Q&A on USUHS and HPSP
Eligibility and Application Process
Q1: Do you need to be a Veteran to take advantage of this opportunity?
A1: No, you don’t need to be a Veteran to take advantage of the HPSP or USUHS programs.
Q2: Can I apply to USUHS or HPSP if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
A2: For both USUHS and HPSP, you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. This is due to the requirement that students must be eligible for a commission in the U.S. armed forces.
Q3: Does living in Canada impact my chances for admission in USUHS?
A3: Being a U.S. citizen living- abroad, including Canada, does not impact your chances of admission to USUHS. However, you should be prepared to travel to the United States for potential interviews or other application processes.
Q4: Are there age restrictions on either program?
A4: Yes, both HPSP and USUHS have age restrictions, but waivers may be available on a case-by-case basis. The age limit for USUHS tends to align with the age limit for commissioning into the U.S. military, which varies by branch. However, waivers can sometimes be granted for exceptional applicants who exceed these age limits.
Q5: Do prior service have an age limit or total time in service hard cutoffs where we are not allowed to apply or be considered?
A5: Age limits and service time restrictions may apply, but waivers can sometimes be granted on a case-by-case basis.
International and Non-US Medical Schools
Q6: Does the military offer their aid/HPSP to students attending non-US medical schools?
A6: Typically, the HPSP is only available for students attending medical schools in the United States.
Q7: Are there any loan repayment options for students attending international medical schools?
A7: While there may be limited options available, students from international medical schools are generally not eligible for the same aid as those in domestic schools.
Service Commitment and Deployment
Q8: What specialties are needed and can you specialize in anything, even if it takes more than 4 years?
A8: The military generally has a need for various medical specialties. You can specialize in a field that takes longer than 4 years to complete, but this may affect the length of your service commitment.
Q9: How does the commitment increase beyond 7 years? Is it dependent on residency length?
A9: The length of your service commitment may depend on several factors, including the length of your residency and your specific program.
Q10: How many years do I have to serve after graduation?
A10: After graduation from USUHS, there is a seven-year service obligation. This is in addition to the time required for residency training, which also counts towards your service obligation.
Residency, Specialization, and Deployment
Q11: What specialties are needed and can you specialize in anything, even if it takes more than 4 years?
A11: The military generally has a need for various medical specialties. You can specialize in a field that takes longer than 4 years to complete, but this may affect the length of your service commitment.
Q12. Do USUHS students have the same access to residencies as civilian students?
A12: Yes, USUHS students have access to military residencies, and in some cases, they can apply for civilian residencies.
Q13: Do students complete the civilian match for residency as well?
A13: USUHS students typically participate in the military match. However, in some cases, students may also participate in the civilian match if they don’t match in their chosen specialty in the military match or if they are granted a deferment to do a civilian residency.
Q14: Can I choose my specialty in military medicine, or does the military choose it for me?
A14: As a student at USUHS or a participant in the HPSP, you can choose your specialty, but it is subject to the needs of the military. Therefore, while most students get their top choice of specialty, it’s not guaranteed.
Q15: Can a student do a civilian fellowship after residency?
A15: Yes, in some cases, students may be allowed to do a civilian fellowship after their residency. This is usually dependent on the needs of the military.
Logistics of Service
Q16: Can you volunteer to deploy if you wished to do so?
A16: While the specific procedures can vary, there are generally opportunities for military physicians to volunteer for deployment.
Q17: How many years do I have to serve after graduation?
A17: After graduation from USUHS, there is a seven-year service obligation. This is in addition to the time required for residency training, which also counts towards your service obligation.
Q18: Can I choose where to serve my obligation?
A18: In general, the needs of the military will dictate where you- serve your obligation. However, the military does take your preferences into account where possible.
Q19: Do I have to pay for my own uniform and equipment?
A19: No, as a member of the military, your uniform and most necessary equipment are provided for you.
Q20: Can you defer service commitment after USUHS?
A20: Typically, you cannot defer your service commitment after USUHS. However, exceptions may be made for unique circumstances, such as additional medical training or pursuing certain research opportunities.
USUHS versus HPSP
Q21: Are there any advantages of USUHS over HPSP?
A21: Some potential advantages of USUHS over HPSP could include a more in-depth focus on military medicine during- your training, being commissioned as an active-duty officer during school which counts towards retirement, and the opportunity to form close relationships with your military medical peers.
Q22: Can I join USUHS if I have already started medical school elsewhere?
A22: Yes, you can join the military later after going to a civilian medical school. This can be done through programs such as the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) or the Financial Assistance Program (FAP) for those in residency.
Impact on Family
Q23: What if I have a family? How does being in the military affect them?
A23: Being in the military can certainly impact your family. Frequent moves and deployments can be challenging. However, the military also offers strong support systems for families, including health care, housing, and community services. Each family’s experience will differ depending on their unique circumstances and the specific demands of your role within the military.
Q24: Can my spouse work while I’m active duty?
A24: Yes, your spouse can work while you are active duty. However, the frequent relocations common in military life may create some challenges in maintaining consistent employment.
Q25: What is the impact on children of being in a military family?
A25: The impact on children in military families can vary. There are certainly challenges, including frequent moves that can disrupt schooling and friendships. However, there are also unique experiences and benefits that come with being part of a military family, such as a strong sense of community and resilience.
Other Questions
Q26: What types of research opportunities are there?
A26: Research opportunities at USUHS span a wide range of topics, including military medicine-specific research, biomedical sciences, public health, and clinical research. There are ample research opportunities at USUHS, both during the school year and over the summer. The school emphasizes research as a key part of its curriculum.
Q27: Can I take a gap year during USUHS to pursue research or other interests?
A27: It’s generally not common to take a gap year during medical school, including at USUHS. However, you can discuss specific plans or ideas with school advisors or administration.
Q28: Can I join the USUHS if I have a criminal record?
A28: It depends on the nature of your criminal record. Having a criminal record can potentially disqualify you from military service, and therefore from attending USUHS. However, in some cases, waivers may be granted. It’s best to discuss your specific situation with a military recruiter.