What it's like to be in the MILITARY while in MED SCHOOL

[@KiereJafarou]

Thanks for the video, l am in my first year in college doing nursing and this is the very path l will like to follow.❤

[@learningwithlanden]

Nice vid, appreciate the honesty about your thoughts on joining the National Guard. I currently have an active-duty Army ROTC scholarship and am pursuing medicine. However, multiple recruiters have told me I should become an SMP with the Guard, transfer my scholarship over, and pursue medical school with them rather than the active component. I'm also trying to go through the HPSP, so your advice is highly appreciated. Hooah! Also, I love the acronym for the Army: "A Recruiter Misled You," lol!

[@MaddiexChase]

Good luck with everything!

[@learningwithlanden]

@@MaddiexChase Thank you 👍

[@conorfrancis5369]

Hey man. I’m going into the army reserves as a 68D, surgical tech. I leave for basic in 3 weeks. My plan is to get my pre med right when I get back from AIT, and then med school to be a surgeon. Any suggestions or advice? Thanks.

[@pep590]

Hope it's going well for you!

[@bethany2827]

Great Video! Quick question, If I join the military to pay for my medical school, do I have to become a military doctor or nurse ? Because I am planning on becoming a travel nurse.

[@MaddiexChase]

Hi Beth! Great question, if you join the national guard you could easily be a travel nurse, if you join as a full time military member (not the guard or reserves) I would say you wouldn’t be able to be a traveling nurse because it would be much more time intensive and require you to be stationed at a specific location. So, if you go full time you would be a military nurse and if you join the guard you would be a civilian nurse (except for some weekends you would be at your drill)

[@j572y479]

I like this because I’m currently on active duty. Recently got accepted into med school and thought about doing HPSP or going reserves. I decided to defer my admission for a year to take get a certificate in medical sciences so that I would be better prepared for school. If I commission in the military, am I gonna be given the time to study? And when units do their annual training, would I be required to do it if it falls during a test period or clinical rotations period? Because honestly the drills are the only deterrent to me commissioning once I get out in 3 months.

[@MaddiexChase]

Study time in the military is dependent on your unit. My unit is very friendly toward studying and accommodates my schools schedule. For the annual training it is optional for students and residents. If you have a test you are not required to attend the drill that day. Some units will give you the weekend before off it you have a test the following week. I hope this helps!

[@samuel0spicer533]

nice video, just a quick question. would you be able to be a civilian orthopedic surgeon and also a military orthopedic surgeon in the guard ? thanks

[@MaddiexChase]

Yes, in the guard you can be any speciality. They only care that you are a physician, not what type of physician. When you are at drill/deployed you will not be doing Ortho related tasks you will be acting as a generalist (most likely).

[@Julio-eh4oz]

Was wondering what happens when you go to residency, are you able to switch to a different unit to where you match? How does that work. Worried about that.

[@MaddiexChase]

Hey, solid question. Yes it is easy to transfer to different states if you match in a different state. Some people do stay in the original state and travel back and forth if they really like the unit they are in.

[@jbdanquah1523]

I’m following the same path as you. Currently a Maryland NG and applying to med schools. Please any useful tips that you think might make my application standout/competitive as service member and a non trad student? Your response would greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@MaddiexChase]

Hey, good luck during your application season! I think that if you just mentioned it in your application, that will be enough. I would only included on your personal statement if it was a very significant part of your life. The real substance will come when you are interviewing and the interviewer ask you about it. Know how to answer the question why you joined, how long are you gonna be in the military, etc. I would really play up the desire to serve and your enjoyment of having the opportunity to work with the community, etc.… Hope this helps!

[@jbdanquah1523]

@@MaddiexChase thanks so much! I really appreciate it.

[@ananyachakraborty1950]

I was just wondering what your drill weekends consisted of. Do you feel like they disrupt your schoolwork/take away time you would want to spend studying/volunteering/doing research?

[@MaddiexChase]

I do feel like it disrupts my studying. It consumes 1/4 of your weekends. For my unit we are given some time to study but we are expected to help provide medical care to other soldiers while we are in attendance.

[@SydneyKay245]

Did you do the HPSP? And if so, I thought the commitment was 4 years. Or is this something different?

[@MaddiexChase]

I did not do HPSP, I commissioned through the Army National Guard. The program that the guard offers is called the MDSSP (Medical and Dental Student Stipend Program). I actually did not sign any contract, I joined without any incentives. I did this because through the guard you can sign for incentives at any time and it does not have to be at the same time you commission.

[@treyclark5523]

I just got accepted to medical school, and I am looking to also commission through the MDSSP. You talk about how recruiters lie and how you fell victim to that; what is your story with this? I am going to talk with an ANG recruiter soon and would like some pointers. Thanks!

[@MaddiexChase]

Hey Trey, so I was told that the location of my drill was going to be in the same city as my medical school but in reality it is actually three hours away. I was told that your medical licensing exams (step 1-3) would be paid for, this is not true. Also make sure you know that some drill dates are on Friday’s or Monday’s. Look at Air Force national guard. I didn’t know that was an option. May be more of your vibe.

[@springflower5993]

I do not understand di you mean I should serve in military then go to med school or directly to the med school after hogh school? please unser me

[@alexwyler4570]

What should you be signing? What should be included in the contract? Also, can you do Airforce without handling guns? is that a crazy question? i would be happy to take care of the soldiers. i want our military strong and healthy. I just do not like guns. Thanks! Also, how much abuse would i get as a girl? i am very athletic but military women i met described unhealthy social situations. And do you match well? Dr Gray " Premed guy and Mappd" on youtube did not get the residency he wanted. future video? Thanks.

[@MaddiexChase]

Hey Alex! Thanks for your comment, those are great questions! I'll make another video in the next couple of weeks addressing those. Let me know in the mean time if you think of any others! -Chase

[@iamkafar6844]

Hey I was wondering when did you go to basic training? Before medical school or after applying. I want to join and I’m really stressed regarding the timeline

[@MaddiexChase]

So if you commission as an officer you do not do basic training you will do officer training (different objectives). I will do BOLC (basic officer leadership course) after I graduate (if it aligns with my residency schedule). Basically the army will puts school ahead of the army. They care most about you graduating rather than going to an army training course.

[@iamkafar6844]

Do you believe being in the military when applying to medical school is beneficial and sets me apart? Thank you so much for your response and help!

[@MaddiexChase]

I think that being in the military when applying to medical school would be beneficial. Every school I know of seems to highly respect its military students. So I can imagine that this will translate to the admissions department as well. I hope this helps.

[@SparksForces]

So I’m am in the army active duty enlisted side working on BA degree I’m deciding between PA or DO. I really like the DO approach, could I apply for HPSP like everyone once I complete my BA with pre med prerequisites and MCAT.

[@MaddiexChase]

I hope it's not too late. If I was to go through my medical education again, I would strongly consider a mid-level position. It is drastically under appreciated, the pay is great, the time of education is way lower, the debt you will accumulate is less, you can bounce around specialties and are not locked into one. I can not say enough about the pro's of being a PA.

[@atabongfonkem4691]

I am a senior just about to apply for medschool but I plan on joining the Airforce what is your advice to me

[@MaddiexChase]

My advice would be to be admitted into a medical school first rather than joining first. I think the Air Force is the best route to go.

[@haysonlane4392]

Hey man, I was wondering if I could get your email or some way of contact and maybe ask you a couple questions. I’m currently in the guard and in college, wanting to go to med school. Just have a few questions and would like to get your input or information you have to give. Thanks man

[@MaddiexChase]

Yeah, just ask them here that way others can get the info as well! What's up?

[@emmanuelchende7748]

Hey Man. I have a bachelors in biochemistry and a foreign medical degree and a green card holder. Can I join the military so that they sponsor my USMLE program? Or will I be required to start medical school from start? Which uniform service can u recommend to me.Is there a better option than going through the military?

[@MaddiexChase]

Hey man, not sure tbh. I would guess you would need to go full time. I would look into the Air Force. They have the best overall medical program in my opinion.

[@aalib7395]

no . to become a physician in the military you have to be an officer and to be an officer you will need at least secret clearance and to get a clearance you have to be a citizen so you cannot be a doctor in the military with a green card. you can however join as an enlistee and maybe choose a medical related MOS .

[@swaggamer4235]

Hey, I’m doing rotc in undergrad and then commissioning after senior year. Will I have the ability to go DPT school after commissioning?

[@MaddiexChase]

I believe you should be able to. The biggest thing is communication with your leadership. If they know they should not schedule you for deployment or further training. But this is up to them unfortunately… good luck!

[@treyclark5523]

Hey, I have another question for you: Have you done DCC and BOLC yet? My recruiter told me that I wouldnt be able to attend until after medical school, but I am going to have roughly six months between getting my degree and starting medical school, so I'd like to be able to knock it out beforehand.

[@MaddiexChase]

I have not done DCC or BOLC and will not be able to until after medical school. You have to do DCC before BOLC and they only offer it 2 times per year (last I checked). If you can get through BOLC before you graduate med school you will the a 1LT rather than a 2LT and make a little extra money. But regardless if you have or have not completed BOLC you will be promoted to a CPT when you graduate medical school automatically.

[@christianstadler6099]

Hey man I’m currently in the ARNG too. Did you apply for HPSP for the NG specifically? Like when you finish med school and residency, are you able to do your service obligation with the guard instead of the 3 or 4 year active duty service obligation?

[@MaddiexChase]

Hey, I did not apply for any special obligations/contracts. I have the simplest, no thrills, 6 year contract with no bonus. My obligations will be finished 2 years into residency.

[@christianstadler6099]

@@MaddiexChase so you aren’t going to owe active duty time for med school or residency?

[@MaddiexChase]

@@christianstadler6099 correct!

[@xavierlopez4317]

How's it going brutha! I'm shipping on august 15th with and 18X contract and would like to pursue a medical biology degree and later on go through med school. (active duty) How should i go about doing this? I know theres plenty of variables.

[@MaddiexChase]

What’s up bud! So first of all good luck and have fun on your deployment! So there are a lot of variables, so first thing make sure you shadow and be confident you want to do this. Madeleine and I wrote a book on how to get into med school. The Comprehensive Guide for Getting Into Medical School: From Pre-Med to Med School. www.amazon.com/Comprehensive-Guide-Getting-Medical-School/dp/B08W3V533P/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=04a30832-0327-473d-84b8-729962aa1d4a

[@zaneity8672]

I'm currently in Pharmacy School. I was wondering If I'm allowed to skip drill weekends based on my pharmacy rotation & test days. Will the military allow me to make it up during my vacation?

[@MaddiexChase]

My unit allows us to miss weekends as long as we attend at least every three months in person.

[@dannyexotic]

Hey man I know I'm late but I have a question. How did u do pharmacy school while in the military? I'm interested in pursuing this also. Did you get ur BA while in active duty? And is the military also paying for your pharmacy school? Im enlisting soon and I'd love to be able to be a pharmacist after my service, which is my dream.

[@kansasmypie6466]

Hi. I am thinking about joining and I was wondering if you could tell me how long was the training did you have to go through before medical school? I understand you are non-deployable but you’re also not taking any incentives, so you don’t have to payback after residency. What are the reasons that the NG might allow this since it seems like they are not getting much in return? I am thinking about taking your exact path except in the Air National Guard, no incentives during medical school since I want to serve, but it seems too good to be true. Also, does your non-deployable status transfer to residency or is it very likely the NG will interrupt your residency and deploy you?

[@MaddiexChase]

So I have not done any training. I have only done weekend drills. For BOLC and DCOC you just do them at some point when they fit into your schedule. (School is a priority in the eyes of the army). I think the air guard is a great option. In terms of what they get, they are getting somebody for at least 6 years who can do basic medical tasks the whole time and are really not paying them that much. They have a short supply of medical personnel so another person is worth a lot. They treat residency as school. So you are still considered a student and are not deployable.

[@kansasmypie6466]

@@MaddiexChase Thanks so much!

[@kansasmypie6466]

​@@MaddiexChase Thank you! Do you think it's possible to join the NG during the academic year of medical school in M1 or M2? Or is it only truly possible to join the months before starting the 1st day in M1, or perhaps in the summer between M1 and M2?

[@springflower5993]

hi, do you know how can i have HPSP? is it after high school or after going military

[@Ajoker13]

What were you lied about? I’m heading the same path. I haven’t been lied to yet…

[@MaddiexChase]

I was told that I would be able to drill anywhere, so naturally I thought I could drill with the unit 5 minutes from my house. This was not the case, I have to drive 2.5 hours to drill. Also, they told me they would pay for my board exams, also not true. I don’t think they were intentionally lying, the recruiters are just not informed adequately

[@Ajoker13]

@@MaddiexChase I appreciate you answering my comment, and I agree they can be misinformed. Again thank you and I wish you good luck, take care!

[@Anonymous-ti5yb]

For MDSSP, do you know if we want to take a gap year for research, could we take a leave of absence while on MDSSP?

[@MaddiexChase]

I’m not positive. But I think if you are enrolled in school (which you would still be a student if you are doing research) it wouldn’t matter. You should be allowed to take a year for research. I would just double check how many years you can take for MDSSP (I think the limit is 4 years) so you would just have a year with not stipend.

[@Anonymous-ti5yb]

@@MaddiexChase If I am not enrolled at the medical school to pursue an academic leave of absence, would the MDSSP scholarship allow this? Once I finish my academic leave, I will come back to medical school and restart MDSSP.

[@spaceman77-y2p]

What medical school should I attend while I'm active duty navy ?

[@MaddiexChase]

You can go anywhere! No restrictions that I know of.

[@HealthyTrey]

What did you score on your ASVAB

[@MaddiexChase]

Didn’t have to take the exam

[@Ryan-bv9uu]

Does the Guard pay for any of your education?

[@MaddiexChase]

It absolutely can, and for many it does. For me personally, I did that go down that path, so I just received the base pay with no incentives. With this I have the shortest contract possible for an officer (6 + 2 years).

[@queenhoney3317]

Did you do ROTC? Or OCS?

[@MaddiexChase]

No

[@queenhoney3317]

@@MaddiexChase So it was a direct commission after getting into the HPSP program ?

[@abd-majidnsanja6401]

Hello Chase! I'm currently a senior in high-school. I'm considering joining the national(army) guard and also go premed pathway as well. Any tips/advice will be very much appreciated before I make the final decision.

[@MaddiexChase]

Hey! To be completely honest, I would refrain for the guard… I know it saves you a lot of money by paying for school but the majority of people I know regret joining. Obviously this is just my limited view. I think making a commitment in undergrad and continuing that into possibly med school is to large. If you decide to join you are signing up for a very long contract (at least 16 years) (it’s a 1 to 1 time repayment so 8 years of school for 8 years after graduation). Additionally if you do not get into med school they army has the right to do what they want with you. For premed - I wish I would have considered the physician assistant pathway. You are finished with school only 2 years after undergrad vs 4 years of med school + 3 to 8 years of residency… Good luck!

[@abd-majidnsanja6401]

@@MaddiexChase Thank you sooo much for the helpful insights! I've done more research as well on people's experience in the guard and like u said yes a lot of people regret joining for a plethora of reasons. I made the final decision two days ago not to commit to the national guard pathway and just read this as well which again supports the research i was doing on peoples not-so-ideal personal experience in the guard. Much love and peace.