Career accomplishments of uniformed services university of the health sciences medical graduates: Classes 1980–2001

Abstract

Purpose: To report accomplishments of graduates of the F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine who have left, retired, or are near the end of their uniformed career in several professional domains: military career milestones, medical professional education, academic landmarks, and leadership. Methods: This study utilized an earlier questionnaire that was modified to capture additional career landmarks and improve the clarity of several items. The modified survey was sent electronically to alumni who graduated from 1980–2001 in March, 2012. Results: The questionnaire was sent to 2,825 alumni for whom we had e-mail addresses. We estimate that we reached 2,400 alumni. A total of 1,189 alumni returned the questionnaire, yielding an estimated response rate of 50%. For this cohort, the board certification was 95%, over 20% obtained additional degrees, 92.8% had worked as a full-time physician, nearly two-thirds had deployed for combat, 13.9% had received the Legion of Merit, and 68.6% had published at least one peer-reviewed manuscript. Conclusion: Many accomplishments including board certification rates, deployment experience, academic and military leadership positions, military awards, promotion rates, and academic medicine contributions are indicators that USU is continuing to meet its unique mission.