Operational Medicine

This four week rotation is choose your own adventure. The default would be splitting your time between 2 weeks at the Navy Special Warfare Center (NSWC) BUD/S medical clinic and Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) medical clinics. If possible, try to dedicate at least some time to both locations because they have been gracious enough to welcome us, so it is important that we support them when able. That being said, this rotation is an opportunity to participate in military courses (eg: Valkyrie, rifle, pistol), medical exercises (Camp Pendleton battalion exercises), and possibly even give briefs to special communities (eg: Ultrasound, EMS). About 2-4 weeks before your rotation, reach out to Dr. Nguyen (alexandrednguyen@gmail.com) and/or Sam Billingslea (208-819-7392) to discuss upcoming opportunities. Remember that during this rotation, you are an LT in the Operational World, which is a big difference from being an LT in the Hospital. The enlisted watch everything you do, so be a good example. It is your responsibility during this rotation to manage your own schedule. Use the time to expose yourself to as many communities as possible to gain insight into future career goals. 

What to expect from MCRD 

- Hours are 0700-1700 (usually finish by 1600). You will huddle with the team at 0700 then start seeing patients after. Attendance on weekends was not expected while I was there.

- Lunch is from 1100-1300. Bring PT gear if you want to participate in exercise with staff during lunch break. There are showers in the clinic.

- Bring your favorite MSK resource (think...Ortho Bullets!)