Results of Survey of Current and Former DOD Physicians and Dentists

A survey of present and former military physicians and dentists was conducted concerning employee satisfaction and job intentions.

Physicians and dentists who had completed residency were generally satisfied with salaries and benefits. About 12 percent were highly satisfied with their present salaries and 59 percent expressed a degree of satisfaction; about 13 percent were highly satisfied with the benefits and 74 percent were satisfied to a lesser degree. About 44 percent indicated that they would leave the military, about 40 percent intended to stay, and the remainder were undecided. Eighty one percent of those planning to stay would not do so without special pay. Residents appeared to be better satisfied with the aspects of a career in the military than nonresidents. The only aspect residents seemed dissatisfied with was the lack of opportunity for private practice. Reasons cited for leaving the military were: job characteristics, job locations, and better opportunities elsewhere.