Navy Specialty Physician Study: Historical Overview, Retention Analysis, and Synopsis of Current Civilian-Sector Practices
Published Date: January 1, 2002
CNA performed the Navy Specilaty Physician Study at the request of the Navy Surgeon General. The objective of the study was to further explore retention of Navy physicians, by identifying and tracking critical indicators of Navy physician retention, to provide BUMED information for improving personnel policy business practices. Years of practice in specialty, percent board certified, number of residents and fellows, and demographics are some of the critical indicators we tracked by specialty. In recognition of the typical career path of Navy physicians, our retention analysis considered matriculation and attrition rates. We found that the matriculation rate of newly trained specialists has improved since FY 1987. We believe this is a result of the April 1988 active duty GME obligation policy change. To provide policy-makers some context and comparison for our findings, we explored some of the physician recruitment and retention strategies being used in the civilian sector. This information will help policy-makers better understand the Navy's competitive position when it competes for physicians.
