Fast Facts 2008 June
June 2008 Fast Facts
Travel time is upon us and students will be going on Annual Training (AT) over the next several months. AT and its associated travel is a complex process and requires that students educate themselves on the process. There is extensive information available on both the website and in Chapter 5 of the handbook.
The link to the website is: http://navmedmpte.med.navy.mil/accessions/students/aa_at.cfm
The link to the handbook is:
http://navmedmpte.med.navy.mil/accessions/NAVMEDMPTE%201520.1B%20STUDENT%20PROGRAM%20HANDBOOK.pdf
Prior to requesting your AT, you need to update your annual verification, have a current HIV on file (required every 2 years) and submit a letter of acceptance from the AT site.
Points of Contact in the Accessions Department for AT are:
Travel -
Mr. Whitfield 301-319-4539 Vaughn.Whitfield@med.navy.mil
Ms. Carr 301-319-4540 Shirley.Carr@med.navy.mil
Mr. Green 301-319-4538 Jon.Green@med.navy.mil
HM2 Nichols - ODS 301-319-4534 Angela.Nichols@med.navy.mil
Frequent AT issues are:
1) Travel Location. Make sure the appropriate start location is entered into NROWS. This is the city from which your plane ticket will be purchased. If you do not enter a location here, it will automatically be assumed you are traveling from your home address as reflected in our database. We will return you to the city from which you began your travel.
2) Splitting ATs. You are permitted one travel location per AT. In other words, we will buy one plane ticket to and from a site. If you wish to work in several different rotations at the same location, you may do so, but you cannot split the 45 day AT period between two hospitals.
3) Travel Advances. Many students cannot afford to front the entire amount of food and lodging for an AT. You may request a travel advance of up to 80% of the local per diem rate. To do this, take a copy of your orders to the Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) associated with your AT location and request the advance. If you receive an AT advance, it is imperative to complete a travel claim as soon as you return from your orders (within 5 business days). If you fail to do so, this will be considered a debt to the government and your pay/stipend could be garnished.
4) Non-Availability Statements (NAS). All students must attempt to stay in the Bachelor Officer Quarters (BOQ) while on AT. If the BOQ is full and you are forced to stay in a local hotel, you will need a NAS from the BOQ in order to receive the full amount of the lodging per diem. It is not possible for NM MPT&E to give you an NAS after the fact. You will also need an NAS to receive the full meal per diem. The GME office can provide this statement.
5) Travel during ATs. While on orders, you are expected to remain in the area of your AT. Do not plan to travel outside that area while on orders.
6) Changing Plane Tickets. Tickets purchased on travel orders are full fare coach tickets. These tickets may be changed without a service charge. Should your travel arrangements change, you may modify your tickets by calling the airline directly. This can save you significant time and aggravation.
7) Reserve Center Check-in/Check-out. You will notice a line on your school orders to check in/out from active duty by either visiting or calling the Reserve Center. This is an automatic insertion into the orders and we cannot remove it. Our policy for school orders does not require you to do this. Your active duty pay will start and stop on its own. There is no need for the Reserve Center to do anything. The Reserve Center is not expecting you, and your contact with them frequently causes them confusion. You do not, and should not, check in with the Reserve Center despite what is stated in your School Orders. Contact MDAD if your pay does not appear in your account as expected.
8) Changes to Naval Order Writing System (NROWS). NROWS is the system used to request orders. It is not owned by MDAD and is subject to change without notice. Often times, students recognize changes before we do. If you have problems requesting orders despite following the provided directions, let us know ASAP so we can update the instructions.
Miscellaneous Information:
COMLEX/USMLE Scores.
By the HPSP Contract, students are required to take Step 1 following the completion of the second year and Step 2 by 15 September of the year prior to graduation. While MDAD has not specifically enforced this clause of the contract in the past, we are doing so now. Students need to be prompt in taking these required exams. Scheduling of both parts of Step 2 needs to be completed by 15 September and Mr. Pelot notified of the date (for medical students). Scheduling the initial examination after 1 January is unacceptable. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in stoppage of stipend and cancellation of AT orders. Completion of all parts of Step 1 and 2 are required in order to be superceded to LT. For students with less than stellar Step 1 scores, significant improvement on Step 2 can enhance your ability to obtain the internship of your choice.
All 2009 Grads should submit a copy of their Step 1 scores to Mr. Pelot now. 2010 grads should be competing Step 1 and have their scores in by 15 September 08. Scan and e-mail is the recommended method. You may e-mail him at Joseph.Pelot@med.navy.mil.
For 2009 Grads: We need an updated graduation date for you. This will impact your promotion to Lieutenant and when your stipend ceases. This form can be found at:
http://navmedmpte.med.navy.mil/accessions/forms/GRADUATION%20AYS.doc
New Stipend. As of 1 Jul 09, the stipend will increase to $1907 per month. Yeah!
Medical Records for ODS. All medical records are automatically sent to ODS. No additional request is needed.
New Addition to Website. A new section has been added to the website to assist you when it is time to enter active duty. Check out this link. http://navmedmpte.med.navy.mil/accessions/students/COActiveDuty.cfm
Additional Uniform Allowance: HPSP/FAP/NADDS officers reporting for their first active duty assignment, are eligible for a $200 Uniform and Equipment Allowance. The DoD Financial Management Regulation (FMR), DoD 7000.14-R, Volume 7A, Chapter 30 (October 2005), Paragraph 300301 addresses an additional active duty uniform allowance that can be requested via the individual’s chain of command and processed by their Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) AFTER that officer has been onboard at the Command for 90 (continuous) days of active duty. The additional active duty uniform allowance is payable to qualified officers in the amount of $200, and is in addition to the initial $400 one-time clothing allowance that officers receive after completing Officer Development School or their first annual training while they are in the HPSP program. Officers must:
· Request this additional uniform allowance in writing.
· Submit the request through the Chain of Command for approval.
· Have the Personnel Support Detachment process the payment.
