Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 12/19/2009

Question
I am interested in joining the Army as a nurse.  I understand this is a commissioned officer position.  My question is that I had Grave's disease in 2000, had a one time oral radiation treatment, and now take a thyroid hormone medication once daily, will this disqualify me from joining the service? I run daily and feel I am in great physical shape.  

Answer
Dear Nancy --

If you are otherwise qualified, you might be able to join the military with a waiver for Grave's disease.  The disease will need to be completely stable and controlled by medication.

If you are already a trained and experienced Nurse, I expect the waiver for Grave's disease (hypothyroidism) should be approved by the medical board.  The military usually needs Nurses and has a difficult time recruiting enough Nurses.

Please be sure to talk with an Army Medical Department (AMEDD) recruiter and not a regular recruiter.  The Army medical services have a different recruiting and training command from the regular Army.

Please write back, if you have additional questions.  Good luck to you.