Becoming an actual doc

[Loretta's Medic]

Trying to decide between Doc, PA etc. I know some of the pros and cons of both.. What I'd like is a concise list. I'd like all the docs/pas here to gimme pros and cons, and the required things before applying to the school.

I'd also like things they wish they'd have done before hand. Classes that would've helped, things that would have made the entire thing easier. If I go doc, I'll be shooting for the 2012 class. I have a little time to prepare, but I'm deployed atm, so imma have to work on it as hard as i can when I get back.

Also, what is the "pay back" time?
Is there more than one way to do this?
How does the payback time work? Can I change branches? Go active/reserve/guard while on the payback time?
Okay.. GO!

[LaneyBug]

I'm really interested to see this as well.

[Geotech]

I think thats awesome, best of luck in whatever you choose, I am sure you will kick ass.

[Loretta's Medic]

YOU QUIT FOLLOWING ME! Go home! Don't make me get the spray bottle!

[Geotech]

Originally Posted by Loretta's Medic YOU QUIT FOLLOWING ME! Go home! Don't make me get the spray bottle!

Say what?

[Loretta's Medic]

It was for laneybug. You posted about 10 seconds before I did. >.>

[LaneyBug]

Originally Posted by Loretta's Medic It was for laneybug. You posted about 10 seconds before I did. >.>

I totally didn't notice. I'm having the same thoughts, really. Trying to decide between the two, though I'm leaning toward PA.

[Loretta's Medic]

Originally Posted by LaneyBug I totally didn't notice. I'm having the same thoughts, really. Trying to decide between the two, though I'm leaning toward PA.

I see that. I can't decide. PA is nice, cause its shorter, and less responsibility. Doc, though, is nice cause then I'm done. I can work where and when I want. There are tons of things to do as a doc, and I can treat who I want when I want.

Something I've been considering for a long time is becoming a doc and ONLY taking tricare. We get ****ed. I can't get a solid aptmnt for the new fat things, cause they're so backed up here. If I set up near here and only took tricare, I could do alot.

Then again, thats a good amount of school, and a solid amount of time paying the army back. -.-

[LaneyBug]

Originally Posted by Loretta's Medic I see that. I can't decide. PA is nice, cause its shorter, and less responsibility. Doc, though, is nice cause then I'm done. I can work where and when I want. There are tons of things to do as a doc, and I can treat who I want when I want. Something I've been considering for a long time is becoming a doc and ONLY taking tricare. We get ****ed. I can't get a solid aptmnt for the new fat things, cause they're so backed up here. If I set up near here and only took tricare, I could do alot. Then again, thats a good amount of school, and a solid amount of time paying the army back. -.-

That sounds like a solid idea. They usually ask you to pay back the amount of time it takes you complete the degree, right? Is it longer than that? I thought about going that route, making the AF pay for me to go back to school, but my hubs is not loving that idea.

[Loretta's Medic]

Originally Posted by LaneyBug That sounds like a solid idea. They usually ask you to pay back the amount of time it takes you complete the degree, right? Is it longer than that? I thought about going that route, making the AF pay for me to go back to school, but my hubs is not loving that idea.

I'm not 100%. I know in the army its double back. Even for pa. In the army its 2 years for the pa and a 4 year commitment. However, I believe you can go reserve during that time, or guard. Thats part of what I'd like to know. Imma put that question up there.....