How to be a Doctor for the Military?

Question

Hi! I'm currently a junior in high school in New York City and I will be applying to college next year. I have recently for the past year been seriously considering being a doctor for the military. I don't want to be one to fight as to I don't want to hurt anyone; I just want to heal those around me but, I feel it would be more effective to do in Iran, Yemen, Afghanistan, etc. At a college fair, I talked to a Naval Officer from the Naval Academy and she told me that I would study Pre-Med at the Naval Academy and then go on to whatever medical school that I get into of my choice and the military would pay for this, too. However, she also told me that after medical school, I would have to serve for five years. And I am fine with me serving for five years (I plan to serve maybe eight years), just I hope she didn't misunderstand and I hope that time serving is as a doctor and not as a soldier because I have no fighting ability and I don't intend to learn. So, if anyone can just clear this information up for me, please it would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi Nafiza, you’re correct. Most medical school students funding their education through the Army/Navy/Air Force will then go on to serve as a General Medical Officer after medical school. You are expected to serve as a doctor or medic for a particular unit, not as a soldier. Some more information can be found here: https://www.medicineandthemilitary.com/joining-and-eligibility/medical-school-scholarships

Best of luck and let me know if you need any pre-med guidance!