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Is it worth doing military programs to go to med school for free?

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Rachel’s Answer

I agree with Corey completely. Do not sign up for the military for the money. You will make enough as a physician to pay back your loans. If you do sign up for the military, do it because of some higher purpose.
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Estelle’s Answer

College and medical school are extremely expensive. If you have an interest in serving in the military, then enlisting and having that financial support during your education is a good idea. Remember that you will need to pay back the money with time and service commitment after you graduate.
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Corey’s Answer

I'll give the same advice that I gave my anatomy partner in 1996- he was signing on for a Navy scholarship. With a young family and 8 years ahead of training before a real salary, it seemed like a no-brainer: Free tuition, monthly stipend, very low risk commitment as a medical officer. My advice: don't do it for the money, do it for some higher reason: service, pride, adventure, challenge, whatever, but not for the money. I was enlisted in the Navy Reserve before medical school and I knew the needs of the Navy would always trump his needs. This was before Sep 11, 2001 of course, so it seemed like the risk of actual deployment to a hostile region was 0% to him.

Of course, 9/11 did happen and he was sent to the Middle East with the Marines on the Iraqi front. Now with 2 kids, wife and his entire career at stake, he was terrified to lose it all. Thankfully, he returned safely.

Now my other friends on a military scholarship had other motivations. They both served on 27 months in the Middle East. One of them was nearly killed in a AED explosion. Neither harbored any regret for their decision. Both served proudly and understood the commitment when they signed up.

So my advice, you will make enough money as a physician to pay back loans. You will have control over your training and where you practice. If you consider a Health Professions scholarship, please do it for some other reason.
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Jennifer’s Answer

It is my experience that you should do what is in your interest. I went into the Army because I wanted to serve my country and the bonus was that school was paid for. But doing something for the wrong reasons may not have positive outcomes. It depends on your willingness to get the work done, knowing that there will be a payout in the end. In the climate today, you are more likely to serve in the military and not have time to attend school while you are under contract. You may end up going to war or being deployed somewhere not desirable. After you serve your term, you will be free to attend school but you may be changed, mentally and/or physically. Also, read the contract closely because any sign on bonuses or promises for education payment will ONLY be made if you serve for a specific amount of time as well as have a good record. Good luck!
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Ivory’s Answer

It takes a lot of discipline to progress in the military, but if you stay focused on the goal and you will get through it!
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