Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 1/16/2009

Question
I have always wanted to join the military, specifically to become a psychiatrist or a physician. Unfortunately, when I was in high school I was pubescent and under a great deal of pressure to get into a top college, made an error in judgment and attempted suicide. I was never taken to see a mental health professional and I have never been on psychoactive medication; after I got on birth control I've felt mostly fine. About a week ago I went to a counselour on campus because I felt a little anxious, but do not intend to continue with counseling. With the history of suicide and the sole visit to the counselour, would I still be able to join?

On an additional but related note, I also have a history of recurrent UTIs that respond well to antibiotics. Would this disqualify me?

Sorry for the length, but thanks for your response!

Answer
Dear Jessica --

I cannot answer your question, because a military medical doctor is the only one that can decide if your incident in high school was a juvenile aberration or an indication of mental illness.

If it is an aberration, and you have out grown it, then you could join the military.  If it is indicative of an enduring mental illness, then you could not join.

Your history of UTIs is not an issue unless it is indicative of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Finally, whether you could be a doctor in the military depends on whether you are capable of earning a medical degree in whichever field interests you.

Good luck to you.