Does the Military Have a Medical School?
The answer to this question may surprise you. The United States military does have a medical school, but it’s not like traditional civilian medical schools. Instead, the military has several institutions that provide medical education and training to military physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals.
Overview of Military Medical Education
The military’s medical education system is designed to provide comprehensive training to medical professionals, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels. The military has several medical schools, as well as residency programs and fellowships, that offer specialized training in various medical specialties.
Military Medical Schools
The military has several medical schools that offer a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. These schools are designed to provide medical students with a comprehensive education in medicine, as well as specialized training in military medicine. Here are some of the military medical schools:
| Medical School | Location | Degree Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) | Bethesda, MD | M.D. and D.O. |
| F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine | Bethesda, MD | M.D. |
| Naval Aerospace and Operational Medicine Center (NAOMC) | San Antonio, TX | M.D. |
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS)
The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) is a unique institution that offers a comprehensive medical education program. USUHS is the only federal institution in the United States that provides a tuition-free medical education to military students. The university has a 4-year M.D. program and a 4-year D.O. program, as well as graduate programs in public health and other medical fields.
F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine
The F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine is another military medical school that offers a 4-year M.D. program. The school is designed to provide a comprehensive education in medicine, with a focus on primary care and preventive medicine. The school also has a 5-year combined M.D./M.P.H. program.
Naval Aerospace and Operational Medicine Center (NAOMC)
The Naval Aerospace and Operational Medicine Center (NAOMC) is a specialized medical school that offers a 2-year M.D. program in aerospace and operational medicine. The program is designed to provide training in the unique challenges of aerospace medicine, including flight medicine, hyperbaric medicine, and space medicine.
Military Residency Programs
In addition to medical schools, the military also has residency programs in various medical specialties. Military residency programs are designed to provide additional training in a specific medical specialty, and are required for military physicians to achieve board certification. Here are some of the military residency programs:
| Specialty | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Family Medicine | 3 years | Various |
| Internal Medicine | 3 years | Various |
| Surgery | 5 years | Various |
| Anesthesiology | 4 years | Various |
Benefits of Military Medical Education
So why might a medical student choose to attend a military medical school or participate in a military residency program? Here are some of the benefits:
- Tuition-free education: Military medical schools offer tuition-free education, which can be a significant benefit for students with significant educational debt.
- Loan forgiveness: Military physicians are eligible for loan forgiveness programs, which can help reduce educational debt.
- Career opportunities: Military medical schools provide students with career opportunities in the military, including leadership positions and specialized training.
- Flexibility: Military residency programs offer flexible scheduling and deployment opportunities, which can be attractive to medical students with family or other commitments.
- Unique training: Military medical schools and residency programs offer unique training opportunities, including specialized training in aerospace medicine and space medicine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the military does have a medical school, and it offers a unique education and training program for military physicians and nurses. From undergraduate to postgraduate levels, the military’s medical education system is designed to provide comprehensive training in medicine, as well as specialized training in military medicine. Whether you’re a medical student looking for a tuition-free education or a career in the military, the military’s medical schools and residency programs are definitely worth considering.
Additional Resources
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) – www.usuhs.edu
- F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine – www.usuhs.edu/fedmed
- Naval Aerospace and Operational Medicine Center (NAOMC) – www.naomc.med.navy.mil
- Military Physician Corps – www.militarypharmacy.org/physician-corps
