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Just a thread for people who may be considering HPSP in the future. I didn't take HPSP because I wasn't confident that I would receive the best medical training through military residency and/or staff physician assignments post-residency. Some staff physician assignments are probably great, but some may be less than ideal in terms of case load/volume and may result in skill atrophy. Ultimately this is what drove my decision, forgetting about the money/service/adventure.
Other cons for me were: less residency spots per speciality, training interruption via GMO, less pay post-residency for most specialties, and a probably a few others I can't remember.
I was okay with deployment, adventure, taking orders, challenges (both mental and physical), and danger. But feeling like I wouldn't receive the best training possible later on made me realize that I would rather take debt while pursuing the path that I want than be debt-free, but not continuing to develop my skills as a doctor in the way that I want.
The last thing I'll say is that the money is super front-loaded in looking nice with the 20k bonus, monthly stipend, and tuition. But if you look far ahead to post-residency and 4 years of active duty service, it ends up balancing out or even being less for most specialties. The money only may make sense if you want to go primary care.
Everything I just said has been already mentioned on these forums, I just wanted to share my thoughts for anyone interested in HPSP for the upcoming cycle(s). It really comes down to whether you want to serve the country above all else and be happy doing that. Thanks to everyone @psychbender @Homunculus @pgg @WernickeDO @Gastrapathy @HighPriest who provided me with insight over the last few months (I probably forgot a few, but you know who you are). Without this group, I probably would have blindly commissioned a month ago, only to slowly learn everything above in the years to come.
Thank you for your service to the brave docs who are still serving or who have served and I hope this thread helps people in the future
Other cons for me were: less residency spots per speciality, training interruption via GMO, less pay post-residency for most specialties, and a probably a few others I can't remember.
I was okay with deployment, adventure, taking orders, challenges (both mental and physical), and danger. But feeling like I wouldn't receive the best training possible later on made me realize that I would rather take debt while pursuing the path that I want than be debt-free, but not continuing to develop my skills as a doctor in the way that I want.
The last thing I'll say is that the money is super front-loaded in looking nice with the 20k bonus, monthly stipend, and tuition. But if you look far ahead to post-residency and 4 years of active duty service, it ends up balancing out or even being less for most specialties. The money only may make sense if you want to go primary care.
Everything I just said has been already mentioned on these forums, I just wanted to share my thoughts for anyone interested in HPSP for the upcoming cycle(s). It really comes down to whether you want to serve the country above all else and be happy doing that. Thanks to everyone @psychbender @Homunculus @pgg @WernickeDO @Gastrapathy @HighPriest who provided me with insight over the last few months (I probably forgot a few, but you know who you are). Without this group, I probably would have blindly commissioned a month ago, only to slowly learn everything above in the years to come.
Thank you for your service to the brave docs who are still serving or who have served and I hope this thread helps people in the future
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