Podiatry | Up to $250K Loan Repayment + No Billing Hassles | Keep the Fleet on Its Feet

Locations Nationwide | Full-Time | Active Duty or Reserve

In the Navy, Sailors spend a great deal of time on their feet — from Machinist's Mates traversing every inch of a ship to Boatswain's Mates standing watch on deck. As a Navy Podiatrist, you play a vital role in keeping the fleet mission-ready. Physicians from civilian backgrounds are welcome — no prior military experience is required.

This is a unique opportunity to practice full-scope podiatric medicine and surgery in a mission-driven environment, free from the insurance approvals, billing burdens, and productivity quotas of traditional private practice.

Position Highlights

• Practice comprehensive podiatric medicine and surgery across inpatient and outpatient settings
• Care for active duty Navy and Marine Corps personnel, their families, and retirees
• No insurance approvals, billing, or RVU-based productivity pressure
• Treat the full range of foot, ankle, and lower extremity conditions including bunions, torn ligaments, and stress fractures
• Collaborate with orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and a multidisciplinary medical team
• Opportunities for leadership, teaching, and clinical research
• Provide podiatric support during humanitarian and disaster relief missions worldwide
• Nationwide opportunities, with locations aligned to current needs and your preferences

What to Expect After Applying

You will be connected directly with a Navy Medical Recruiter experienced in Podiatry who will provide:

• Full details of the active duty or Reserve opportunity
• A clear overview of officer rank, pay structure, and total compensation
• A current review of nationwide location options, regularly updated
• Guidance tailored to your background — new residency graduate, experienced DPM, or reservist

Qualifications

• Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) from an APMA Council on Education–accredited college of podiatric medicine
• Current licensure in any U.S. state or the District of Columbia
• Successful completion of a surgical residency or equivalent formal surgical training program
• U.S. citizenship required
• Ages 18–41 (commissioned officer track)
• Willing to serve a minimum of three years of active duty
• Ability to pass a full military medical examination

Preferred qualifications

• GPA of 3.0 or higher (undergraduate and podiatric medical school)
• Completion of a 2- or 3-year APMA-approved postgraduate residency with surgical emphasis
• Hospital staffing with privileges and credentials in good standing
• Board-qualified or board-certified in podiatric surgery

Compensation & Benefits

• Active duty officer salary: $139,000 – $259,000+ (based on rank and years of service, including base pay, BAH, and BAS)
• Sign-on bonus: up to $10,000 (Reserve track, immediate one-time payment)
• Specialty pay: up to $50,000/yr (Reserve option)
• Student loan repayment: up to $250,000 via HPLRP or Reserve loan repayment assistance
• HSCP (students/residents): up to $201,900 total including monthly salary and BAH of $3,280–$5,610 for up to 36 months
• HPSP scholarship: 100% tuition + $2,999/mo stipend (for eligible podiatric medical students)

Comprehensive Benefits Include:

• 100% healthcare coverage — no out-of-pocket costs; coverage continues into retirement and covers your spouse
• 30 days paid vacation annually + 13 sick days + 10 federal holidays
• Housing allowance (BAH) or on-base housing
• Retirement pension + Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer match; retirement eligible at 55–57 with 10 years of service
• Paid malpractice coverage
• CME support and continuing education funding
• Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility (PSLF)
• GI Bill education benefits for you or your dependents

Practice Environment

• Fully integrated healthcare system (MHS Genesis EMR)
• Access to orthopedic surgery, physical therapy, and a full spectrum of medical specialties
• Ability to practice full-scope podiatric medicine and surgery, including complex reconstructive cases
• Patient population where care is guaranteed — no prior authorizations, no claim denials
• Commissioned officer role within the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps — not a civilian hospital position

Why Navy Medicine?

This is an opportunity to step away from the administrative burdens of private practice and focus on what matters most — your patients and your craft. Navy podiatrists benefit from a high surgical volume, a collegial team environment, and the ability to make a meaningful impact while serving those who serve our country.

Professional setting and work environment
Practice in modern, well-equipped hospitals and outpatient clinics in highly desirable locations nationwide, including California, Virginia, Maryland, Florida, Hawaii, and Washington state. Serve active duty Sailors, Marines, veterans, and their families in settings that prioritize clinical excellence. Participate in humanitarian and disaster relief operations — including deployments aboard the USNS Comfort and USNS Mercy hospital ships — extending your impact beyond the clinic.

Reserve option
Serve one weekend per month and two weeks per year while maintaining your civilian practice. Reserve podiatrists receive their choice of up to $50,000/yr in specialty pay, up to $250,000 in loan repayment assistance, or an immediate $10,000 sign-on bonus.