Matching in the military

The Military Match: 3 Q&As with a student who matched with the US Army

An osteopathic medical student shares his experience matching into a military residency program.

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A fourth-year medical student in the Health Professions Scholarship Program, Sam Docksey participated in the Military Match in early December. Below, Docksey, who attends Midwestern University/Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, shares his insights on matching through the U.S. Army.

What was the Health Professions Scholarship Program like?

My experience with it was great. It covers all of tuition, so you’re debt-free from that aspect. You also get a living stipend to help cover health insurance and any other costs like books or supplies, so there’s a little less worry from the financial side, and I was able to focus on school and my academics.

You have some unique experiences. You get to do some military training throughout school and go onto military training auditions, which I thought was a unique aspect of school.

What makes the military match different?

The difference between the military match is that one, you match earlier, and two, they want you to match at a military program, so you have to rank all the army programs first and try to match there.

What advice would you give to other students doing the military match?

Just focus on school, try to do as well as you can on boards. Also, always have a little outside relief of some sort of activity or hobby, spend time with your friends and family, give yourself that kind of relief. I think it goes a long way in helping you become a successful student and applicant.

Learn more about the basics of becoming a military physician and the opportunities and tradeoffs.

One comment

  1. Samuel J Garloff, DO

    HPSP is a wonderful program to utilize for med school. Now you will serve your country as you further your education as a resident. Congratulations and good luck.

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