Peace Corps Medical Review

I wrote the other day about being nominated by my Peace Corps recruiter. That was the first real milestone towards accomplishing my goal of joining the Peace Corps. Now I’ve got to clear the next hurdle; the medical review.

It’s not that I’m concerned that I’m not healthy enough to handle the assignment. I know I am. The challenge in this phase of the application process is the mountain of paperwork and appointments I have to deal with. And maybe worst of all, a lot of the cost will be out of my pocket. Ouch! The Peace Corps will reimburse some of the expense, but I’m not sure it’s going to cover all the tests.

What is a medical review all about?

When I filled out my application, I had to complete a medical questionnaire. Any question with an answer other than“No“ must now be reviewed by a doctor. That means because I had problems with acne, I have to get it checked over. That bladder infection four years ago, it’s got to be followed-up on. In all, there are four things in my medical history that’ll have to be reviewed. I’ll also have to get a physical, even though I just had one done a couple months ago. Really, not a big deal.

Then there’s my vaccination history. This is where I’m a little concerned. When I was younger, I moved around quite a bit. I’m not sure how I’ll find this information, and even if I can, I doubt I’m current on my vaccines. I haven’t had any sort of shot in about a decade…at least. I’m fairly certain I’ll be walking out of this appointment feeling like a pin cushion. I’m not really looking forward to it.

Next is a psychiatric review. After I found out my girlfriend of three years was cheating on me (yet again), we broke up and I sought counseling to help deal with my emotions. Because of this treatment (which amounted to about three visits to talk with a therapist) I need to have a psychiatric evaluation and write a “personal statement” for the Peace Corps. I’m not really sure what I’m going to write. “I loved a girl, she broke my heart. I needed someone to talk to. I was confused.”

Also, apparently somewhere in the questionnaire they asked about my history of smoking cigarettes. I’d smoked a few cigarettes when I was about nine years old, and I must have answered some question to the affirmative because there is a statement from the Peace Corps about the health problems associated with smoking. I had to laugh because I haven’t touched a cigarette in…well, I can’t even remember. Maybe since I was nine!

I have to see a dentist and have x-rays taken (which have to be submitted to the Peace Corps). I haven’t been to a dentist in a couple of years, so this is something I really ought to do anyway. And finally, I need to have an eye exam. It’s been about a year or so since my last one, so it’s about time for another.

A doctor, a dentist, a shrink, an optometrist…lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

All of this has to be done as soon as possible, since the review process that happens after I submit my medical information could take up to six months. I hope it won’t take that long, I have a life to plan in case I’m not accepted into the Peace Corps! You’ll know more when I do! Stay tuned for more updates!

A Nomination to Serve in the Peace Corps

You might remember that I had an interview with a Peace Corps recruiter about two months ago. You may also recall that I thought I’d really blown the interview. Even as I was answering the questions, I knew I was making mistakes. And of course, all the “right” answers came flooding into my mind as soon as I’d stepped outside and began reflecting on the questions I’d been asked. Argh!

About a week ago, the email I’d been waiting for (and sort of dreading) since the interview finally arrived. Here’s what my recruiter had to say:

Dear Mr. Severson,

I am pleased to nominate you for the following Peace Corps assignment: Environmental Education/ Awareness scheduled to depart for Africa in April 2012.

This doesn’t mean I’ve been accepted into the Peace Corps, but it is a step in the right direction. So what’s next?

From the Peace Corps:

A nomination is a recommendation that an applicant move to the next stage of consideration; the medical, legal, suitability, and competitive reviews. You should expect to receive further requests for information during these reviews. It is important to respond to any requests quickly and completely. We cannot move forward with the review process unless all requested information is in your file.

As a result of your nomination, the Office of Medical Services (OMS) will review your Health Status Review and mail you a Medical Forms package that outlines the requirements for physical, dental, and eye exams. Please schedule your exams as soon as you receive this package and promptly submit all requested information. If you have questions, a Customer Service Representative in OMS will assist you.

If you are medically qualified and legally cleared, your application will be evaluated by a Peace Corps Placement Officer for suitability and competitiveness. You may be contacted at this point for additional information including an update on the status or completion of any previously requested volunteer experience or language coursework. Please note you are responsible for informing the Placement Legal Office if there are any changes to your legal status.

If you are selected for service, a Placement Officer will work to match you with an opening, taking into account your skills, availability, necessary medical accommodations, and the needs of our host countries. If this match is made, you will receive a written invitation to serve in a specific country as well as a job description. Please keep in mind that the program to which you were initially nominated may not be the program to which you are ultimately invited.

Congratulations on moving to the next stage of consideration for Peace Corps service.

This might be the single most life-changing goal on my list. If I’m accepted into the Peace Corps, I know it will be a huge turning point in my life. I’m excited, and a little nervous…in a good way!