Overview:

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Because of the U.S. Army's world-class medical resources, hundreds of studies and innovative techniques in thoracic trauma, oncology and respiratory medicine have found their start right here. Innovation is just one of the reasons you'll find so many of the world's top thoracic surgeons—as well as respected experts in over 90 other specialties—serving on the U.S. Army health care team.

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Job Duties

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• Examine, diagnose and treat or prescribe course of treatment and surgery for patients with surgical diseases or injuries to the thorax and vascular system, and perform required surgery

• 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 in graduate medical education and training of other medical personnel needed to sustain a robust and readily available medical system

• Unique duty positions include: chief, Thoracic Surgery Service; consultant; Orthopedic service; medical school faculty appointment

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Requirements:

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• 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

• Completion of a training program in thoracic surgery

• Between 21 and 42 years of age (waivers available)

• U.S. citizenship or permanent U.S. residency is required.

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Training:

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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. For physicians just starting out, the Army Medical Corps offers first-year graduate medical education, residency and fellowship programs. Qualifying medical school students can also benefit through unique training opportunities exclusive to Army Medical Corps officers. Medical Corps officers will also attend certain military short courses designed to develop and enhance the tactical, technical and operational skills unique to the military environment.

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Helpful Skills:

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• 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.

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Compensation:

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Active Duty:
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

• Signing Bonus of up to $400,000

• Board Certification Pay of $6,000 per year (prorated monthly)

• Health Professionals Loan Repayment $40,000 per year up to a maximum of $250,00

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Army Reserve

• Noncontributory retirement benefits at age 60 with 20 years of qualifying service

• Low cost life and dental insurance

• Travel opportunities, including humanitarian missions

• Signing Bonus of up to $75,000

• Board Certification Pay of $6,000 per year (prorated monthly)

• Health Professionals Loan Repayment $40,000 per year up to a maximum of $250,000

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Reserve duty officers enjoy commissary and post exchange shopping privileges; a flexible, portable retirement savings and investment plan similar to a 401(k); may receive pay for continuing education; and specialized training to become a leader in their field.