r/Military_Medicine

I'm a senior in high school and I want to do dental hygiene in the military should I join the navy or Air Force? Which one would be easier for me to do?

Hello to anyone reading this :)

I am a 17 year old HS student with plans to join the Army for both experience and the tuition assistance, and I am seeking both an insider look into a few specific MOSs, as well as advice on which MOS would be the best option for me considering my end goal in my career.

At the moment, I ask this with the end goal of becoming an Urologist, preferably as an MD instead of a DO, and want to know if anyone in the 68c, 68d, or 68w MOSs can give insight to their experiences in the military.
I understand that pretty much any of those can set me up for success, but I am seeking the experience aspect. There's a difference between getting a certificate or having a title, and actually knowing how to do a job, and I want to know which of these could give me the best platform.

compared to civilian residents. I'd assume it varies by specialty and program, but on average, do they work less or more? if civilian family medicine residents work 50-65 hours per week, what would be the military equivalent?

also is there any required military work they have to do outside of their job?

Hi all,

I’m a surgical oncologist at a major academic medical center in Philadelphia, just finishing my first year in faculty. I’m obviously not a trauma surgeon, but I’m interested in joining the reserves and being part of the military. I have family who were military and have regretted not contributing in some way. Caveats are that I also run a tumor immunology lab and have a couple young kids, so trying to decide both on timing and on which branch might make the most sense. I appreciate any thoughts or suggestions.

I was in the HPSP up through my first year of medical school. I went through basic training the summer between MS1 and MS2 year and submitted my letter for resignation soon thereafter (reason being anxiety tied to being in the Army and difficulty getting the Army to pay my quarter 1 tuition -- long story).

I tried to petition to have the debt forgiven but was denied. So now I owe the Army ~75k. Cool whatever. It's like I took out a student loan.

In order to defer repayment on this debt I had to submit an annual deferment application along with proof that I was still in medical school and eventually residency. During my intern year I forgot to submit the annual deferment request (I would usually submit in August/September) and a couple months later (around late February/early March 2026) I was notified that my debt had been transferred from DFAS (Defense Finance and Accounting Service) to the U.S. Department of Treasury due to deliquency.

When I received this notification I tried late submitting the DFAS deferment application but they were not willing to budge on transferring the debt back to DFAS in order for that to happen. So, now I'm stuck with my debt being in the hands of the U.S. Dept of Treasury who has started garnishing 15% of my already minuscule resident salary. In response to this I've submitted a financial hardship claim which was initially denied because I submitted "incomplete documentation". I have since resubmitted the claim with more documentation making it apparent I cannot afford for them to take 15% of my wages. That application is still pending.

My questions are:

Has anyone ever been through this before?
How likely is it that my financial hardship claim will be approved (I made it VERY clear my expenses exceed my income)?
The U.S. Dept of Treasury has also tacked on an additional 25k in fees (ridiculous, I know) -- is there any way of that getting lowered / erased completely?
If my financial hardship claim is denied is there another payment plan I can arrange instead of them garnishing my wages?
Is there anyone I can speak to directly about getting this matter resolved because right now when I call/submit paperwork to the U.S Dept of Treasury or DFAS I only have contact with different technicians, most of whom have no power and no idea what they're talking about.

Thank you guys!

Hello everyone. I've been working on this tool for a few weeks and I need some input from Current and past HPSP Recipients to critique and let me know what needs to be adjusted and changed on the tool. I'm mainly looking for things you wish you knew or other types of content that would be important to a new HPSP candidate.

Thank you, I hope this tool can also help student who might be currently interested.

Hey guys! I’m choosing my preference and I was wondering does anyone know anything about Camp Lejeune, North Carolina since that is a location in my Top 3

Hi, I am currently trying to apply for the Dental HPSP program for the Fall 2027. I realize there should be MEPS done before the final decision. Can anyone give an insight of what it's really like, how it's done, and approximately WHEN will I get it tested?

Also, if anyone could give general advice toward Dental HPSP program or get connected with me for helping me out, I would greatly appreciate it... I feel so left alone right now:(

I am 5’5 male and I weigh around 170lbs (I used to weigh 210lbs and lost weight to join the army) and I measured my belly and I am about at 39 inches. Will this prevent me from joining the army? Can I sign waiver? I am going for nursing officer.

Active duty service member here looking to apply to dental school next cycle. I feel prepared at the moment for the dental school application part, but am unsure about the military side. I understand that I need to ask my command for a "conditional release" which sounds like a big deal... Is a conditional release hard to get? Has anyone had any experience getting one or not receiving one recently? Any experience in this would be greatly appreciated since im mostly in the dark.