“The leadership track isn’t for everybody, and it’s not a necessary requirement for a health care provider to succeed in the U.S. Army,” said Col. Dingle. “First and foremost, we bring in health care providers with the mission to conserve the fighting strength, so they’re here to save lives and provide care to the beneficiary population. To say that your personality type has to fit a certain mold is not true.”

There is no leadership track requirement, and emergency physician personalities currently serving vary across the board, according to Col. Dingle. “We’re a big amalgamation of many different types of characters and personalities, and there is room for everyone.”

For some, there really is only one motivation to join the U.S. Army: They want to serve their country by providing emergency care to those who need it most. This is particularly true for emergency physicians who are already board-certified but long to do more for their country, said Col. Wedmore.

“There is no better feeling than doing all you can to help soldiers who are giving their all for their country. I’ve deployed overseas numerous times and have had the opportunity to care for some of the best soldiers in the world on those trips, and every deployment has been an outstanding and rewarding experience – and I wouldn’t trade the friends I’ve made or the experiences I’ve had in the Army for anything.”

Gaining a Financial Footing

Offered for students seeking doctoral degrees at accredited medical schools across the country, the Army’s Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) provides students with:

• Full tuition and fees, including books and equipment.
• A monthly stipend of $2,088 for 10-plus months a year.
• Army Officer status (Second Lieutenant) and associated privileges.
• 45 days of Officer pay each year.
• A $20,000 signing bonus for certain programs.
• Additional training.
• Accelerated promotion to Captain upon graduation from medical school.

Upon finishing medical school, HPSP students may complete a medical residency program at any of 11 Army teaching hospitals. While military residencies are not mandatory for HPSP students, a 1-year internship is required for medical HPSP students. Students’ military service obligation begins upon completion of their residency or internship.

For emergency physicians and selected other specialties with outstanding student loans, the U.S. Army’s Active Duty Health Professions Loan Repayment Program (ADHPLRP) provides up to $120,000 toward medical school loans through $40,000 annual increments for up to 3 years.