Selection Process

The military "match" occurs before the civilian "match" so that those not selected for military GME still has time to apply for civilian GME. Applications begin to be submitted in September of the fourth year of medical school and must be complete before November. The Joint Service GME Selection Board (JSGMESB) will meet in late November to decide where everyone will be going. Results are released in mid-December. Exact dates, deadlines, as well as applications, can be found on the service specific websites.

Applicants are also encouraged to interview for the programs they are interested in. The 2007 Military GME interview evaluation form can be downloaded by clicking the link below.

Needless to say that a good impression on your potential residency director goes a long way. Students are encouraged to schedule a 3rd or 4th year clerkship where they hope to do your residency. This enables the student to decide whether or not their choice would be a good fit for them and it gives the staff a chance to get to know the potential applicants.

Scoring Sheets

Many programs use the same scoring system for rating GME applications. The Air Force is rumored to be more strict about following the scoring process. The Army and the Navy are less strict about following the system down to the letter. Some residency programs have their own unique criteria. All services try to take into account the entire application, and not just the parts that can be specifically awarded points. Nonetheless, an understanding of the JSGMEB "point system" can be useful when putting together an application. Medical students can earn a maximum of 10 points. Two points for your first two years of medical school and your USMLE Step 1 score, three points for your third year of medical school and your USMLE Step 2 score, and the five remaining points for your interviews/essays/letters of recommendation/etc. "Extra Credit" points are also given for prior military service and research. These same scoring sheets are used for those applying for fellowships, second residencies, and other training opportunities. For a copy of the scoring sheets used by the 2009 JSGMEB, click below. For an explanation of the scoring sheets also click below.

General Medical Officer (GMO)

Navy students, as well as some Air Force and Army students are allowed to serve as General Medical Officers (GMO) after internship and before they complete a residency. They serve as primary care providers for select military units, offer medical advice to commanders, and also serve in occupational health capacities. They also practice flight medicine and dive medicine. This is an excellent operational experience for those who choose to do it. These tours of duty typically last two or more years. Such opportunities are being phased out of the military. For those who are able to do it, they can earn up to five more points on their GME application for residency. About 30% of Navy students still serve GMO tours. Due to the current trend to eventually phase out GMOs, less serve in the Army and Air Force. These billets still exist, but are being filed by residency trained physicians.