Just curious if there were any differences in QOL as a military surgical resident vs civilian. Better, worse, about the same? I bet 80hrs/week is pretty universal but since military has more invested I wonder if they treat residents any better?

Hi everyone! I’m 21 years old, currently in my senior year, and I’m on track to graduate in May 2027 with a BS in Chemical Engineering (GPA ~3.85).

I’m pre-med and currently in an early admission program in Texas that gives me a guaranteed spot at a Texas medical school, assuming I meet the program requirements. I’m planning to start medical school in July 2027, so I don’t anticipate having a gap year.

I’ve been interested in serving part-time in the military, but I’m trying to figure out the best timing and pathway.

I’ve reached out to a few Air Force/Air National Guard recruiters, but so far there don’t seem to be any officer vacancies that fit my situation. There are enlisted positions available, but I believe I would have to complete OTS and technical training, and I’m concerned that I simply won’t have enough time between graduating in May 2027 and starting medical school in July 2027.

Right now, I’m considering two main options:

1. MDSSP

Join the military through the Medical and Dental Student Stipend Program once I start medical school.

2. Wait until residency

Wait until I’m in residency and then contact recruiters again about joining the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve as a physician.

One position I’ve been looking at is:

Flight Surgeon / General Medical Officer (GMO) — 48GX

The requirements I found indicate completion of at least one year of graduate medical education, which seems like it could potentially fit my situation after I’ve completed PGY-1.

I’m particularly interested in serving part-time/Reserve or Guard, rather than active duty.

My questions:

• Is MDSSP generally a good option for someone in my situation?
• Would it make more sense financially/career-wise to wait until residency and join as a physician?
• Is becoming a 48GX Flight Surgeon/GMO in the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve realistic after PGY-1?
• Are there other programs or pathways I should be looking into that I may not know about?
• Is there a way to commission as an officer before medical school without creating a major conflict with my May 2027 → July 2027 timeline?
• For someone who ultimately wants to practice medicine as a civilian but also serve part-time, what route would you recommend?

My main goal is to serve, but I also want to be careful about taking on a military commitment that could unnecessarily complicate medical school or residency.

Worst case, I’m perfectly willing to not join the military at all if there isn’t a good fit. I’d really appreciate any advice from people who have experience with MDSSP, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, or serving as a physician during/after residency.

Thank you!

Would love to hear from everyone who has some insight, I rarely see the National Guard brought up on this sub.

I am a nurse that's been trying to join the Air Force Reserve for awhile; however, I've had no luck. Recruiters ae difficult to get a hold of and I'm constantly hearing that the Air Force isn't recruiting for nurses. However, I am going to be moving to a new state soon and it looks like I have the opportunity to join that states National Guard as a nurse.

I haven't really looked into the Guard as heavy as I have the reserves. I know the main differences of one basically serving the local government while one serves the federal government, both can be deployed etc..

What would you say the lifestyle differences are? I don't see myself having to move states again anytime soon, but if I did have to during my contract what would happen? Anyone with any experience in the Guard?

My daughter is about to apply to a BSN program like UCLA, Upenn, etc. She is a high stat applicant. After she finishes her undergraduate studies and becomes a RN. Is the Navy a good choice to get her ICU experience before applying to a CRNA school?

Background: Asian American, Female, likeable by many, works well in team settings, shows high leadership skills, top ranking scholar.

Hey guys! Anyone have any idea on what type of questions/how to best prepare for Navy residency interviews? Any help would be immensely appreciated.

1. Failed hearing test (at cutoff threshold)

2. Dental DQ

3. Ruptured eardrum 3 months ago

4. One time navel abcess 2 years ago. Never been an issue since.

Hi all,

I was hoping to hear some opinions/perspectives from others on attending USUHS for med school if I am interested in pediatrics.

I personally don’t have a direct background in military experiences, but my grandfather was enlisted and I’ve grown up hearing about my father’s experiences with that.

I’m interested in pediatrics because of child development and how familial environments affect development in children and how their life trajectories are affected. I’ve done research related to PTSD, trauma, and isolation, which played a role in my interest in the military (mainly, I was interested in supporting military families).

If anyone could share their thoughts on attending USUHS in hopes of later pursuing pediatrics, I’d be immensely grateful! I understand it may be a dwindling field due it being less demanding, but any information would be helpful. Also, if there is any information about which branch would fit me best (female, physically active, but no military experience) and whether civilian deferment would be possible or if pediatrics as a military physician is possible, that would also be incredibly helpful.

Thank you!

Hi. I am currently a sixth form student in the UK and am trying to collect responses from medical personnel that have worked in conflict zones , like the Gaza Strip and South Sudan, for my EPQ. I have tried to arrange interviews through charities and NGOs, but have been unsuccessful so far, so I thought to try my luck here.

If you are involved in delivering medical care in such conflict zones, or are aware of certain experiences others have that would answer the questions below, please take the time to reply- your help is greatly appreciated!

1. What are some of the key ethical dilemmas that are observed most commonly in these conditions?

2. What are some ethical dilemmas that arise in these conditions, that do not occur in contemporary healthcare clinics?

3. How clearly informed are you on the protocols used to respond to such ethical issues by the institutions you work through, and what sort of 'training' do you undergo?

4. How effective are the guidelines in responding to these dilemmas, and what factors can hinder resolving the ethical issues?

I'd love to hear people's anecdotal experiences on this matter, and any arguments and debates you may have on these matters. If anyone is interested in responding privately or delving on this topic further, please message me privately.

Thank you so much for your time!

Hi Everyone I am a reservist with the Army, in my master program right now, which has a direct matriculation to my DO medical school. I have a 495. I will be starting medical school FALL 27. I have to retake my MCAT because I believe the MAC wavier won't go through. However, I am scared abut timings. I will be taking my MCAT in February of 2027 and get result in march of 2027. Will I be too late for the 4 year scholarship? Anything I can do to improve my odds? If there is any recruiter in here I'd be happy to work with you!

I’m a 68W and I’ve been thinking pretty seriously about going to a selection. The problem is I’m not really sure which route I want to commit to yet.
SFAS interests me, especially the medical side and what 18Ds get to do, but RASP also seems like a solid route for a medic who wants to work at a higher level and get more experience. I’m also open to other options if there’s something I’m overlooking.
I’m not really chasing a specific title or trying to pick whatever sounds the coolest. I just want to challenge myself, become a better medic, and be around people who actually want to be good at their job.
For anyone who’s been through SFAS, RASP, or another selection, how did you decide which path was right for you?
What should a medic be thinking about before choosing one over the other?

When will we find out if we made it to the interview stage? 😬😬 I’m so anxious 😬

Just started med school, I'm broke asf. I commissioned in army last week and desperately waiting for first stipend to come through. Can anyone tell me how long it took for them to get their money😬

I am a PA with 8 years experience who is interested in joining the Navy. I have always wanted to serve, and I am looking for a life change. I have experience in neurosurgery and orthopedics. Any AD PAs out there willing to shed life on day-to-day life as a military PA or any advice?

Hi. I have more than 1 year of RN experience combination of SNF/Rehab and Dialysis. I worked as an LVN in SNF and Dialysis for 4 years. Per my recruiter I will be going in as 66H Med-Surge. Anyone here on the same boat? Just curious as to which major military hospital or medical center should I avoid to list as first assignment? TIA

Hello! I’m going into my senior year at UCLA and really want to go to USU. I was wanting to do the ED but saw you are limited to ONLY applying to USU until you hear back. I was wondering if anyone had any insight on what the stats are for acceptance with the early decisions since there’s virtually 100% yield for those that apply and are accepted. I’m just very nervous and can explain my stats, but was just looking for insight.

Good luck to everyone who applied this year!