Expert: Rod Powers - 3/20/2006

Question
Rod,

I am currently a second year undergraduate. I plan on attending medical school after my graduation. My University offers a program where the top 20 some students who apply are guaranteed attendance at the UCLA Medical school. This cannot be postponed. I therefore intend on completing medical school before attempting enlistment. My question is, if I enlist after Medical School as an M.D. (or even later after specializing), how will this affect my enlistment? I realize that I may be nearly 30 after medical school, so will that affect if I can be in the field? Would be able to fly? Would the government pay my school expenses after I graduate even if I enlist afterwards?

Thank you for your time,
Tejal

Answer
Hi Tejal,

You wouldn't "enlist" after medical school.  To "enlist" means to join the military as an enlisted member.  Medical Professionals (such as doctors or nurses) join as a commissioned officer.

Mecical Professionals are accessed under different procedures.  For example, based on your medical specialty and years of experience, you may be qualified for advanced commission rank and an accession bonus.

There isn't any college loan repayment program for commissioned officers -- only for enlisted members.  But, commissioned officers make a whole lot more money than enlisted members, so it works out.

As a medical officer, you would be able to fly if you apply for, and are accepted as a flight-surgeon.  This generally requires additional experience and training.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my military information website at:  http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com