What Has My Experience in the Military as a Doctor Been Like?

I have always loved my job as a primary care physician with the Navy. Over the course of a decade, I have been fortunate enough to travel around the world both at sea and ashore, providing essential healthcare services to Sailors and Marines. My experiences have been diverse, from working in clinics to seeing entire families, and have been a highlight of my career.

Practicing Medicine with High Standards

Throughout my time with the Navy, I have had the pleasure of working with colleagues who share the same commitment to high medical standards. This has allowed me to hone my skills and deliver comprehensive care to a remarkable patient population. Being part of this organization, I have also received wonderful networking opportunities and access to excellent continuing education. I have found immense professional satisfaction in my role, which has made it the best job in my career.

The Extent of US Military Medicine

US military medicine is a vast and dynamic field, encompassing not only active-duty personnel but also their dependents, retirees, reservists, and members of the National Guard. From community hospitals to medical centers and even our own medical school, the reach of military medicine is extensive. This has shaped a significant part of American medicine over the years, with numerous residency and fellowship programs contributing to the development of new medical practices and techniques.

Everyday Clinical Work and Military-Specific Roles

For many military doctors in the US, much of their daily work is similar to what their civilian counterparts do. This includes working in clinics and hospitals that are well-structured and familiar. A lot of the work is standardized, and due to the adoption of a unified electronic medical record, there is a high level of portability. However, military doctors also have the unique opportunity to engage in service-specific roles. These can range from operational rotations, where they deploy to serve combat personnel, to advanced or specialized military training programs like jump school, where they may train to be a flight surgeon or receive trauma care training.

Operational Rotations and Deployment Experiences

Deployment was a challenging yet rewarding aspect of my career. I spent significant time working under austere conditions and enduring long separations from my family. While some deployments were shorter, lasting only a month or two, others required me to be in a combat zone for over a year. Despite these difficulties, I learned invaluable lessons about ordinary military life and the logistical support that goes into maintaining a medical clinic. These experiences were incredibly formative and offered a perspective on the demands of serving in the military that my time as a civilian would never have prepared me for.

Unique Opportunities in Military Medicine

One of the most attractive aspects of military medicine is the variety of opportunities and experiences it offers. For example, I had residents who were assigned to be flight surgeons in Costa Rica after completing their training. The grass may seem greener on the civilian side for some, but real-world experiences can be vastly different. I have known many colleagues who felt like they were unable to practice medicine as straightforwardly as they wished, but military medicine offers unique advantages that can't be matched in civilian practice.

Pros and Cons of Military Medicine

Like any career path, military medicine has its challenges. There may be bad assignments or difficult superiors, but these are quite common in any field. For instance, I experienced one particularly challenging assignment, yet overall, the outstanding nature of most of my colleagues made it a fulfilling experience. There is no denying that deployments and the stresses they bring are intense, but I also view them as a privilege, recognizing that the demands on regular soldiers are far greater than those on doctors.

Despite the challenges, I firmly believe that military medicine is often overlooked as an excellent option for aspiring doctors. The training is top-notch, and you work alongside accomplished peers who uphold high standards. Fellowship opportunities are plentiful, and although financial rewards may not be as high, a military doctor receives a commendable salary. The experiences and opportunities you gain through military medicine are unparalleled, making it an enriching and rewarding career choice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my journey as a doctor in the Navy has been incredibly fulfilling. From treating active-duty personnel to families and engaging in unique military-specific roles, my experiences have been invaluable. While challenges exist, the opportunities and perspectives gained through military medicine make it a career worth considering for anyone with a passion for serving and helping others.