Expert: Howard Lorenz - 5/23/2008

Question
QUESTION: 45 y/o
Nurse Practitioner

Do you have any knowledge about medical problems/waivers? My physical went well except for lab work (thrombocytopenia). I have had it for years and am asymptomatic. This was not hidden from the recruiter or anyone else prior to the physical.

Thanks


ANSWER: Not to my knowledge. I do know that the miltary has issues with some things and this is why the Chief medical officer is the deciding factor based off the entry level regs. You have the option to contest it but usually its a permanant DQ. The reason why they usually do not supply, but I looked up your condition and would have to say even if its asymptomatic, that they dq'd you for your own safety. Sounds stupid, but I can see that this would be the answer they would give. The military, even though you would be mostly working in a hospital environment, have to look at things in a combat related mission. You would be at risk becasue of the condition and this would actually hamper efforts to the troops if you got injured and were not able to perform your duties becasue of the condition. No keep in mind that these regs were written years before you were probably born....not kidding!!

I had to turn sop many away becasue of entry level standards that are older than you or me... that the sad thing. And the doftors they governmet hires to so this work are usually retired and do not really care. They are there as screeners only and do not have to answer to anyone but the SG in Washingotn DC..


So those who I know that would make great troops even in a reserve capacity are turned away because of somethng trivial.

WHat I would reccomend is if you want to work for the DOD...Go to work for the DOD at one of the major medical centers or apply for jobs overseas. I believe that there are contract positions that are availiable. Check the OPM website at www.usajobs.gov or just google overseas nursing jobs. I applaude the nursing corps and I hope that you find some kind of satisfation in your efforts..

HW

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I know the doctor who saw me said she was going to bump it up to her C.O. So who is the Chief medical officer? Is this the Air Force surgeon general I have heard about? Or from what I jut read and perceived my fate rests with some old retired paid by the numbers person who sees my file as an extra buck…


Thanks!


Answer
The Air Force Surgeon General sees some of the cases. but he or she has a cabinet of staff that will take some of the cases as well. They get referals everday. on average it takes at a minimum 30 days to get some kind of a decision back from the SG's office.

The SG is an active duty officer. If you go to this website you will see the SG and the staff

http://www.sg.af.mil/leadership/