Care Under Fire: United States Army Physician Survey

United States Army healthcare has faced increasing criticism in recent years from its own active duty physicians. Internal surveys of active duty physicians demonstrate a lack of successful intervention in an annual exodus countered only by ongoing recruiting efforts. Anecdotal experience suggests much more widespread discontent due to numerous factors than has been reported publicly. This cross-sectional survey study of 94 active duty physicians paints a vivid picture of an organization in crisis: a majority of physicians planning to separate at the end of their obligation, leadership out of touch with the needs of physicians, and systematic deterioration of clinical skills. Subgroup analysis offers insight into why reforms are unlikely to come from within the medical corps. Prospective recruits are also provided the most comprehensive view yet of life as an active-duty Army physician with a majority reporting unmet expectations, a willingness to accept a financial debt in exchange for early separation, and a low likelihood to recommend participating in the current Army medical recruitment programs. Reorientation of recruiting efforts to focus on attending physicians is discussed to address core deficiencies with multiple downstream effects.