Career Pathways

Whether you are a student, in your residency or have already put in the time and dedication to become a practicing physician, there’s a rewarding path for you to explore in military medicine. 

What may also surprise you is the path to military medicine can begin at several different points of your education, training or career. Use the information below to get a better understanding about the pathways to military medicine and how your experience will shape your career professionally and personally.

Student Path

Undergrad students who wish to pursue a career in the Military can earn their medical degree through two distinct paths: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) or the Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP). Generally, with either path, medical students who join the Military will finish their training in the same amount of time as their civilian counterparts without having to worry about being deployed or having their studies interrupted.

Resident Path

Medical residents receive medical training, an annual grant and a monthly stipend, as well as reimbursement for books and other supplies through the Financial Assistance Program (FAP). Residents participating in the FAP are members of the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). In this capacity they have special requirements and expectations they must fulfill each year they are in the program. Upon completion of residency, physicians enter active-duty service with a one-year obligation for each year of participation.

Licensed Physician Path

Licensed physicians have the option to serve on a full-time or part-time basis. Either option means access to all the tools, resources and support needed to practice a specialty and give quality patient care, all without having to worry about budgets, or overhead.