Quote:
Originally posted by The Profit
Question?
Has any current or previous 18D advanced from SF to Commissioned officer and furthered there education for advanced degrees. (PA, PHd, etc..)
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There used to be MANY more...close to an exodus of SF medics going PA. This caused many problems within the Special Operations medical community at the team level. Obviously, SF medics make outstanding PA's...already used to working independantly, have a tremendous knowledge base, have showed some responsibility already, and aren't afraid to study what they know is important.
I was with 2-22 Infantry, 10th MTN, not too long ago...there were 19 PA's in our clinic...13 of us were long tabbers (former 18D's)
There have been a number of constraints placed in the 18D's making it much more difficult for them to get accepted into PA school...
Since the Interservice PA program is now a commissioning program, and they are looking for longevity in the branch...they are primarily accepting people with 8 years or less of service. 8 yrs in, + 2 yrs PA school, hold your commission 10 yrs to retire with it = 20 yrs. Not many experienced 18D's fit that timeline.
Add to that, the Special operations Community limits the number of 18D's that can be accepted each year...them being understrengthed already and the training cycle being LONGER than the board process for the 3 PA classes each year.
The current PA program is a good deal...NOW they graduate as 1LT's and are awarded their Master's right out of school. Associate's to go in, Master's to graduate...skip bachelors altogether! Add to that, there is only a 4 year payback requirement now and they are accepting commissioned officers into the program.
I graduated a 2LT, got my Masters on my own and had a 5 year payback...stuff changes, sometimes you are on the good end, sometimes not...but right now, it is a REALLY GOOD DEAL.
I currently work in a Special Operations PA slot outside of the mainline SF community, have applied for an Emergency Medicine Residency and Internship program, and will then be going back to an SFG(A)
Eagle