Wartime Military Orthopaedics

J Surg Orthop Adv. 2021 Summer;30(2):116-119.ABSTRACTMilitary orthopaedic surgeons are faced with hardship and decreased morale. Surgeons have frequent deployments and practice inefficiencies resulting in poor retention rates. The purpose of this analysis is to report demographics and factors effecting military retention. A survey was sent to all members of the Society of Military Orthopedic Surgeons. The survey obtained demographic information, as well as factors affecting retention and termination of service. Data was compared between subset groups within the total respondent population. Of active-duty personnel, 38.5% plan on staying in the military until retirement. Most surgeons entered into the military due to a desire to serve their country, while most people leave service due to higher pay as a civilian. A minority of military orthopaedic surgeons achieve military retirement; however, increased pay, increased control over practice, and decreased frequency of deployments are factors that could improve retention rates. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 30(2):116-119, 2021).PMID:34181530

Source: Journal of surgical orthopaedic advances - June 28, 2021 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Michael D Eckhoff Richard L Purcell Justin D Orr Leon J Nesti Benjamin K Potter John C Dunn Source Type: research