Job: Medical Corps Officer (62)

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To be a U.S. Army Soldier is to be a part of the strongest fighting force in the world. You'll spend your days training, working and serving together to protect America's freedoms. But you'll also have time after work for family, friends and personal interests. From recruitment to retirement, the U.S. Army provides a unique and diverse lifestyle for Soldiers.


An Army Medical Corps Officer is responsible for the overall health of Soldiers and their families. They are also responsible for providing health care to Soldiers' families and others eligible to receive this care in the military community. During combat, the Medical Corps Officer oversees the emergency medical management of casualties and makes sure Soldiers are combat ready when it comes to their overall health. A Medical Corps Officer can specialize in the following areas; Allergist, Anesthesiologist, Cardiologist, Child Neurologist, Child Psychiatrist, Clinical Immunologist, Clinical Pharmacologist, Dermatologist, Diagnostic Radiologist, Emergency Medicine Physician, Endocrinologist, Family Practice Physician, Flight Surgeon, Gastroenterologist, General Surgeon, Hematologist, Immunologist, Infectious Disease Physician, Internal Medicine Physician, Medical Oncologist, Nephrologist, Neurologist, Neurosurgeon, Nuclear Medicine Physician, OB/GYN, Occupational Medicine Physician, Oncologist, Ophthalmologist, Orthopedic Surgeon, Otolaryngologist, Pathologist, Pediatric Cardiologist, Pediatrician, Pediatric Medicine Physician, Peripheral Vascular Surgeon, Physiatrist, Plastic Surgeon, Preventive Medicine Physician, Specialties, Psychiatrist, Pulmonary Disease Physician, Radiologist, Rheumatologist, Therapeutic Radiologist, Thoracic Surgeon, Urologist, Vascular Surgeon. The responsibilities of a Medical Corps Officer may include:

* Commanding and controlling Medical units during emergency and non-emergency medical situations.
* Coordinate employment of Medical Soldiers and personnel at all levels of command, from platoon to battalion and higher, in U.S. and multi-national operations.

As an Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Officer, you will not participate in the Basic Training or Boot Camp; instead, you'll attend an Officer Basic Leadership Course (OBLC), a basic orientation course to the Army Health Care system, Army doctrine, and basic soldier and leader skills.

Officer Basic Leadership Course for Active Duty Officers is held four times a year at the AMEDD Center in Fort Sam Houston and lasts from ten 10-14to 14 weeks. Officers in the Army Reserve go to OBLC for two weeks. Health Professions Scholarship Program recipients will attend for 6 six weeks one time during their graduate medical education.

Your training time depends on your chosen specialty and whether or not you have prior military experience. You must also meet height and weight standards, as well as pass the Army Physical Fitness Test.

After completing OBLC, AMEDD Officers report to their initial Active Duty assignment. Students return to their graduate medical education following successful completion of OBLC.

Being a leader in the Army requires certain qualities. A leader exhibits self-discipline, initiative, confidence and intelligence. They are physically fit and can perform under physical and mental pressures. Leaders make decisions quickly, always focusing on completing the mission successfully, and show respect for their subordinates and other military officers. Leaders lead from the front and adjust to environments that are always changing. They are judged by their ability to make decisions on their own and bear ultimate moral responsibility for those decisions.

Medical Corps Officers may continue to specialize and serve in the Medical Corps at ever increasing levels of leadership and responsibility.

Increased responsibilities of an Medical Corps Officer may include:

* Commanding and controlling part of a Field Hospital, installation Dental or Medical Activity (DENTAC or MEDDAC), or larger Health Services Command.
* Coordinate employment of Medical Soldiers and personnel at all levels of command, from company to division level and beyond, in U.S. and multi-national operations.
* Develop doctrine, organizations and equipment for unique dental and health care missions.
* Instruct medical skills at service schools and medical training centers.
* Serve as a Medical or Health Care advisor to other units, including Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve organizations.

Being a Doctor in the Army Medical Corps, you will have the same qualifications to practice in your specialty in the civilian world.