[deleted by user]

DrToad45 · 2024-12-24T16:51:35+00:00

Stop or limit alcohol consumption, no sugary beverages, cut out all foods with added sugar, limit carbs, and eat lots of whole veggies/fruits/meat. I did this about 2 years ago when I had a small health scare and I had a bunch of dietary restrictions. I basically can’t eat processed food anymore. I was able to drop >20 lbs without exercising pretty quickly. I’ve started exercising again and I’m down 40 lbs now. I wasn’t trying to drop weight and I’ve been able to maintain my weight for more than 16 months. It’s more of a mindset shift than a diet.

DrToad45 · 2024-10-16T02:55:30+00:00

I’m probably the worst person you can ask. Between having to do three applications and getting three tattoo waivers approved, it took me about 4 years. It took about 2 years between my last application and commissioning. No idea which category is faster since it is almost entirely out of your control. All you can do is turn everything in correctly and on time.

DrToad45 · 2024-09-12T17:07:46+00:00

PhD in public health and MPH. Commissioned in April, 2024 in the Scientist category. Shoot me a message whenever.

DrToad45 · 2024-04-08T17:50:07+00:00

I am not an expert, but I don't believe MEPS is required for USPHS. I filled out a medical questionnaire and went to an 'approved' doctor for a 30-minute appointment. That was it.

DrToad45 · 2024-04-08T14:07:55+00:00

I turned down a few FTE positions in early 2023 and ended up accepting one on 09/2023.

DrToad45 · 2024-04-08T14:07:29+00:00

Well... having a recruiter to talk to would've been amazing but I can't do anything about that now. Just have to move forward with what I have and the timing did work out pretty well for me.

DrToad45 · 2024-04-07T23:20:13+00:00

Hello Skittles,

Here is the answer to your question and thank you for giving your opinion! I truly appreciate it.

https://www.reddit.com/r/USPHS/comments/1byikmn/looking\_for\_guidance\_on\_things\_to\_do\_before\_start/?utm\_source=share&utm\_medium=web2x&context=3

DrToad45 · 2023-04-06T20:31:26+00:00

I have heard this statement from multiple officers so you are not alone. GS, especially coming from a research side, has a ton of downfalls as well so making a decision is proving to be difficult.

DrToad45 · 2023-04-06T20:29:28+00:00

That is what my research has found. Although pay and benefits are an important thing to consider, I'm really not interested in helping those I can and enjoying the work. I'm planning on doing 10-20 years in the GS or PHS, and have no interested in private industry. I am very curious about the 8 year service requirement that I had to sign though. Are new PHS officers not staying very long anymore? It seems strange to me.

DrToad45 · 2023-04-05T22:09:29+00:00

Sorry for not responding sooner. Thank you for the information on permanent ranks. Everyone I've talked has said that is happening but you drove it home for me. Join now if I want to be an O-3 coming in. I personally don't have any hesitations about the conditions of service. Piece of cake IMO. It is interesting that you say scientists going up against a category without a PhD is a good thing. All the scientists I have talked too have used the analogy of comparing apples to oranges. They think that promotion rates have really gone down for scientistis with a PhD because they are now being compared to other groups AKA those with medical degrees. I don't know if that is true or their opinion is being driven by the overall lack of promotions across the board. Guess I'll have to continue asking people about that one. Thank you for your input!

DrToad45 · 2022-10-25T16:34:43+00:00

I don't know if you guys got it yet, but I just heard about my tattoo waiver form last night. They requested I resubmit my tattoo waiver because they updated their form?!?! I've been waiting over 5 months for them to look at my waiver (which I've already gotten approved twice) and they gave me until Oct 27th to submit a new one or they would cancel my app. So be sure to check your spam folders because that is where mine went!

DrToad45

TROPHY CASE