RE: Uniformed Services University women’s enrollment and career choices in military medicine: A retrospective descriptive analysis
APA Citation:
MacKinnon, L. R. M. (2019). RE: Uniformed Services University women’s enrollment and career choices in military medicine: A retrospective descriptive analysis. Military Medicine, 184(9-10), 194. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usz281
Focus:
Programming
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Active duty service member
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Authors:
MacKinnon, Rene M.
Abstract:
To the Editor: RE: Uniformed Services University Women’s Enrollment and Career Choices in Military Medicine: A Retrospective Descriptive Analysis As both a recent graduate from the Uniformed Services University (USU) School of Medicine and a woman, I appreciated Cervero et al.’s article regarding USU women’s enrollment trends and career choices.1 This study highlighted not only the unique position that women have in military medicine but also their successes in board certifications as well. The increasing enrollment of women at USU is encouraging to future cohorts and the continuation of inclusion of women in military medicine. As an undergraduate at a civilian state university applying to medical schools, one of my initial hesitations to matriculating at USU was the disproportionate gender ratio compared to civilian schools. However, I am grateful I did not let that hesitation deter me, as I value the education and dedication to the mission that USU offered greatly. Despite representing a smaller proportion of military medicine compared to our male counterparts, this study emphasized the higher percentage of women in certain practicing specialties compared to the civilian medical community. Although more studies are indicated, anecdotally I believe that this speaks volumes to the environment that military medicine fosters, encouraging students to apply and practice in a multitude of diverse specialties and the ability to network throughout Military Treatment Facilities across the globe. The women of USU’s class of 2019, among decades of USU graduates, reflect this very environment, and I look forward to reading more about long-term career studies and trends of USU women alumni in the future. I also look forward to one day reading more about mentorship and women in military medicine, as I have personally benefited as a mentee of USU leaders. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Oxford University Press
Publication Type:
Article
Keywords:
female service members, medicine, Uniformed Services University