Two health systems are tapping veterans to address healthcare worker shortages and support veterans transitioning to civilian medicine.
Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic offers a military medicine fellowship in Phoenix, helping veterans gain experience and transition into civilian medical careers. The program also prepares individuals to become educators in military medicine or pursue pathways to medical school or additional training.
"The fellows ensure that what we teach is relevant and aligned with the needs of military medical personnel," Pierre Noel, MD, military medicine medical director and retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, said in a Nov. 11 news release.
The military medicine program has two fellows who serve for one to two and a half years.
Madison, Wis.-based UW Health is taking additional steps by changing its culture to better integrate military-trained team members. The organization is moving from being "military-friendly" to actively supporting and integrating veterans into the workforce.
UW Health has partnered with Heroes for Healthcare and the Wisconsin Hospital Association to smooth the transition of military personnel into civilian healthcare roles. This includes assisting veterans in obtaining college credit for military service, fostering an environment that supports camaraderie, and proactively accommodating active-duty service members during deployments.
In addition, a bill in the Wisconsin state legislature allows certain military personnel to provide healthcare services without immediate licensure, making it easier for hospitals to address staffing shortages by enabling veterans to fill roles as they work toward licensure.