Everything's better in blue. http://cubeupload.com/im/vc2bg1.jpg

It works tremendously well. IMO, the first two points any Op should get for leveling are 2/2 Incisive Action in Medicine. Honestly, these are the only two healing talents you NEED to have until 40. On-demand Tactical Advantage and a faster casting heal are essential. After doing that, go down Conceal until you can get Lacerate and the other talents on its level, or in Lethality until you get Corrosive Grenade and the talents on that level. Then go back and fill in the medicine tree, if you're planning on going healing, or keep going down the DPS trees if that's your thing. Here are my suggestions for starting specs for leveling as a Hybrid: Concealment - http://www.torhead.com/skill-calc#401MZMIModz.1 Lethality - http://www.torhead.com/skill-calc#401MZZhrbkr.1 (On Lethality, I would immediately pick up Imperial Brew before going down Medicine... nice boost to poison damage.)

Betty White. You know you want it.

The other thing about playing PT is picking a spec that you'll enjoy. I rolled a PT speccing in up-close damage. Basically anything that buffed Rocket Punch, and then focused on survivability after that. Here's the spec I used (for PVE): http://www.torhead.com/skill-calc#301hMGrdoroGZMsr0oZb.1 Not saying it's the best spec or anything, but I thought it was fun, and it allowed me to solo or run FPs and still do good DPS.

The only hurdle to playing a PT, imo, is getting past the first few levels (after picking your AC at 10). PTs start off (seemingly) a little less powerful than other classes, but ramp up after about 14-20. Again, just my experience.

Most classes can, by the end of Coruscant/DK, solo Esseles/Black Talon. So you can at least get an orange chest piece for your companion that way (though it may take several runs).

I've found two specs that have really helped with leveling. They're both heal-heavy hybrids. It allows you to do some decent damage while still being a respectable healer for flashpoints and group missions. And if you're smart, you can solo just about any 2+ in the game. Note: I suggest, for both builds, to start with 2 points in Incisive action and then head down the DPS tree. Being able to bring up TAs while healing is indespensible. And it lets you switch pretty effortlessly into the healing role. --- Medicine/Lethality http://www.torhead.com/skill-calc#401rffMzhoRzZhZhrbkM.1 Allows for strong DoTs, letting you sit back a bit and give you breathing space while healing. Edit: Adjusted a mistake in the spec. --- Medicine/Concealment http://www.torhead.com/skill-calc#401rffMzhoRzZMIModzZ0z.1 My personal favorite simply because it feels less passive. Also gives the run speed and stealth boost and Revitalizers is great for reducing down-time. --- Both specs go 25 into Medicine simply because a fully specced Surgical Probe is just that good (and why not improve Tox Screen while you're there). YMMV, obviously, but I thought I might bring them up to let other people give them a try.

Personally, I would get rid of Prognosis: Critical and get Chem-Resistant Inlays. Diagnostic Scan just isn't worth it unless you have Patient Studies, too, and even then it's not great, IMO. And maybe drop Lethality for Surgical Precision and Medical Therapy. A fully talented Surgical Probe is just that good. Edit: Also, you may consider Precision Instruments over Sedatives, at least if you're grouping or doing things at high level more than leveling. It's good for leveling, but in group situations, it's effect just doesn't prevent enough damage to be worthwhile (and from what I've heard it causes a lot of aggro).

A problem I've been noticing with SWTOR is the lack of communication happening on various servers. Be it on random planets or in Fleet or even within guilds (what should be the pinnacle of the social interaction in an MMO), people just aren't talking. Why is this a problem, you may ask? Aside from being antipodal to the concept of an MMO, this lack of communication negatively effects YOUR gameplay. -Looking for a group to do a mission or a flashpoint or warzone? -Confused about a game mechanic? -Looking for that elusive datacron? -Trying to find a guild? -Just plain bored? These are just a few of the reasons to start taking communication seriously. If no one communicates, it makes it harder for people to take full advantage of the game. And the fewer people that DO communicate, the harder it is for people to get in the mood to communicate. Someone needs to be the icebreaker, and it should be everyone's responsibility to be that person. To end this post, I'll put up a few suggestions and tips that might help facilitate communication on your server: 1. Chat. Chat chat chat chat chat chat chat chat chat chat chat. Honestly, it doesn't really matter about what. Do try to be polite and if appropriate, on game topics, and try to avoid things like politics and religion (there are perfectly valid reasons and places/times to talk about those subjects, but an anonymous game chat isn't one of them). Keep it casual. Have fun with whatever it is you want to talk about. 1a. Don't worry if you're new to MMOs. Most players are good people. If you need help, ask for it. You may get a smart-*** answer at first, but if you keep it polite, someone will usually help you. 1b. Help people that ask for it. It'll take you 5 seconds. They'll adore you for it. You can earn hordes of minions this way. Win-win. 2. Try not to get offended. Hard for a lot of people, I know. But will what some person you don't know that says something you don't like in a video game's chat screen really effect your life? The answer is likely, "No." 2a. Don't feed the trolls. They like it when you get offended. They feed on it like succulent meat. /ignore them (or, if you feel more practiced, turn-about is fair play... but that is only for the more experienced socialite). 2b. Use the /ignore feature. If someone really is bothering you, /ignore them and move on. 3. Don't get into a shouting match with someone. You're not going to change anyone's mind in this setting. Learn to let someone else have the last word, even if you disagree with every fiber of your being. Don't get into the trap of thinking it's "Letting them win." They're probably a troll. If they get you to think that, they've already won. 4. /friend your friends. Simple. 4a. /ignore your not-friends. Simple. 5. Try to use correct spelling/grammar. I'm not saying you have to be perfect or never use acronyms or anything like that. But people do, in my experience, respond better if you make the effort. 6. Learn to adjust your chat tabs. Right click on the tabs to open the options. Learn to switch between tabs for various things. And don't think you need to constantly watch the chat window for game info. There honestly isn't a lot of critical, non-social information that goes on there. 7. Remember that it's just a game. Have fun. That's an order.

I'm on a tuuuuuuuuuube!

A lower-back holster wouldn't be bad, either (a la Mass Effect).

Your faith in your grammar is yours!