (19) 1.58 1.68 1 1.84 1.36
Otolaryngology (7) 1.28 1.33 0.57 1.33 1.28
Pathology (6) ** 2.8 1.71 1 1.16
Pediatrics (24) 1.46 0.75 1.29 0.96 1.20
Psychiatry (12) 1.36 0.57 1 1.5 .83
Psychiatry/Family Medicine (2) 0.5 3 2 1 1.5
Psychiatry/Internal Medicine (2) 1 1 0.5 0.5 .5
Transitional (11) 0.21 0.16 0.06 0 0.27
Prelim Aerospace Medicine (2) 0.5 n/a 0.5 1 .5
Prelim Anesthesiology (12) 2.62 1.6 1.8 1.33 1.33
Prelim Dermatology (8) 1.75 1.4 1.2 1.83 1.62
Prelim Nuclear Medicine 2 0 0 n/a n/a
Prelim Ophthalmology ((7) 1 1.25 1.29 1.29 1.42
Prelim Physical Medicine (3) 1.5 2.33 3.5 4.5 1.66
Prelim Preventive Medicine (4) n/a 0.25 0.75 2 0.25
Prelim Radiation Oncology (1) n/a 2 2 2 2
Prelim Radiology (Diag) (16) 2.7 1.42 1.83 0.71 1.25
​

** - there were 8 applicants for no positions offered

 

[romansfive]

Unless things have changed, you have to take your oath of office before you get to OBC. If you haven't done it when you arrive at Ft. Sam, you will do it on the first day when you arrive. During OBC, you are not a candidate, you are an officer.

I went through OBC in 2004, and unless something drastically has changed since then, you can't treat OBC as a summer camp test period to see if you really like the Army. In order to get to OBC, you need to have orders. In order to get orders, you have to sign your contract. In order to participate in OBC, you need to have taken your oath of office.

Thanks. I may have misunderstood I had asked that question because of the wait list issue and many schools don't get back to you till after the start of OBC, which I think is Jun 11 this year. I'll double check with the adminsitrator. Thanks again.

 

[JKhelix]

Romans,
I heard from Ft. Knox on Monday and they told me that we are commited once we take the oath which can occur no earlier than June 8th. So we need to make a final choice by then. I'm not sure how the May 15 AMCAS deadline comes in to play there, or if it does at all. Good luck and maybe I'll see you in Texas.

 

[romansfive]

Romans,
I heard from Ft. Knox on Monday and they told me that we are commited once we take the oath which can occur no earlier than June 8th. So we need to make a final choice by then. I'm not sure how the May 15 AMCAS deadline comes in to play there, or if it does at all. Good luck and maybe I'll see you in Texas.

Khelix,
Thanks for checking. I looked at the email reponse I got originally from Ft. Knox, and you're right. I am really sorry for the mix up. Yes, best wishes for your decision as well.

 

[azran]

Hi Everyone,

First off, thanks so much to everyone posting here. I have learned an incredible amount of information from past, present, and future military docs on this forum that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. The reason for my post is to ask previous or current USUHS students about when people typically move their household goods to the DC area. I'm sure the answer to this question is coming in future paperwork after I send in my commissioning paperwork, but I thought this forum would be an easy way to get a quick answer. I'll be attending COT from the beginning of July to the beginning of Aug, so it seems that people would either move in June or sometime during the first few days of Aug. I suppose that if the beginning of Aug is the answer, then my wife will have to basically take care of everything and I'll meet her in D.C. Oooh, I'm sure she'll love that! Then again, I guess she better get used to it