Military Medical Service?

This is something I've been thinking about for a while is doing the medical service corps, specializing in health care administration. I have a buddy that is about to join the navy reserves and has been trying to convince me to join with him. I've hit a block in my job and feel doing this will give me the kind of experience to be able to advance my career.

My question is, what has been others experience in the medical field within the military? As a doctor, nurse, administration etc. What is the administration like? What's your experience been like with them?

 

I think something like that is very noble. I have known a couple Navy medics and it's a very challenging and rewarding choice. Ultimitly, it's your choice.

Serve your time, and you could wind up in a health care position upon your return. Never turn down something they are willing to teach you if you decide to serve.

 

Thanks, now just need to determine if it is something I want to do. Still could use the input of those who have done it.

 

A couple of my buddies are enlisted combat medics, and my other buddy is a nurse on the officer side and they all love it. The best part is nonstop continuing education and training. They are always going to school to get to the next level in the medical field and it's all free, with the exception of owing time to the military. I swear every other year or so they get to take 6 months or so off to attend college full time for more education.

I was a signal soldier so I don't have a lot of details about the medical field but I highly recommend looking into it more seriously. Seems like a good deal if thats what you're in to!

 

"Free" training isn't exactly the truth...I'm going thru flight school and graduated from a Service Academy- I'm going to owe 13 years by the time all is said and done. They are in the same boat....IMHO-Totally worth it...but it has to be considered.

Medical specialists (in the military medicine, not sure about combat medicine) I think get paid on a different scale, promotions tend to come a bit quicker, and jobs are abundant. The training is top notch, sometimes the facilities and other folks you work with are not..I would vite that it's a great way to get a solid start in the medical field- and there is alot of room for you to stay in for a career...then retire...and continue to work in military medicine as a civilian employee or contractor.

 

True. That's why I said it's free, with the exception of owing time!

 

all the MSC officers I know are douche's..lol
j/p
seriously, I work with them everyday, is there something specific you want to know..??

 

Awe man, I don't want to be the douche

But what kind of stuff do you see them working on? Do they say that they enjoy their job? Have you ever had any problems with them?

Is there much of a difference between an on base military hospital vs. a civilian hospital?

 

As a doc, there's not a big difference. You have the same heirarchy as civilian hospitals (intern--resident--attending). It's sometimes easier to order tests. However, the military documentations systems both suck balls. They're a bit cumbersome. Otherwise, it's nice to not fret about insurance. I've only really worked with one MSC guy and he's been more ward clerk-type of stuff (new to command). Don't know their role otherwise.

Another option is government-service. Are their jobs available? A military hospital nearby? Maybe you can finagle getting on-base to talk with someone before you sign?