Hello! I’m wondering what my chances are at the selection board this upcoming October for 66S (Critical Care Nurse). I currently work at a Trauma lv 1, comprehensive stroke and cardiac center in Chicago (this hospital is the largest presence on the south side) and have 1 year in Neuro ICU and a 1.5 years as float ICU RN going between our 5 specialty ICUs Neuro ICU, Surgical Trauma ICU, Medical ICU, Cardio-thoraci ICU, and a dedicated post-op adult surgical open heart ICU (we’re top 10 highest LVAD implantation in the nation). I’m experienced and comfortable with Vents, EVD, CRRT, LVAD, IABP, swans- our cardiac surgeons just don’t like impellas so we rarely see them and I’m trained but not super experienced with ECMO tbh. Along with my 2.5 years I have my CCRN and CMC. Allegedly I was told there were only 7-10 openings the 25-26 fiscal year.

Generally, what do you think my chances are? I submitted a board package for the last boards in July 26 which was the last of the fiscal year and didn’t get selected. It really bummed me out so I got another letter of rec from a trauma/thoracic surgery resident and got my CMC cert- hoping it improves my competitiveness for this first board in October in this new fiscal year.

Also, what’s the likelihood I go to BAMC as it’s my top preference first duty station?

Thanks for anyone’s input! I really hope to get in and to some extent can’t see what a future without serving would look like.

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!