Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 2/3/2008

Question
I am interested in being an OB/GYN.  I would like to serve at a military hospital, and would like to get a military rank.  I was wondering if you need to actually go through a military training program and serve overseas or something to get these ranks.  Or, do you go through medical school with the military and get them upon graduation with no active service.  Thanks.

Answer
Dear Allie --

I do not know your educational background or experience, but there are a few ways you can work as an OB/GYN in a military hospital.

1.  If you are a board certified doctor with certification in OB/GYN, you can

  a. Apply for a civil service job as a doctor in a military hospital,

  b. Apply for a job as a contract doctor serving in a military hospital, or

  c. Apply for a direct commission as a doctor in the medical corps.

2. If you have completed a bachelors degree in a certified pre-medical studies program, you can

  a.  Apply to medical school on your own become a board certified doctor, and then follow one of the paths above, or

  b.  Apply to the Uniformed Services Health Services University to become a doctor and a military officer simultaneously.

If you choose to pursue either 1.c. or 2.b. you will have to take the medical officer basic course which trains you in military skills, and the specific skills needed to be a junior officer in the medical corps.  If you are an officer in the medical corps, you are subject to working outside your specialty and you are subject to deployment.  

If you are accepted for direct commission as a medical doctor and officer in the medical corps, you can apply to have some of your college and medical school loans paid-off by the government.

If you wish to discuss the details of your situation further, please write back with specifics.

Good luck to you.