Quitting med school with HPSP obligation

[student12]

I am a first year medical student and also a recipient of a Navy HPSP. While I have just started and will at least plan to see this first year through, I am having serious doubts about becoming a physician. I have no issue with military medicine and would be honored to serve in the Navy or with any other government agency. My question is, if I quit medical school, what would become of my military status? I would gladly serve my military commitment rather than pay back any money, just perhaps not as a student and physician. Thank you very much for your time and any advice!!

[IrishLady47]

Originally Posted by student12

I am a first year medical student and also a recipient of a Navy HPSP. While I have just started and will at least plan to see this first year through, I am having serious doubts about becoming a physician. I have no issue with military medicine and would be honored to serve in the Navy or with any other government agency. My question is, if I quit medical school, what would become of my military status? I would gladly serve my military commitment rather than pay back any money, just perhaps not as a student and physician. Thank you very much for your time and any advice!!

It is good you feel that way because that will most likely be the case if you quit school. You need to carefully read your HPSP contract and see what the provisions are if you do not successfully complete the school. You may well have to serve a 2-4 year active duty enlistment for the tuition the military has already provided.

[student12]

Thank you for the response! I am wondering if you or anyone else may know what kind of job one would possibly do with the Navy to fulfill a commitment? Would it still be medically related or perhaps something completely different?

[navdoc]

You need to contact the HPSP coordinator ASAP. You may be able to work something out with the people at NMETC or whatever it is called now.

[IrishLady47]

As I said the first time--you need to READ your contract. This will tell you what your options are if you withdraw or fail to complete medical school. As the previous poster suggested - call your HPSP coordinator who will probably refer you to the appropriate recruiting personnel on available active duty options.