Dermatology on Duty: Pathways to a Career in Military Medicine

For dermatologists interested in serving military personnel, veterans, and their families, opportunities are available within 2 distinct systems: the Military Health System (MHS), which cares for active-duty service members, retirees, and their families, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which serves the veteran population. The primary routes to service are detailed, including uniformed pathways such as medical school scholarships and direct commissions for board-certified physicians, as well as civilian federal employment opportunities (eg, General Schedule [GS] and Title 38 positions). This article highlights that, while financial compensation may differ from the private sector, the intangible benefits make military medicine a unique and compelling calling.