Military medicine offers quite a few perks, but there are downsides as well. If you are considering this pathway, make sure you have the right motivations. Ask questions and understand the process and system.
I joined the US Navy for two reasons. Growing up a navy brat, my family traveled up and down the east coast, moving every four years. Seeing my dad come home in his uniform, visiting him on his humongous ship (the USS Eisenhower, an aircraft carrier), and being at the pier to welcome him home after deploying for 7 months were all formative experiences. I could not wait to follow in his footsteps. During my second year of medical school, I applied for the military Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP). Unfortunately, I did not receive the scholarship. About the same time, my little brother went off to college, where he participated in JROTC. After graduation, he commissioned as an active duty officer in the United States Navy.
When I started residency in Chicago, I reviewed my options for service with the Navy. After my first year of residency, I applied for the Financial Assistance Program (FAP). I was accepted into the program and was sworn in by my little brother. The FAP did not have much impact on my final three years of residency. I continued working at my civilian program. I was unable to proceed directly into a fellowship program since my commitment began as soon as my residency ended.
The Transition
In the spring of my last year of residency, I received my orders from the Navy. I was to report to my first duty station in a couple of months. After completing residency in June, I I hit the road driving from Chicago to Virginia. I had no place to stay and no military uniform, but I showed up at my duty station in my favorite suit, clean-shaven and ready to start this new adventure.