Physicians of the U. S. Army, what has your experience been thus far?

SPC Benjamin Norman — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 04:45:38 -0500

What made you want to become a doctor?
What was your path to becoming a doctor?
What made you want to join military medicine?
How different do you feel from your civilian counterparts?
Do you plan on staying in?

Response by MAJ Kahren Aydinyan made Apr 28 at 2018 9:10 PM

MAJ Kahren Aydinyan — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 21:10:30 -0400

I love it.
I started out enlisted when I was 17 as a medic or about 8 years, toward the end of high school and then through college. After getting into medical school, I got commissioned and have been on the officer side of things for about 8 years.
I've ALWAYS wanted to go into medicine; to be a doctor, specifically. Initially, I wanted to go into emergency medicine since I had the military background, then I changed my mind a couple times and finally decided on ear, nose throat - facial plastic surgery. As you might know, you have to have a bachelor's degree, with good overall GPA and a good science GPA. Having those, you apply to med school after taking the MCAT. I did 4 years of medical school and 5 years of residency. The road is not easy..you make a lot of sacrifices along the way, especially I see all of my friends back home who have maybe gone to college (or maybe not) and have done lots of traveling, maybe bought a boat, home etc. However, it is very doable and as long as you keep your mind on what's to come and the opportunities you'll have later in life, and the financial security which comes with being a physician, you'll be able to do it. I finish residency in 2 months, and then plan on working as a surgeon in my home state where my family lives. I plan to stay in until I get at least 20 years in the military (another 3.5 years!) and maybe then some. If you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to send me a message.