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Service Branches
Work Environment
Field physicians and surgeons work in hospitals and clinics on land and aboard ships as well as in the field.
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Military Status
Officer
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Average Military Salary
$122,465
Overview
Field physicians and surgeons conduct medical examinations and treatments related to specific environmental conditions (e.g., diving and sea operations, flight operations). They may also provide emergency care for injured and wounded soldiers. These physicians and surgeons may be required to live and work in combat environments.
Military Training
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for field physicians and surgeons primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments. Scholarships for advanced medical training are available in return for an obligated period of military service. Qualifying students benefit through unique training experiences and get to attend certain military short courses designed to develop tactical technical and operational skills unique to the military environment. Like other officers working in healthcare they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities orientation to military structure healthcare and etiquette traditions and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include:
- Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety/TeamSTEPPS® Essentials and Fundamentals
- Aviation/Field Medicine
- Mishap Investigation and Prevention
- Operational Aeromedical Problems
- Senior Leadership
- Joint Operations Medical Management
Helpful Attributes
- Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely
- Desire to help others
- Professionalism
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Curiosity
- Decision-making and integration skills
- Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail
Interested in the medical field?
Lt. Col. Julie Fung-Hayes, an emergency physician and flight surgeon, shares why she loves serving in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Length :31 View TranscriptTranscription
Just when I think that, "oh my gosh this is the most fun wonderful thing that I've done. I do something else and I learned more of myself. I meet more amazing people and I become a richer person in terms of what I appreciate and why. I am Julie from haze I am an emergency physician serving in the Army Reserve and proud to do so.
Interested in the medical field?
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