"America's Medical School," the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), was founded by Louisiana Congressman F. Edward Hébert to be a "West Point for doctors." Located in Bethesda, Maryland, USUHS looks for aspiring medical students with a passion for service who thrive in a collaborative environment. Since USUHS students are active-duty service members, their education is paid for by the U.S. government, and they receive a military salary and benefits, including a housing allowance. USUHS accepts both civilian and military applicants for commissioning into the Army, Navy, Air Force and U.S. Public Health Service.
Military Medical School
What to Expect in Medical School
USUHS offers extensive medical training, along with 700 hours of training in military-specific areas such as epidemiology, health promotion, leadership and field exercises, disease prevention, tropical medicine and global health. As a member of the active-duty Military, you will wear a uniform to class.
After the first 16 months of medical school, you will start rotations at military medical facilities across the United States where you may want to do your residency, and you will participate in the military match and possibly the civilian match process.
Service Commitment
After USUHS students finish their residency, they serve on Active Duty for seven years. Your specific role will depend on your training and the Military's needs. Another option for fulfilling your service commitment involves becoming a General Medical Officer (GMO) after you receive your license. In this position, your role would be similar to that of a general medical practitioner, except you are attached to a specific unit, air wing, ship or submarine. This position is open to service members in the Navy and Air Force.