Borrow or Serve?

[ktnatalk]

Many service academy candidates are interested in attending medical school upon graduation - serving those who serve and serving in the medical field. How does a "free" med school compare with borrowing? What are the paths? A recent article was published by the Uniformed Services University (USU):

http://www.newswise.com/articles/bo...ions-for-financing-a-medical-school-education

Here is the research report:

http://pdfs.journals.lww.com/academ...PEXSKFqK2Q24x0r;hash|ps5U1OdelTOeNSwH+5b2Zg==

 

[madhttr]

Interesting, thanks for posting.

 

[Day-Tripper]

I think this quote says it all:

“The Armed Forces Scholarship Programs (Army, Navy and Air Force), the National Health Service Corps or attendance at the F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine at USU is a win-win-win,” Kellermann said. “Medical students win because their tuition is paid and they earn a stipend or salary to help with living expenses. The sponsoring services win by attracting dedicated men and women who are prepared to serve their country or a physician shortage community, and our nation wins because these programs provide a doorway for many students who might not otherwise become doctors.”

There you go - a "win-win-win."

Like I told my three boys, serving in the military is something I believe all American citizens should do, say from ages 18-20. I recognized that in a nation of 325 million this isn't practical due to the budgetary cost. But I still think it's a citizens responsibility.

And service in the military offers a lot of benefits that can't be obtained anywhere else. Primarily the opportunity to get $100,000 (or more in some cases) of college education, then instant membership into America's awesome Middle Class experience (still the envy of the planet, emulated everywhere) in return for service.

My sentiments about national duty aside, if Burger King were offering bennies like this, I would have spent more time teaching my kids how to handle a spatula on the grille on the back deck. And have bought a deep fryer.