I-DAY MEDICAL SCREENING

I have been in Alumni Hall as a physician doing the medical screenings for the past 4-5 years. This is what happens.

Plebes go through the regular in-processing first, head over to get their blood drawn and then end up in medical screening. Do not be surprised if you hear that your Plebe has passed out before, during, or after the blood drawing. They have wheelchairs and cots standing by. Every cot and chair has filled with pale, shaky Plebes, every time I have walked over to the blood drawing station. It is a combination of the early hour (probably with no breakfast), the anxiety, and of course, seeing others passing out, plus so many tubes being drawn at once. I-day is a scary day. The Plebes have been working toward that goal for many years and the emotions of leaving home and entering the military have sunk in. I tell you about this just to prepare you. There is no shame in passing out and many of them will. Don't worry about it. They will be fine. Just don't be surprised if your Plebe mentions this, brush it off.

Once in the medical screening area, the Navy Docs do everything they can to make this a positive experience. We are told that this is the Plebes first experience with military medicine and we want them to see smiling faces and friendly people. We spend time with the Plebes reviewing their paperwork, checking the prescriptions they brought and any accompanying notes from their doctors, check for medical waivers, and if needed, refer them to see a specialist. On I-day there will be cardiologists, orthopedics, allergists, dermatologists, and other sub-specialists. Some Mids will get hung up in medical and may be late getting over to Bancroft Hall (e.g. they need IV fluids from a recent illness, or they tell us they sprained their ankle before reporting).

Two of your moderator's Plebes were tied up in medical until the mid to late afternoon. It happens; they have to have a few more tests, that's all. They will be able to handle it. Each year, about 5 or more incoming Plebes do not make it to the induction ceremony because in medical we find something that prevents them from taking the oath - a recent injury or illness is the most common cause.

Plebes should bring copies of their waivers (although the USNA has been outstanding at having all of the paperwork done in their new medical records recently), copies of doctor's notes, and the prescriptions in bottles with the original label. Definitely send enough for 8 weeks at a minimum, as they don't have time to take care of getting refills during the summer. We sometime rewrite the prescriptions for them so they can have a medication that is carried in the military formulary.

I would not send an original anything with them, copies only. It is a hectic day; I wouldn't want anything to get lost.

Barbara Craig, MD

CAPT, MC, USN (Retired)

Moderator

ENS Samantha 2005