Overview

Peripheral vascular surgeons treat patients with arterial, venous and lymphatic circulatory diseases that are not within the heart, thoracic aorta and intracranial vessels. As an officer on the U.S. Army health care team, you can build a distinguished medical career while making a difference in the lives of the Soldiers and their families.

Job Duties

• Examine, diagnose and treat or perform surgery for peripheral arterial diseases
  
• Exercise command of medical units as provided by law and regulation
  
• Perform staff functions in health support for commanders at all levels
  
• Medical research on diseases of military importance
  
• Participate in graduate medical education and train other personnel
  
• Serve unique duty positions for the peripheral vascular surgery service and the medical school faculty
  

Requirements

Active Duty

• Doctor of medicine/osteopathy degree from an accredited U.S. school (foreign graduates may apply if they have a permanent certificate from the Educational Commission of Foreign Medical Graduates)
  
• Current license to practice medicine in the United States, District of Columbia or Puerto Rico
  
• Eligibility for board certification
  
• Completion of at least one year of an approved Graduate Medical Education internship
  
• Completion of a training program in vascular surgery
  
• Must be between 21 and 42 years of age (may request a waiver)
  
• Must be a U.S. citizen
  
  

Army Reserve

• In addition to the above qualifications, permanent U.S. residency is required for Reserve duty officers.
  

Training

Job training for an Army medical officer includes first-year graduate medical education, residency and fellowship programs. 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.

As an Army Medical Corps officer, you’ll have access to the most sophisticated technologies and the opportunity to consult with experts in both the military and private sectors.

Helpful Skills

• Ability to make accurate, immediate decisions
  
• Perform under stress
  
• Apply critical technical and thinking skills
  
• Tremendous concentration
  

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

Compensation

Active Duty
In addition to the many privileges that come from being on the U.S. Army health care team, you’ll also be rewarded with:

• 30 days of paid vacation earned annually
  
• Noncontributory retirement benefits with 20 years of qualifying service
  
• No-cost or low-cost medical and dental care for you and your family
  
  

Army Reserve

• Health Professional Special Pay
  
• Health Professionals Loan Repayment
  
• Noncontributory retirement benefits at age 60 with 20 years of qualifying service
  
• Low-cost life and dental insurance, and travel opportunities
  
  

Active Duty & Reserve

• Commissary/Post exchange shopping privileges
  
• Flexible retirement savings/investment plan similar to a 401(k)
  
• Paid continuing education and specialized training
  

Education Benefits

Active Duty
Surgeons are eligible to receive pay for their tuition and malpractice premiums and are also given opportunities to serve at higher levels of leadership.

The Army Medical Corps pays 100 percent of a student’s tuition, as well as expenses for required books, equipment and most academic fees. Medical students may also be eligible to receive a sign-on bonus, and active duty physicians can earn up to $120,000 in student loan repayment.

Army Reserve
If you are a physician in certain specialties, you may qualify for HPLR to repay your medical school loans.