Women Surgeons in the Military: Perspectives on Deployed Surgical Leadership

Abstract Purpose of Review To review the history women surgeons in US military and juxtapose this with five invited commentaries on deployed surgical leadership from various experiences, services, ranks, to help prepare future trainees those who have not yet deployed. Recent Findings Throughout American history, played a significant role serving Armed Forces both informal formal roles including Civil War World I, II. The 1943 Sparkman-Johnson Act formally granted female physicians full appointments as reservists Army Navy Medical Corps. It was until 1972 that could receive direct commission medical corps when Congress established Health Professional Scholarship Program authorized creation Uniformed Services University Sciences. Currently, comprise approximately17% Forces. Summary Despite numerous challenges, service, particularly during times war, has provided opportunities for medicine surgery demonstrate qualities while caring go into harm’s way. For (women men) deployed, these representing 75 years collective active duty service provide several modern points view leadership.