There are many benefits to being a surgeon in the U.S. Army. Paid continuing education, special government housing or a generous housing allowance, medical and dental benefits, retirement and investment plan, 30 days of paid vacation leave, low-cost life insurance, medical insurance coverage for all immediate family members and many other privileges are reserved for surgeons, also called General Surgeons To become a surgeon in the Army, you must meet age, degree, licensing and certification criteria.
Obtain a medical degree. To be considered for review to become a surgeon in the Army, you must possess a Doctor of Medicine degree or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from an accredited school of medicine. Foreign medical graduates can apply if they have a permanent certificate from the Educational Council of Foreign Medical Graduates.
2
Maintain a current license to practice medicine in the U.S., Puerto Rico and District of Columbia.
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Be eligible for board certification. You must be eligible to take a medical board examination to obtain your certification at the time you apply to become a surgeon in the Army.
4
Complete a 1-year internship at an approved graduate medical school.
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Meet the age requirement. To be considered for a position as a surgeon in the Army, you must be 21 to 42 years of age at the time you apply. Those who exceed the required age limit will be eligible for a 2-year service contract; this age group is 43 to 60, and is made eligible under the OAPP (Officer Accession Pilot Program).
6
Be a U.S. citizen. All applicants must be citizens of the U.S. to be considered to become a surgeon in the Army.
Tips & Warnings
Spend time reviewing the U.S. Army health care overview to familiarize yourself with job expectations.
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