Personal Statement

Quoted from the Air Force Personnel Center physician education website 21 Jun 2007:

"A personal essay is required from all Joint Service Graduate Medical Education Selection Board (JSGMESB) applicants and is the applicant's voice to the Selection Board.  The essay must be no more than one page (double spaced, Times New Roman, 10-12 pitch, approximately 250-350 words). The Selection Board is greatly influenced by this essay.  Using a four paragraph concept, outline personal/professional plans and goals, why you want to train in a particular specialty, and what strengths you bring to that specialty.  If the applicant has any extenuating circumstances for the selection board to consider, list them in the fourth paragraph. Examples would be dual active duty marriages, marriages to another medical student/Graduate Medical Education (GME) student, spouse is a member of another Service, critical family health concerns, etc.  Medical students who are requesting a civilian deferment for first choice training location over an active duty training location should use the fourth paragraph to briefly explain why you are asking for civilian deferment, especially if based on an extenuating circumstance.  Applicants with extenuating circumstances need to submit supporting documentation (i.e., marriage certificate, letter from a physician outlining health concerns, etc.) along with the personal essays. While this does not guarantee location selection, the panel will consider requests based on personal circumstances and the needs of the Air Force.  It is important to note that civilian deferment must be offered by the Integrated Forecast Board (IFB) in order for applicants to request this location."