The Bias of Physicians Entering the Service

Abstract

The identification of attitudes held by physicians entering the military service and changes that resulted from a brief training program are once again assessed in a two-year follow-up. The subject of investigation is wide-ranging, from personal to professional concern. When the nature of biases and the situation are taken into account, the continuation of attitudes, gained in both pre-service experience and from training and service experience, shows considerable variation. Generally, attitudes toward military medicine and the military role were maintained, but personal involvement and professional criteria showed the greatest change. Variables in assignment showed no marked influence generally.