Licensed physicians can serve the Military on either a full-time or part-time basis. Whichever option you choose, the Military will provide all the tools you need to practice your specialty and spend time with patients without worrying about overhead, personnel or budgets. Additionally, you could receive a substantial signing bonus, depending on your specialty.
Many physicians in the Reserve and Guard have served in the active-duty Military; however, you can still join even if you have not had prior experience. In general, entrance requirements and officer training for the Reserve and Guard are the same as they are for the active-duty forces. You are expected to drill one weekend a month and two full weeks during the year and be prepared to deploy. Examples of your monthly drill may include helping at a nearby military medical center or hospital, filling in for physicians who are deployed or participating in field exercises.
Most physicians sign up for a minimum of three years of service. Your commitment may be longer depending on the types of bonuses you accept upon joining.
