Education
Joint Medical Executive Skills Institute (JMESI) – CAPSTONE for MHS Leaders Course
Who: Senior Medical Officers (O-6, O-6 selects or high-potential O-5 officers who are on track for executive medicine)
What: Joint Medical Executive Skills Institute (JMESI) – CAPSTONE for MHS Leaders Course
When: Nov 13-16, 2023 (Virtual – only 6 seats for Medical Corps)
Course Description: The Capstone Course is designed to be a pinnacle event for recently assigned senior military treatment facility commanders, lead agents, and senior medical department officers in key staff positions who will benefit from exposure to and familiarity with entities that shape the MHS. The course provides participants with exposure to the operations of the various organizations within the Department of Defense, pertinent congressional staffs, and the offices of the three Surgeons General. Participation in the Capstone Course will enhance the understanding of how national healthcare policies are formed, and by whom, and how they are implemented and put into operation.
Additional details and objectives can be found here:
https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Education-and-Training/LEADS/JMESI
Prospective applicants should send a CV, BIO and Rank, Name, Current position, Work address, Work phone and Email address to CAPT Shauna O’Sullivan NLT 1600 EST, Thursday, September 21, 2023.
Tips to Get Selected for GME
I’ve lost count of how many GME selection boards I’ve participated in (it is either 7 or 8). Based on my experience, here are my tips for people looking to match for GME in the future. We’ll cover general tips and those specific for medical students and those returning from an operational tour:
General Tips
- Be realistic about your chances of matching. If you are applying to a competitive specialty and you’ve failed a board exam or had to repeat a year in medical school, you are probably not going to match in that specialty. There are some specialties where you can overcome a major blight on your record, but there are some where you can’t. If this is applicable to you, the residency director or specialty leader should be able to give you some idea of your chances. Will they be honest and direct with you? I’m not sure, but it can’t hurt to ask.
- If you are having trouble matching in the Navy for GME, you may have a better chance as a civilian. By the time you pay back your commitment to the Navy, you are a wiser, more mature applicant that some civilian residency programs might prefer over an inexperienced medical student. You’ll also find some fairly patriotic residency programs, usually with faculty who are prior military, that may take you despite your academic struggles. Many people who “are never going to match” do so in the civilian match. Trust me.
Tips for Medical Students
- Do everything you can to do a rotation with the GME program you want to match at. You want them to know who you are.
- Many specialties are considering applications from medical students for straight-through GME. If you don’t want to do straight-through and only want to apply for internship, you can opt out on MODS.
- When you are applying, make sure your 2nd choice is not a popular internship (like Orthopedics). If you don’t match in your 1st choice and your 2nd choice is a popular internship, then it will likely have filled during the initial match. This means you get put in the “intern scramble” and you’ll likely wind up in an internship you didn’t even list on your application.
- If you don’t match, your backup plan should be an alternative program at the same site where you eventually want to match for residency. For example, in my specialty (Emergency Medicine or EM) we only have residencies at NMCP and NMCSD. If someone doesn’t match for an EM internship at NMCP or NMCSD, they will have a better chance of eventually matching for EM residency if they do an internship locally, like a transitional internship. Internships at Walter Reed or any other hospital without an EM program are quality programs, but it is much easier to “pledge the fraternity” if you are physically present and can get to know people, attending conferences and journal clubs when you can.
- You need to apply to civilian residency programs. It is required, per the BUMED note. You don’t want to find out that you were given a NADDS deferment but you didn’t apply for civilian residency programs. This happens to people all the time. Don’t be that student.
Tips for Applicants Returning from Operational Tours
- You should show up whenever you can for conferences and journal clubs. Again, you want them to know who you are. By attending these events you demonstrate your commitment to the specialty and their program.
- Always get a warfare device (if one is available) during your operational tour. Not having it when one was available is a red flag.
- Closely examine the GME note and by-site goals. You’ll see that some specialties are offering full-time outservice (FTOS) or civilian deferment (RAD-to-NADDS). If you are in one of these specialties, you need to consider applying for civilian residency programs. If you are unsure, you should probably talk to the specialty leader for whatever specialty you are applying for. There is often a shortage of people willing to enter civilian training. If you are willing to do so, it could get you selected for the specialty you want. Make sure that they specialty leader is aware you will take a civilian deferment if one is offered to you, and make sure you apply to the civilian match.
Joint Medical Executive Skills Institute – Intermediate Executive Skills Course – 16-19 OCT 2023 (Virtual)
Who: O3 (LT)/O4 (LCDR) MHS personnel serving in an intermediate-level leadership position within a DHA MTF
What: JMESI Intermediate Executive Skills Course (IESC)(Medical Corps is limited to 7-8 seats)
When: October 16-19, 2023 (VIRTUAL)
Where: JKO online modules and virtual platform learning with instructors located at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Course Description: The Joint Medical Executive Skills Institute Intermediate Executive Skills Course (JMESI-IES) provides education and training on leadership and management skills necessary to successfully serve in an intermediate-level leadership position within a DHA medical treatment facility (MTF). The course is designed to facilitate the attainment of selected Joint Medical Executive Skills core competencies as identified by a Tri-Service review board of MHS senior leaders.
The course consists of 14 web-based training (WBT) modules available through Joint Knowledge Online (https://jkodirect.jten.mil) followed by a 4-day live, web-based video conference course hosted on Adobe Connect or MS Teams. MUST complete the pre-course prior to the course commencing. Nominees MUST be in a “virtual TAD” status and exempt from other duties for the course.
More information here: https://www.health.mil/Training-Center/LEADS/Intermediate-Executive-Skills
Prospective Medical Corps applicants should email name/rank, position title, work address, email address and work/cell phone to CAPT Shauna O’Sullivan NLT 1600 Friday, July 28, 2023. Applicants from other Corps can contact their Corps Chief’s Office.
141st Interagency Institute for Federal Health Leaders – 18-29 SEP 2023
Who: Senior Medical Officers tracking toward Executive Medicine (O6 preferred, senior O5 acceptable)
What: 141st Interagency Institute for Federal Health Leaders (Medical Corps is limited to 2-3 seats)
When: September 18-29, 2023 (In-person). Sessions are scheduled from 0800-1700 daily.
Where: Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington DC (centrally funded by NML&PDC)
Uniform: The uniform is Khaki’s daily aside from SBD required for opening day, embassy visit and graduation day.
Course Description: The purpose of the Interagency Institute for Health Leaders is to provide an opportunity for the seasoned, practicing federal health professional to examine current issues in health care policy and management and to explore their potential impact on the federal health care system. The faculty maximizes the learning experience by presenting materials resulting from research and experience, as well as examples and case studies from the contemporary national health policy decision-making process. Funding details will be provided for selected applicants.
Prospective Medical Corps applicants should send a CV and BIO along in an email that includes rank/name, current position, work address, contact phone number and work email address to CAPT Shauna O’Sullivan NLT 1600 EST Thursday, August 3, 2023. Officers from other Corps can contact their Corps Chief’s Office.
Tuition Assistance Policy Update – NAVADMIN and Fact Sheet
Here’s the portion of the Fact Sheet that is most relevant to this audience since it makes officers eligible:
“Officers with eight years of prior enlisted service may use TA/NCPACE upon commissioning. All other officers
become eligible upon promotion to O-3.”
Although, as far as I understand it, if you have a doctoral degree, you can’t use TA for a lesser degree, so you can’t use it to get an MBA or other master’s degree.
CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 151906Z MAY 23 MID600053021716U FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 112/23 MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/MAY// SUBJ/TUITION ASSISTANCE UPDATE TWO// REF/A/MSG/CNO WASHINGTON DC/281919ZSEP21// AMPN/REF A IS NAVADMIN 214/21, TUITION ASSISTANCE POLICY UPDATE.// RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN updates Tuition Assistance (TA) and Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) management controls announced in reference (a) and provides guidance on Sailor enrollment with the U.S. Naval Community College (USNCC). All prior controls not altered by this NAVADMIN remain in place. 2. The following management controls update reference (a) and are effective for all TA and NCPACE courses approved after the release of this NAVADMIN: a. Active Duty and Training and Administration of Reserve enlisted Sailors with less than 16 years of Active service must have at least 6 months remaining from the course start date until their end of active obligated service or as extended. b. Enlisted reservists must be on Active Duty orders and must have at least 6 months remaining from the course start date until the end date of their orders. c. All TA or NCPACE funded courses must be completed while the member is on Active Duty. d. Sailors may be enrolled in up to a maximum of two concurrent courses. Required laboratory courses with unique course identification numbers are exempt from this limit. The two course limit in line with fiscal quarter announced in reference (a) is rescinded. e. Officers with a minimum of 8 years of prior enlisted Active Duty service (Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, Coast Guard) including limited duty officers (LDO) and chief warrant officers (CWO) are eligible to use TA or NCPACE at all officer ranks. All other officers become eligible upon promotion to O3. f. Sailors may submit applications in the MyNavy Education portal (https://myeducation.netc.navy.mil/) between 7 and 120 days prior to the term start date. (1) Command Approval and application forwarding must occur at least seven days prior to the term start date. (2) It is the Sailor's responsibility to ensure timely submission and command approval of TA and NCPACE applications. (3) After command approval, vouchers may be authorized and funded by Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC), subject to funding availability. (4) Sailors must not begin a TA or NCPACE course prior to receiving an authorized and funded voucher. 3. The USNCC provides naval-relevant associate's degrees in Military Studies, Nuclear Engineering Technology, General Studies with Computer Studies Specialization, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, Organizational Leadership, Aviation Maintenance, Data Analytics, Uncrewed Systems, and Logistics with a Maritime Focus. Interested Sailors should visit https://www.usncc.edu/ to learn more. 4. Policies pertaining to TA or NCPACE eligible Sailors with approved degree plans who also participate in USNCC courses: a. TA or NCPACE course terms shall not overlap with USNCC course terms. Command approvers must verify. b. TA or NCPACE courses that transfer to USNCC will count toward the 120 semester hour career cap on TA and NCPACE. c. Courses funded by USNCC do not count toward the 120 semester hour career cap on TA and NCPACE. 5. For questions regarding TA or NCPACE eligibility, degree plans or other education funding options, contact the Navy College Virtual Education Center (NCVEC) at 1-833-330-MNCC (6622). Choose Option 3 "Education and Training", then Option 1 "NCVEC." Sailors may also submit an inquiry via the issue tracker feature in the MyNavy Education portal (https://myeducation.netc.navy.mil/), located on the top right of their record. 6. For questions concerning TA or NCPACE policy, contact Mr. Jim Johnson at (703)604-5256/DSN 664 or via e-mail at james.p.johnson.civ@us.navy.mil. 7. This NAVADMIN will remain in effect until superseded or canceled, whichever occurs first. 8. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.// BT #0001 NNNN CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//
Navy Updates Tuition Assistance Program
Here’s the most relevant portion of this article:
“Officers with a minimum of eight years’ duty in any of the armed services, including limited duty officers (LDOs) and chief warrant officers, can use tuition assistance or NCPACE. All other officers will have to wait until they are eligible for promotion to lieutenant.”
Joint Medical Executive Skills Institute (JMESI) – CAPSTONE for MHS Leaders Course (Virtual)
Who: Senior Medical Officers (O-6, O-6 selects or high-potential O-5 officers)
What: Joint Medical Executive Skills Institute (JMESI) – CAPSTONE for MHS Leaders Course
When: July 10-13, 2023 (Virtual – only 6 seats for Medical Corps)
Course Description: The Capstone Course is designed to be a pinnacle event for recently assigned senior military treatment facility commanders, lead agents, and senior medical department officers in key staff positions who will benefit from exposure to and familiarity with entities that shape the MHS. The course provides participants with exposure to the operations of the various organizations within the Department of Defense, pertinent congressional staffs, and the offices of the three Surgeons General. Participation in the Capstone Course will enhance the understanding of how national healthcare policies are formed, and by whom, and how they are implemented and put into operation.
Additional details and objectives can be found here:
https://www.health.mil/Training-Center/LEADS/Capstone-Course-for-MHS-Leaders
Prospective applicants should send a CV, BIO, and current position, work address, work email address and phone to CAPT Shauna O’Sullivan and CDR Robyn Treadwell NLT 1200 EST Monday, May 22, 2023.
Defense Medical Readiness Training Institute (DMRTI) – Joint Senior Medical Leaders Course
Who: Senior officers who have a potential nomination as a JTF Surgeon or JTF senior medical leader
What: Joint Senior Medical Leaders Course (JSMLC)
When: 24-28 July, 2023 (In-person – Medical Corps is allowed 3-4 seats)
Where: DHHQ, Falls Church, Virginia (funded by applicant’s command)
Course Description: JSMLC is a five-day, CLASSROOM-ONLY course designed to enhance preparation of medical leaders (senior O-5s to O-6s) who have a high probability of being named as a Joint Task Force (JTF) Surgeon, JTF senior medical leader, or occupy a senior medical planning position in a joint environment. In addition, the course would be valuable for those serving in senior departments, training, and preparing forces for joint operations and deployment.
Course Prerequisite: 11 on-line modules found at the link below and completed on JKO.
Additional details here: https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Education-and-Training/DMRTI/Course-Information/Joint-Senior-Medical-Leaders-Course
The nomination process has changed. Prospective applicants should complete the attached form (DRMTI COP1) and email it directly to dha.jbsa.dha-metc.mbx.jmop@health.mil NLT May 19, 2023. Questions can also be directed to dha.jbsa.dha-metc.mbx.jmop@health.mil or 210-221-9231.
Joel Schofer's Career Planning Blog 