Guest mtws Posted February 26, 2003 Report Share Posted February 26, 2003 (This message was left blank) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ryguy Posted February 27, 2003 Report Share Posted February 27, 2003 I'm not sure how this string of discussion falls in this area but I have happily stumbled on it. I have been in the military full time since 1992, and I'm trying to switch to MO. It is interesting to read the thoughts of everyone, as well as eye opening. I can say that I don't agree entirely with what's been said but that's neither here nor there. To keep this short and on topic, I offer the following: Don't simply think of Army, there are Airforce and Navy positions as well. You could be specialists in deep sea diving or become flight surgeons (as examples). Military Medical Officers (MO) are required, as is everyone else, to be a proficient soldier in addition to medical duties. Furthermore, they are Officers. As such, you will get trained, be responsible for multiple people under your command, their well-being, training, career progression etc. I agree that a major drawback to MOTP is the requirement to be a GP. MO's get rubber stamped through Basic training. Overseas tours are frequent. MO's are often sent over for short stints, once or twice a year (vice 6 months like the rest of us). Their work is similar to many others in that it is routine punctuated with periods of excitement. Overseas (read Bosnia) they do help out the local communities - not as much/ at all in places like Afghanistan. The military treats doctors with golden gloves because they are in such short supply. On base, civialians doctors are on contract to free up MO's for overseas duty and in-country operations/exercises. Conversely, from what I can see, MO's are given ample opportunity for continuing education and proficiency traning. The money would be a good motivator but I caution it being the only one. 3-4 Years passes very fast in the military but could be very bad if you refuse to adopt at least some of the military culture. I have seen way too many MO's who only wear a uniform but are in no way part of the military. MO's must be leaders - I can't stress that enough. If you want the opportunity to lead - this is a good place to get a start. Take what recruiters say with a grain of salt. The military is large, lumbering organization. You would be better off calling the CF base nearest you and asking the operator for the base surgeon's number, or the base hospital. Talk to an MO! Finally, take what I say with a grain of salt. I am not an MO yet, but this is my two cents after having been around them for some time and talking to them for my own interest. ryan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cpbc Posted February 27, 2003 Report Share Posted February 27, 2003 Hey ryguy: Thanks for the information. I'm thinking seriously of going MOTP if I get into med school this fall (have interviews at Queens and UCalgary). I've read the material on the forces web site, but since this seems to be a hot topic I wonder if I could ask you a couple more questions? I will definitely ask an MO more detailed questions if I get in, but since I live nowhere near a CF base it would be really helpful if you could offer your thoughts on the following: 1. "Overseas tours are frequent. MO's are often sent over for short stints, once or twice a year". From the web site info, I understood that there would be one 6-month overseas deployment during the 4-year service period. More frequent, shorter stints would seem to be a little easier on family life. I understand that being away from home is one of the consequences of military service, and I'm prepared to accept that, but obviously the effects of long absences on my family will be a critical consideration in my decision. 2. What can my family expect from military life, in terms of support, facilities, education opportunities, etc? I have two daughters, 9 and 6. I've read where the CF are trying to improve life for military families, but it would be interesting to get a first-hand perspective on whether the changes are working or not. Thanks for the info. Best of luck to you... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest PhantomPhoenix Posted February 28, 2003 Report Share Posted February 28, 2003 Cpbc, u mind telling me what ur GPA and MCAT scores were for UCalgary Are u from Ontario? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ryguy Posted February 28, 2003 Report Share Posted February 28, 2003 CPBC, Perhaps this would be better as a side bar for the info you are looking for. Email me at mccallum.rcj@forces.ca Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cpbc Posted February 28, 2003 Report Share Posted February 28, 2003 PhantomPhoenix: GPA is 3.9 when converted to UC scale. MCAT=11/13/13/P. I'm from B.C. so am in the dreaded OOP category. ryguy: Thanks, I'll do that. cpbc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Ian Wong Posted August 17, 2005 Report Share Posted August 17, 2005 Floating to the top... Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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