What's a day in the life of a military PA like?

If there are any military PAs out there, could you give me a brief rundown on what your day-to-day life looks like? I'm interested in the medical field and currently exploring the military route--any advice would be appreciated!

Sure, I can provide some insight, though bear in mind, that the experience can significantly vary depending on the branch of the military and the specific role within that branch.

Generally speaking, a PA (Physician Assistant) in the military usually starts their day early, around 7:00 AM or oftentimes earlier. You would first report in and prepare for the day ahead and often engage in physical training. This is an important component of maintaining your fitness and readiness levels, and it often involves group exercises with your colleagues.

Your medical duties would typically start after that and could involve attending to sick calls, where servicemen and women who aren't feeling well come to seek treatment and advice. Besides sick calls, you could be responsible for conducting routine physicals for service members, preventive health assessments, and even some more specialized care depending on your specific role.

In between, you will likely take a short lunch break, usually regimented and punctual. The afternoons could be filled with conducting follow-ups on patients visited in the morning, administrative work including documenting your encounters with patients, staff meetings, or perhaps some continuing education work. There might also be scheduled times when you would take formal classes or professional development training.

You would finish by the late afternoon, though that can depend on the needs of the day and your deployment site. In situations where you're participating in active combat service or stationed overseas, the hours could be irregular and longer than a standard workday.

A military PA's role can be intense and demanding, but also greatly rewarding. You may have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings including field hospitals, naval ships, and on bases both domestically and internationally. Always be flexible and ready to adapt to changing circumstances, and be prepared for ongoing learning and development as medicine advances and battlefield conditions evolve.

Make sure you do your research, reach out to current or past military PAs to gather information, and explore the different branches to find out which one would best align with your career goals and personal lifestyle compatibility. Each branch has its unique culture and specific roles for PAs. Lastly, maintain your physical fitness and mental strength since the military environment can be quite challenging. I hope you find this information helpful as you explore this path.