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Military Physicians and Surgeons

Military Career

General Information

Description

Physicians and surgeons in the Military provide comprehensive medical care to military personnel and their families. They examine patients, diagnose and treat diseases, provide medication, and perform surgery. Some military physicians and surgeons work in the field, providing support to deployed personnel. Others specialize in a specific type of medicine.

Explore this career outside the Military

Work Environment

Physicians and surgeons work in hospitals and clinics on land and aboard ships.

Comparable Industries

  • Health Science

Related Military Careers

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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Officer
    • Managerial/professional
    • College degree required

Military Workforce

Physicians and Surgeons in the Military

3,740

No Information for this section

Salary

Salary Information

Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$132,609

Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.

$53,011 - $362,582

What makes up a Military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

No Information for this section

Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Post-doctoral training 48%
  • Doctoral degree 40%
  • First professional degree 8%
  • Bachelor's degree 4%
  • High school 0%
  • Some college 0%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Associate's degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • Post-secondary certificate 0%

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 physicians and surgeons primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments. Advanced courses and programs in medical specialties are available, as well as residency and fellowship programs, access to sophisticated technologies, research methods, and opportunities to consult with leading military and civilian researchers, in addition to other professional growth opportunities such as attending professional development courses, research seminars, and academic conferences. In addition, 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 LeadershipJoint Operations Medical Management

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Military training

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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 physicians and surgeons primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments. Advanced courses and programs in medical specialties are available, as well as residency and fellowship programs, access to sophisticated technologies, research methods, and opportunities to consult with leading military and civilian researchers, in addition to other professional growth opportunities such as attending professional development courses, research seminars, and academic conferences. In addition, 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

Knowledge

  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Psychology
  • Biology
  • Education and Training

Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.