Coming to this thread a bit late... my apologies.
I graduated the 18D course in 92. Recently, as a physician, I've had opportunity to work with a few 18D candidates undergoing their clinical proficiency training at my hospital.
I am amazed at how smart these guys are, and their clinical decision-making skills.
I wish I could say I was that good at a similar point in my education (of course I was
but I digress)... but my point here, is that as far as medical knowledge goes, any concerns I had about when the course moved to the "new facility" at Bragg have generally been alleviated.
Of course, I can't speak about the hundred other skills, and maturity, judgement, etc, that make up an operator, just this one.
"Good job" to the guys working the 18D course nowadays. Keep 'em coming...