Good Afternoon!
I’m debating whether to use an HPSP scholarship for medical school. I’m from a Navy family, but no one I know has any experience or knowledge of the medicine there. I was wondering if anybody has any experience or knows anything about being a doctor in the military, and specifically, if they would recommend it. Also, if it’s better to be a doctor in the Air force, Navy, Army, or Marines, etc…
Thank you for everything 
Marines use Navy medicine. Can’t speak for Air Force or Army.
First question, is do you want to serve in the Navy (or other branch)? Some doctors do a General Medical Officer tour in the Fleet before residency. This may serve as payback if you want to do civilian residency. If you go straight to residency you will incur a longer payback.
You can be a flight surgeon and work in the Fleet. This is a shorter residency in aviation physiology. I may be off on my terms - I’m not in medical but work with medical at times.
Do you have more specific questions?
Thank you for your help! Your awesome! I’m most familiar with the Navy and that seems to be what I’m leaning towards right now. I guess I just wanted to find out about the lifestyle. Are the Navy docs deported often? Also, I’ve heard that they don’t get as much patient time, and don’t get as much experience, which I hope isn’t the case.
Ha ha - deployed, not deported! Answer is depends but much less than a SWO or pilot for example.
I would say in an operational job, half day of clinic and half day admin/command duties. If assigned to a Naval hospital or clinic I expect it’s similar to a civilian. Do you have a family member still active duty that could set up a meeting?
There’s a Military Medicine forum on SDN with several current and former military physicians who represent all branches of military service.
Try asking your questions here–https://■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/forums/military-medicine.72/
I got an HPSP scholarship some time ago. I applied and got 4 year Navy, 4 year Army and 3 year AF. I really wanted AF but the year I applied there was a glut of students who were already committed for their undergrad tuition as well.
I chose Army, because I was wary about spending one year mandatory time on a ship. Looking back, I wouldn’t let that stand in my way now. I chose Army because I wanted to do my internship and residency at Walter Reed, and be in Washington DC. They Army paid for everything and I spent time on active duty in my summers doing rotations and other training. It worked out well. Good Luck.