I'm interested in becoming a doctor but I'm also considering joining the military after college. Would it be feasible to join the military after undergraduate, then go to medical school after service? Has anyone taken this path or knows someone who did? Thanks in advance!
Absolutely, you can definitely follow a path that involves joining the military after undergraduate school and then going to medical school after your service. This is actually quite a common route for many individuals.
One opportunity you might consider is the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) offered by all branches of the U.S. Military. With this program, the military pays for your medical school and provides a monthly stipend for living expenses in exchange for a service commitment. The service commitment typically equals the number of years of scholarship funding received, with a minimum service obligation of three years. This program effectively allows medical school students to have their education paid for while they serve.
However, joining the military and then attending medical school post-service is also a viable path. In fact, the G.I. Bill can provide funding for your medical school education after your service, alleviating financial stress. Plus, your experience in the military could provide unique insights and experiences that other medical school applicants might not have, potentially giving you a unique perspective in healthcare.
At the end of the day, exploring a career in both the military and medicine could prove to be an enriching and fulfilling journey. Consider speaking with both a military recruiter and a pre-med advisor to gain more insight into your options and what path might be best for you. Good luck with your future endeavors!
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