September 1, 2020
Summer Training Recaps
Military training across all branches faced challenges this spring and summer with COVID-19 impacting normal operations. The pandemic mandated quarantine periods, social distancing guidelines, restriction of movement (ROM) and isolation procedures to protect trainees and reduce infection exposures while still providing necessary training and effective class and field training opportunities. Despite COVID, one thing stayed constant: trainees continued to make bonds with each other through their shared experience at their training schools.
Army DCC/BOLC
Usually a hands-on course, DCC training was done entirely remote. Trainees quarantined completely for the entire first 3 weeks, and only were able to leave their rooms for field training during the last week. All the lessons were done online or trainees had to call through their mobile device if the online platform was not working for them.
2Lt K. Nguyen reflects on her experiences: "I wish I would have brought more books to read, and more activities to do in my room. I knew we were quarantined for at least 2 weeks so at least I brought workout equipment to do in my room. We were not even allowed to go running outside...The only times we left the room were for chow. We stood outside, 6 feet apart, in line for food in the morning and in the evening for dinner. Although this experience was not what I had expected, I greatly appreciate our cadre for constantly thinking on their feet to come up with solutions to a multitude of problems that came up."
At BOLC, with a quarantine for the first two weeks, trainings looked a little different from normal but students were still able to participate in most of the usual exercises. Although the traditional portion of the lecture course was held via video conference meetings, students were able to spend a little over a week in the field completing the necessary qualifications to complete the course. The exercises ranged from Land Navigation and Weapons Qualification to operating and leading a Role 1 and Role 2 for medical treatment.
Air Force OTS
At Maxwell Air Force Base, trainees experienced similar conditions as they were quarantined for two weeks while they waited for their COVID results. Once clear, they were allowed more freedom within their squadrons and most activities without masks. However, their movement on base was limited to mostly the OTS campus.
During training and academic hours students followed specific flight paths and entrances to avoid intermingling between different squadrons. Squadrons had designated times and areas to keep squadrons from mixing.
Due to social distancing guidelines between different squadrons, much of field training, physical fitness, and lectures were limited. Some classes were taught online and through recordings. However, the leadership courses, field training, trauma combat casualty care (TCCC) and reactionary exercises engaged and challenged them to lead and work as a team.
Navy ODS
Trainees at ODS faced the same challenges of isolation when training schools were adapting to COVID in May. However, as operations caught their stride as they proceeded into summer, trainees were allowed to do more activities instead of being cooped up in their rooms. Initially, they were quarantined in the Navy Inn and Suites and took online classes with socially distanced meetings in the halls. This was broken up with their PT and marching in the field.
Negative test results signaled more freedom and trainees were released to King Hall. ODS was almost normal but masks and social distancing were still mandatory. Trainees movement on base was severely limited and the traditional Newport and Boston liberty weekends were cancelled. Lt Dull who attended in May recalls, "Like most people that I’ve talked to who experienced ODS before and during COVID, I strongly bonded with my class, made many good friends, and enjoyed a wide variety of unique experiences."
While no one is entirely sure of the progression or changes with COVID, officer training next year may look the same, different, or revert back to the way it was prior. A BOLC guide will be shared in the coming months to help you prepare if you attend in the near future! If you would like to know more about any of the branch trainings or if you have any other questions in the meantime, reach out to your branch reps!
Army Representative: samopsarmyrep@gmail.com
Air Force: samopsUSAFrep@gmail.com
Navy: samopsUSNRep@gmail.com
Virtual Interviewing Tips
In light of the impact that COVID-19 has had on many aspects of our lives, we have adapted to the “new normal” of virtual interactions, especially when it comes to the interview and recruitment process. While there are some fundamental features that are still the same, interviews are now being reformatted and technology presents challenges to applicants and institutions. Below are some tips from fellow SAMOPS members that have been through the virtual interview process that will help you feel prepared and allow you to present your best virtually.
1. Test your equipment
Check your internet connectivity and make sure your camera and microphone are working. Do a practice session before to make sure everything is working! Log in a few minutes early to not only be on time, but have a chance to work out any glitches if you need to.
2. Set the scene and minimize distractions
Find a space with optimal lighting and minimize or altogether avoid backlighting from windows. Make sure the background is tidy and unobtrusive. Limit the background distractions and noise, and ensure the focus stays on you. Turn off the TV, silence your phone, close nearby windows or alert others so they know that you are interviewing. Wear headphones/mic if you can so minimize background noise.
3. Camera placement is key!
During in-person interactions we are able to make eye contact, but virtual interviews make this so much harder. Ensure that the camera sits at eye level. Place the camera in a spot that makes appear as if you are still looking at your interviewer and not something off to the side.
4. You’re ALWAYS on camera!
Be aware of your body language, facial expressions, and nonverbal communication during the interview. This is still similar to an in-person interviews, but without that physical reminder of a person in a room with you, your guard might slip!
5. Be professional
It might be at home, but you still have to look your best! Adhere to any dress guidelines or at the minimum business casual attire.
6. Confidence!
Practice and know your answers and common interview questions! Know your answers beforehand, but avoid being robotic or overly rehearsed. Just because you’re in front of the computer doesn’t mean you can search the web for answers mid-interview – so don’t be clicking around. Run a few practice rounds with friends or family. Again being on camera makes it much harder to make that connection with your interviewer, but be yourself and be expressive.
7. It’s a conversation - Be yourself
The program directors are trying to get to know you and see if you fit in with their program. Relax. Be yourself. Practice or write out the "tell me about yourself" question to avoid rambling. The most common questions that come up:
Tell me about yourself.
Why this specialty?
Why this program/hospital?
What about you makes this a great match?
It’s also important to find out if their program fits you, so have questions ready.
Service & Fitness: PNWU's Hero Challenge
On Monday, August 31st, Pacific Northwest University SAMOPS chapter launched the Hero Challenge, a five-week online fitness competition highlighting the heroes who have sacrificed much to ensure our freedoms. The competition allows participants to safely compete against friends, family, and neighbors from the comfort and safety of their own homes. All proceeds from the event will support Team RWB, an organization which strives to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.
This competition is open to everyone, regardless of a participant's past experience with fitness. Workouts will be posted on the group’s website weekly and can be performed with limited to no fitness equipment.
Registration is free but we highly encourage a donation to help out Team RWB. Additionally, a donation of $20 gets you an AWESOME shirt.
Registration is extended till Sept 4th, register Now!
Mentorship
Calling all SAMOPS members!
Are you in need of a physician mentor in the field of your interest? Look no further.
As you are aware, the path to becoming a military physician is long and difficult. The purpose of the SAMOPS Mentorship Program is to give students an opportunity to ask an AMOPS physician first-hand questions about military rotations, residencies, specialties, etc. The program is designed to “match” an AMOPS physician with a SAMOPS student. Once matched with a mentor, our hope is that students can develop a meaningful and professional relationship. Through this experience, students can gain insight into the profession and seek advice, which may help in decision-making processes. Below is a link to register with the SAMOPS Mentorship Program. The information you input will be available to the SAMOPS Board. Upon match-time, you will receive an email confirming your match along with the contact information of your matched AMOPS Physician.
PLEASE VISIT : https://amops.org/mentorship-program for more information and to fill out a short application form so we can best match you to a mentor.
Please note you must be a SAMOPS member in order to participate: please visit: https://amops.org/student-membership-benefits/ on how to become a member
Are you already a physician in the military? Are you looking to mold the minds of young physicians and guide them to success? Please consider becoming a mentor: find out more information here: https://amops.org/mentorship-program/
Please reach out to: SAMOPSMentorship@gmail.com for any further questions.
AMOPS Research 2021 Abstracts
We are now accepting submissions for abstracts for the 2021 AMOPS Conference, that will be held in Washington, DC!
Who may submit?
- Medical students
- Residents
- General Medical Officers (GMO) with one year of postgraduate training (PGY-1)
What Type of Research is accepted?
- Original Research
- Case Reports
- Quality Improvement/Process Improvement Projects
- Must follow Military Decision Making, PDCA, Lean Six Sigma or other process
Additional Criteria:
- Submitting author must have completed the majority of the writing and research, and must be registered and in attendance of the 2021 national meeting http://amops.org/annual-meeting-2021/
- Abstracts should be less than 300 words. Do not include references
- Printed Poster Size: 48” W x 36” H
- After acceptance, presenters may submit a PDF copy of poster to https://forms.gle/yXs7ABPH9cY5dT2S7
Questions: research@amops.org
Submissions accepted until January 15, 2021
SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT HERE: https://forms.gle/RV5G6MKXVaVaeBh76
Check out our recent podcasts if you haven't caught up yet. One features Dr. August and pediatrics. An earlier podcast features CDR Dierks and explores the her experiences as a Undersea Medical Officer (UMO).