Hello all! I'm kind of interested in the medical field and also contemplating military service. So, here's my question: do all branches of the military employ medical doctors? If they do, how does it work?
Indeed, all branches of the U.S. military— the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force— do hire doctors.
In the military, being a doctor is like being a doctor in the civilian world but with some differences. Essentially, you're there to provide medical care to service members and sometimes their families. You could find yourself working at hospitals, clinics, or field hospitals, places similar to civilian medical facilities.
The military path for physicians usually follows this general order:
Education: All military doctors must start by obtaining a Bachelor's degree, followed by a degree from a medical school, just like any other doctor.
Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS): This is a process every potential service member, including physicians, goes through. It consists of a series of aptitude tests, medical examinations, and background checks.
Officer Training School (OTS): After MEPS, physicians will go to Officer Training School. This is a leadership program that prepares you for service as an officer, as all military physicians are officers.
Military-Tailored Training: Depending on the branch, there may be additional tailored training. For example, Navy physicians may attend a course to learn about practices specific to the naval environment.
Placement: After completing training, you will be assigned to a specific unit or location. This could be anything from a Navy ship to an Army base.
One unique route is through the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), which offers scholarships to students attending medical school in exchange for service as a military doctor afterward. Participants in these programs generally have their tuition paid in full and receive a stipend for living expenses while in school.
Overall, a military medical career can be rewarding. It not only offers you a chance to serve your country, but it also provides valuable experiences and skills that can enhance your medical career. However, it's also a serious commitment, and it's recommended to thoroughly research and consider the decision before pursuing this route.
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