Navy Speciality Physician Study: Historical Overview, Retention Analysis, and Synopsis of Current Civilian-Sector Practices

CNA performed the Navy Specialty 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 service in specially, 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 1987. We believe this is the result of the April 1988 active duty GMC obligation policy change. to provide policy makers some context and comparision 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 computes for physician. --Original contains color plates: All DTIC reproductions will be in black and white.