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General Surgeon (61J)
Overview
At the forefront of innovation in a wide range of surgical procedures, the U.S. Army is an ideal choice for general surgeons who not only want to advance their careers but also want to advance the practice of surgery. From groundbreaking work in regenerative medicine to the development of 3-D anatomical models to aid in surgical pre- and post-op planning, the surgical advancements being pioneered right now by the U.S. Army Medical Department are improving outcomes for their patients and changing the practice of medicine.
Job Duties
- Examine, diagnose and treat or prescribe course of treatment and surgery for patients with injuries or disorders with surgical conditions, and perform required surgery
- Provide consultation and advice to the command and staff regarding surgical matters
- Conduct and supervise direct patient care, and plan and execute disease prevention and health promotion programs
- Exercise command of medical units as provided by law and regulation
- Perform special staff functions in health support for commanders at all levels
- Conduct medical research on diseases of military importance, and conduct, supervise and participate graduate medical education and training of other medical personnel needed to sustain a robust and readily available medical system
Unique duty positions include: chief, Department of Surgery; surgical consultant; medical school faculty appointment
Requirements
ACTIVE:
- Doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy degree from an accredited U.S. school of medicine or osteopathy; foreign graduates may apply with permanent certificate from the Educational Council 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
- Between 21 and 42 years of age (health care professionals ages 43 to 60 are now eligible for a two-year service contract under the Officer Accessions Pilot Program)
- U.S. citizenship
RESERVE:
- In addition to the above qualifications, permanent U.S. residency is required for Reserve officers.
Training
In the U.S. Army, the case diversity surgeons experience in caring for Soldiers and their families far exceeds the medical care environment of the private sector. As an Army Medical Corps officer, you’ll have access to the most sophisticated technology, the opportunity to consult with experts in both the military and private sector, plus exceptional professional growth opportunities, including continuing education courses, seminars and conferences. Surgeons may even serve as faculty at one of our prestigious graduate medical education programs.
Helpful Skills
The normal environment of an Army Medical Corps officer’s work requires time-sensitive problem analysis with an accurate, sound and immediate decision. Ability to operate under stress, apply critical thinking skills, make decisions and translate these skills to battlefield conditions is critical to medical and mission success.
Effective patient care requires the proper balance between technical skills and the ability to apply the appropriate treatment or procedure at the right moment. Army Medical Corps officers possess expert knowledge in their area of concentration, patient management, and general support and coordination principles. Surgeons gain this knowledge through continuing medical education and experience sustained by mentoring, additional institutional training, continuous self-development and progressive levels of assignments within their specialty.
Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.
Compensation
ACTIVE BENEFITS:
In addition to the many privileges that come with being an officer on the U.S. Army health care team, you’ll 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
RESERVE BENEFITS:
- 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
- Travel opportunities, including humanitarian missions
Both active and Reserve duty officers enjoy commissary and post exchange shopping privileges; a flexible, portable retirement savings and investment plan similar to a 401(k); paid continuing education; and specialized training to become a leader in their field.
Education Benefits
ACTIVE:
Not only are surgeons paid as commissioned officers but they also are eligible to receive special pay incentives and take advantage of unique education benefits. The Army Medical Corps offers paid continuing education in your clinical specialty, paid malpractice premiums, and options to specialize and serve at ever-increasing levels of leadership and responsibility.
RESERVE:
One of the many advantages of becoming a member of the U.S. Army Reserve health care team is that you’ll be able to focus on patient care instead of medical school loans. By continuing to practice in your own community and serving when needed, you may qualify for HPLR to repay your medical school loans.
Future Civilian Careers
As you advance through your medical career, you will be looking for experiences that blend teaching, research and clinical excellence to best prepare you for unique and challenging opportunities in medicine. Our surgeons excel in clinical, research, operational, academic and health administration arenas. Many have worked in more than one career track throughout their time in the U.S. Army and have held leadership positions ahead of their private sector counterparts.
U.S. Army surgeons are highly desired candidates for competitive private sector jobs upon leaving the Army. In fact, many former U.S. Army surgeons serve as faculty in elite medical schools and residency programs, and our fellows are accepted by many renowned training institutions.