Pre-Med and the Academy?

[ima-gina-tion]

Alright, I've been lurking around for a while, and I just wanted to hear people's thoughts on this--plus hopefully get a little more information on being premed/becoming a doctor after the academy.

first of all, is ANYONE here premed/know anyone who was premed while they were there? how does it work? from what I remember reading, it's something like the top 3% of the class have the -option- of going to med school? Is it wicked competitive to get a doctor slot? and if you -don't- get one or qualify for one, is there any possible way to put your service off while you go to med school?

basically, I just want to know what the requirements to go to med school after the academy were, as well as going through a nursing program after the academy (worst case scenario D: )

thank you for you time.

 

[Christcorp]

There isn't actually a Pre-Med course structure at the academy. If you want to go to med-school, major in whatever area like biology or whatever. Then, talk to your counselor at the academy, and add course like Anatomy, Organic Chemistry, etc... to your degree. That is what my son is doing. He is pursuing medical school or being a pilot. So, to keep his options open, he is taking all the classes like those I mentioned. Then, when it's time, you'll take your MCAT and apply to medical schools, and apply through the air force for a medical school slot. Maybe you get it; maybe you don't. It's not a guarantee. Best of luck to you. mike...

 

[bugsy]

HPSP/USUHS

Google HPSP (health professions scholarship program) and USUHS (Uniformed Service University of Health Sciences). These are the 2 medical school programs for folks wanting to be physicians in the military services, all branches. These programs are post baccalaureate and without regard to your undergraduate school. HPSP scholarships pay all medical school expenses at civilian medical schools. USUHS is a Joint Services Military medical school.

The medical corp is a direct commission program so you dont even need ROTC to become a medical doctor in the service. In fact the vast majority of our docs and allied health professionals are direct commission. Docs, nurse, public heath, lab, optometry etc are all available as a direct commision off the street without ROTC/SA.

 

[raimius]

It's not an easy path, but it is possible. Most cadets looking for med school will major in Bio or Chem. Classes like organic chemistry tend to knock out about half of those looking for med school, IIRC.

Getting a direct commission would probably be the statistically easier way (although I haven't done research on that). Going to med school out of USAFA is possible though.

Ask Hornet. He did a lot of that work before going to RAND.