Choice of location?

Do your military spouses have a choice of where they will be stationed when they become active duty?



Kris

[DCJenn]

They are considered active duty once they graduate from medical school. Rick was considered active duty for retirement purposes but not for pay grade while at USUHS.



They have to go through the whole matching process as well- so not really. We had a choice of four possibilities for the peds residency- and this was his third choice. (but my first- not that I mattered!)



After residency there is some say for some programs. Also, there are various options to consider if a fellowship is going to be considered. More weight is given to those who have been 'out' so a lot of people do a GMO year (general medical officer) and then go to residency. Another fun little wrinkle is that not all fellowships are in the military system- which then require a civilian fellowship. (nephrology and cardiology are two that I know of)



Once all of the training is finished though- I understand that they make a concerted effort to keep the docs where they want to be. No need to make more leave than they already have to deal with.



Does this ramble answer your question?

Yes, thanks!!! Thomas actually considered a military program during fellowship to help defray costs and they "promised" him a tour of germany after he was finished, but we weren't sure how solid that promise would be? There is also a civilian position with the military right now for Infectious Diseases in germany that he has talked about as a way of getting back home for awhile...I guess my experience as a military brat colored me a bit though because we were often transferred despite promises to the contrary...when the military needs you, you must go!!!



Kris