Fast Facts 2008 September

September 2008 Fast Facts

OH E-Mail. Many of you have noticed return e-mail when you send messages to OH@med.navy.mil. These messages will inform you that your message did not reach one or more of its intended recipients. OH e-mail is a distribution list that goes to all staff of MDAD. With limited space in our mailboxes, individuals may have their mailboxes filled during periods of leave, travel or deployment. Let us assure you, that although it may not reach everyone in MDAD at any given time, we receive the e-mails. Resending these large files multiple times exacerbates the problem and fills other mailboxes more quickly. If you have doubts as to whether the message was received, resend a text only message asking just that question. We will respond as quickly as possible.

Reimbursements: The start of the academic year is a particularly busy time for our Reimbursement Section. With many students purchasing books and equipment for the new academic year, there is always an increase in activity for this section. Added to that, we have a new reimbursement technician. We welcome Ms. Benita Fundersburg to our staff. Mr. Washirapunya has moved on to other endeavors and we wish him well. Please be patient, your claims are being processed. Despite this turnover, you should still receive your reimbursement within 45 days of submission. E-mailing your claims to OH@med.navy.mil is the most efficient method of submission. Please send your receipts, Dean’s certificate and SF 1164 in PDF format and be sure to save a copy for your records should it need to be resent.

Travel Claims after AT. If you execute orders which include travel, you must submit a travel claim. Even attending Officer Development School results in the need for a travel claim! If you did not stay in the Bachelors Officer Quarters (BOQ), you need a Non-availability statement in order to be reimbursed for the hotel expense. This can be obtained from the BOQ office. You will also need a “Messing Not Available” statement to receive full meal per diem. The GME office will usually provide this. You should submit your travel claim within 5 working days of return. Scan and e-mail it to OH@med.navy.mil.

Educational Leave Without Pay (LWOP). Students requesting time to pursue additional degrees, research, or other fellowships, must officially request a time to do so. This process is called “Voluntary LWOP.” You should submit your request to CDR(ret) Smith, the MDAD registrar. Your request should include:

1) A formal written request with outline of timing.

2) Current Transcript.

3) Motivational statement explaining the program and why it benefits the Navy.

4) Statement of good standing from your school. (You cannot voluntarily take LWOP if you are not in good standing.)

5) Board Scores if applicable

Voluntary LWOP requests are based on the needs of the Navy and the number of students graduating in the original year of graduation and the proposed year. As a rule, these requests are denied, but in certain circumstances, they may be approved.

Google Group Listserv for Navy Medical Students. There is an active Google group for med students. You may go to http://navyhpsp.net

 and request entry.  It is only for active HPSP students.  This site provides a place for discussion, questions and advice.  While Dr. McLean is the best source for advice, this provides a non-threatening arena to get  information.  Disclaimer:  The staff at MDAD does not have access to this site, so we cannot endorse the information passed.

For our upcoming 2009 graduates please remember:

Handbook: 3-1 (4)e. “Graduating students will not be reimbursed for purchases made within 45 days prior to their graduation date or the date of completion of their academic requirements, whichever is earlier. Reimbursement claim should be received in MDAD no later than 45 days prior to graduation.”

What this means to you is that you will NOT be reimbursed if your claim is received after your graduation date. So remember to get your reimbursements in to MDAD in a timely manor. Plan ahead.

Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) applications for 2009 medical graduates. There are still a few medical students who have not completed their ERAS applications. This is the only way for residency program directors to evaluate you for placement in the 2009 Intern Class. Failure to complete this application will likely result in your placement in an area in which you do not wish to train. Get it in. The Navy application closes on 31 October. Program directors will be ranking you during the first two weeks of November. The Navy GME-1 application also needs to be completed. This tells us where you want to go.