Service Member giving a check-up of another Service Member

Explore Careers

Field Physicians and Surgeons

Health Science

Service Branches

  • Army logo
  • navy logo
  • Air Force logo

Work Environment

Field physicians and surgeons work in hospitals and clinics on land and aboard ships as well as in the field.

  • Military Status

    Officer

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

    $122,465

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

    $62,503 - $303,913

Overview

Field physicians and surgeons conduct medical examinations and treatments related to specific environmental conditions (e.g., diving and sea operations, flight operations). They may also provide emergency care for injured and wounded soldiers. These physicians and surgeons may be required to live and work in combat environments.

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 field physicians and surgeons primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments. 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

Helpful Attributes

  • Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely
  • Desire to help others
  • Professionalism
  • Interpersonal and communication skills
  • Curiosity
  • Decision-making and integration skills
  • Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail

Interested in the medical field?

Lt. Col. Julie Fung-Hayes, an emergency physician and flight surgeon, shares why she loves serving in the U.S. Army Reserve. 

Length :31 View Transcript

Transcription

Just when I think that, "oh my gosh this is the most fun wonderful thing that I've done.  I do something else and I learned more of myself. I meet more amazing people and I become a richer person in terms of what I appreciate and why. I am Julie from haze I am an emergency physician serving in the Army Reserve and proud to do so.