Pursuing Your MD After Military Service: A Veteran’s Guide to Success
Learn how former military members can pursue new careers as practicing medical doctors.
Transitioning from the military into medicine may sound like an unlikely career path. However, medicine is an alternative avenue to continue serving the public for many veterans. Pursuing a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree allows veterans to apply their skills in a meaningful and rewarding way.
Becoming a doctor after military service is a good option for those interested in the medical field, providing an opportunity to learn, develop new skills and build a successful, stable career.
Medical schools have become a popular option for veterans looking to pursue an MD after military service, offering a pathway to combine their military experience with a fulfilling career in medicine.
So, let’s explore the benefits of an MD for veterans and why becoming a doctor after military service is a plausible and attractive transition for many veterans.
Why do Veterans Make Great Physicians?
Pursuing an MD after military service makes sense for veterans as many core skills and attributes that make a successful military service member are transferrable to medicine, including performing in high-pressure environments, adapting to complex scenarios and practicing strong discipline.
Here are some important factors that make veterans perfect for a successful career in medicine:
Discipline and commitment
A strong work ethic is perhaps the most obvious connection between veterans and doctors. The demands of military service instill discipline and commitment, essential qualities required for medical school and throughout clinical practice.
Adaptability
The transition from the military to medical school has similarities in the unpredictability of the work and necessity for adaptability. The dynamic field of medicine requires flexibility, with medical professionals often facing complex scenarios in a fast-paced environment.
Leadership
Teamwork is one of the most important aspects of being a doctor. One of the benefits of pursuing an MD after military service is that veterans often have experience leading teams and working collaboratively in high-pressure environments.
Benefits of Pursuing an MD as a Veteran
Choosing to pursue an MD after military service offers both personal and professional benefits, including the opportunity to develop transferable skills and access a stable career.
Let’s explore some of the main benefits of an MD for veterans.
Rewarding career path
Serving in the military has many similarities to serving the public as a doctor. Both careers offer rewarding roles and many responsibilities. Veterans often seek fulfillment in a career that allows them to continue making a positive impact in people’s lives.
Leadership opportunities
Becoming a doctor after military service allows veterans to use their leadership skills in various ways, from leading teams to heading medical research and education.
Financial aid for veteran medical students
One of the main obstacles for veterans pursuing an MD after military service is the high fees required to attend medical school. In the U.S., many veterans use the GI Bill to pursue a graduate degree, including an MD. This can significantly reduce the cost of medical education.
Learn new skills
As mentioned, veterans can benefit from their many existing skills during the shift from the military to medical school. However, veterans can also develop new skills and knowledge, including hands-on care, research and analytical skills.
Steps to Transition from Military Service to Medical School
Transitioning from the military to medical school is an exciting prospect that requires preparation and research. Veterans can follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition into medical school:
- Consider your long-term goals
- Before committing to pursuing an MD degree, ensure your long-term goals and skills are aligned with the journey you are about to start. This reflection is key to preparing for medical school.
- Complete Prerequisites
- There are several prerequisites to meet before pursuing an MD. Ensure you have the required coursework in subjects including biology, chemistry and physics. If you do not, you can also consider medical preparation programs, such as a pre-medical Master’s.
- Prepare for the MCAT
- The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a required component of your application for U.S. students, and all students are encouraged to take the MCAT. MCAT preparation can be challenging and often requires enrolling in preparatory courses to perform well in the exams.
- Find a medical school tailored to your needs
- It is essential to apply to medical schools that align with your needs and career goals. Veterans must research various schools and locations to find the most suitable medical school.
- Explore financial aid for veteran medical students
- Veterans should utilize military education benefits and scholarships to fund their medical education. Researching the GI Bill (United States) and other financial aid is essential for many veterans to understand the finances required to pursue an MD program.
Overcoming Challenges for Veterans as a Medical Student
Medical school is notoriously challenging for all students, with an extensive curriculum, rigorous workload and competitive environment. In addition to this, veterans may face other challenges due to their untraditional entry into the medical field.
One of the main challenges veterans face in the transition from the military to medical school is adjusting to an academic schedule. Due to extended periods since they were last in school, veterans may struggle in the return to the classroom. Medical school requires long study hours and extended periods in lectures or labs, which may be a challenge for those adjusting to the demands of an MD after military service.
Becoming a doctor after military service can also be challenging in terms of work-life balance, and maintaining health and wellness due to the demands of medical school. High stress levels can harm a student’s progress. Therefore, veterans must prioritize their mental health while pursuing an MD after military service.
How Can Schools Support Veterans Pursuing an MD?
It is important for veterans to choose a medical school that can support them during the transition into medicine from the military.
Medical schools have dedicated student support services, wellness programs and mental health support that can benefit veterans, including guidance on the admissions process and academic support throughout the MD program.
Veterans should also research medical schools that offer financially accessible MD programs and scholarship opportunities to assist with the financial challenges of pursuing an MD degree.
Military to Medical School at St. Matthew’s University
Now that you understand the benefits of an MD for veterans, it is time to find a medical school that will help you achieve success academically, personally and in your medical career.
St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine (SMUSOM) fosters a supportive academic environment where 2,300+ students have earned their MD degrees. Graduates then go on to achieve residency placements at high rates and practice in the U.S., Canada and internationally. SMUSOM’s accredited MD program aims to provide students from diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to acquire the medical and clinical expertise for a successful career in medicine. If you’d like to learn what’s it’s like to attend SMUSOM, check out this recent video testimonial from a student:
If you’re ready to begin your journey, apply now or contact us with any questions you may have.
FAQs About Transitioning from the Military to Medical School
Yes, pursuing an MD degree after military service is a great option for veterans. Becoming a doctor after military service provides a stable, rewarding career and is an alternative way to continue serving the public in a rewarding role.
While there are no official statistics outlining the acceptance rate for veterans in medical school, veterans have many transferable skills and valued qualities required as doctors. Therefore, veterans are usually competitive applicants for medical school, once they have completed the required pre-requisites.
Experiences in the military develop core skills and qualities that are essential to successfully practice medicine. From commitment and discipline to adaptability and leadership, veterans have what is required to become a medical doctor after military service.
The United States GI Bill is one of several initiatives that reduce the financial burden for U.S. veterans looking to pursue an MD after military service. There are many factors to consider, including living costs and tuition when working out whether the GI Bill will cover the full cost of your medical education. U.S. veterans considering becoming a medical doctor after military service should also research the Yellow Ribbon Program and each school’s scholarships and grants.
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