U.S. Army Medical Department Exceeds 2009 Goals

FORT KNOX, Ky., Jan. 19 /PRNewswire/ --The U.S. Army Medical Department announced today it exceeded its recruiting goal for its health care team in 2009, achieving 110 percent of its mission.

"More than ever medical professionals are realizing the unique educational, leadership and career opportunities available in Army medicine," said Colonel Rafael Montagno, U.S. Army Medical Recruiting Brigade commander. "Paid advanced graduate education, working in a collaborative practice and being able to truly focus on patient care, are just a few of the reasons Army medicine is attractive."

In 2009, 1,223 practicing health care professionals and students chose to pursue careers as active duty officers, while 925 professionals joined the U.S. Army Reserve. The Army Medical Department also achieved 97 percent of its goal for the Army's Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), awarding 566 students with one of the most comprehensive scholarships available today. Students who receive the scholarship are provided full tuition to any medical, dental or veterinary college in the United States, school fees and a $1,992 monthly stipend. Medical and dental students are also eligible for a $20,000 bonus.

Despite the Army's success in adding to its medical workforce, there continues to be a high demand for skilled professionals in select practice areas, paralleling shortages in the civilian medical world. The Army Medical Department is actively seeking skilled professionals in family practice, internal medicine, general surgery, psychiatry and clinical psychology for active duty and Reserve service.

"Army medicine is known for its expertise in trauma care, but in fact it offers more than 90 health care career paths and residency programs that are among the best in the nation," added Montagno. "Practicing physicians may also qualify for a shorter, two-year service period under the Officer Accessions Pilot Program."

Qualified health care professionals enter the Army health care team as officers and work in one of the largest and most advanced health care systems in the world. In addition to a competitive salary, special pay, savings plan and 30 days of vacation annually, Army health care officers also receive other benefits such as no-cost or low-cost medical and dental care for themselves and their family.

For more information about the Army Medical Department and the Health Professions Scholarship Program visit healthcare.goarmy.com or call 1- 800-USA-ARMY (800-872-2769).

ABOUT ARMY HEALTH CARE

From nurses and dentists to veterinarians, dietitians and physicians, Army health care offers more than 90 professional health care career paths – more than any other military service. The Army's health care system is an $8 billion per year venture, employing 145,000 health care professionals and managing the care of more than three million patient beneficiaries. One of the largest health care networks in the world, the Army's health care system operates more than 600 world-renowned hospitals, clinics and facilities around the globe and encompasses six corps: dental, medical, medical service, medical specialist, nurse and veterinary.

SOURCE The U.S. Army Medical Department