Thanks for checking out Vet2MD! Right now, we have no idea how far we will be able to take this project…it began as just an idea and part of a simple desire to create a hub of information for vets and transitioning service members who are interested in becoming doctors. No one should ever have to pass off an opportunity to do what they love based on an assumption that it’s out of reach.
If nothing else, we hope that this site will give free, unbiased information, guidance, and advice. Someday, we hope that we can create a network of veterans in medicine that will offer an even larger scope of experience to help those hoping to break into the field.
Veterans2MD does not accept any outside money for recruiting or placement. Any links off this site are unpaid and based solely on the hope that those resources will provide information and clarification of our content.
V2MD is free, and always will be.
As this organization becomes more fully featured, there will be additional resources for you. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me directly with any questions you may have–I’m more than happy to share my personal experiences with you and offer some insights and advice.
Hello,
My name is Dominic I am a USMC vet. and was curious does being a veteran set you apart positively across the board and help with admission or interview opportunities?
Dominic, that’s a great question. In fact, we’re going to take this question and turn it into a topic as a future blog post. In the meantime, I think it’s important to keep in mind that being in the military doesn’t give you an automatic leg up, so to speak. Certainly, admissions committees will look on it favorably – both because of the lessons it taught you and out of academia’s longstanding respect for military service. But it will not give you an advantage over other applicants (especially in comparison to seeking admissions to an MBA program – or arguably law school). Ultimately, the committee will likely care more about your hard numbers than whether your accomplishments come from college, military service, or another field. I think the most important message here is that what truly matters is how you’re able to explain what you accomplished during your time in the Corps, and how the lessons it taught you will make you a better doctor. Certainly, I wouldn’t try to hide your military service; nobody will look down on you for having served, and it certainly won’t hurt your odds, as long as you’re able to frame it properly.
To add to Ross’s response, I want to emphasize that–in the eyes of an admissions committee–military service is a very good thing. It’s a very good thing in the same way that someone else’s experience in the private sector or doing research is a good thing. However, they are most concerned with how much potential you have to become a good medical student and, eventually, a doctor. You have to show/tell them how and why your military experience does that. A history of service helps you earn personal appreciation and respect, but only explaining how what you have done while in service makes YOU the best guy for the job will earn you a spot in the class.
thanks for all the information I appreciate the input!