🎙️ Navigating a Successful Military Surgical Career

With Dr. Andrew Schleschel

In this episode of the BOSS Business of Surgery Series, Dr. Amy Vertrees interviews Andrew Schlussel, colorectal surgeon, Army veteran, and co-editor of The SAGES Manual for Navigating a Successful Military Surgical Career.

Dr.Schlussel  shares insights from his 15 years on active duty in the U.S. Army, his transition to the reserves, and his experience building a fulfilling and dynamic military surgical career. This conversation is both practical and deeply personal — covering everything from surgical volume and research opportunities to LGBTQ+ service and retirement planning.

🔎 In This Episode, We Discuss:

🇺🇸 Building a Military Surgical Career

• ROTC beginnings and returning to medicine through HPSP

• Training at Tripler Army Medical Center

• Deployments to Afghanistan, time in Iraq and Syria

• Serving in Korea, Fort Lewis, and Fort Eisenhower

• Transitioning from active duty to the reserves

Dr.Schlussel shares how military training provided not just clinical skills, but leadership experience in quality improvement, root cause analysis, and systems-based practice.

📘 Why This Book Was Needed

The idea for The SAGES Manual came after Dr.Schlussel found his Army Officer’s Guide while cleaning out his closet after leaving active duty. He realized:

Military medicine needed its own playbook.

The book was intentionally developed as a tri-service resource — benefiting Army, Navy, and Air Force surgeons alike — and was created collaboratively with leaders involved in Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) military initiatives.

⚙️ The Truth About Surgical Volume in the Military

A common concern: lower surgical volume.

Dr.Schlussel reframes this as opportunity:

• Time for research

• NIH collaboration

• Global health engagement (including the Wilkins Fellowship)

• Creative academic and leadership projects

• Quality improvement and systems innovation

His key message:
Persistence is everything in the military system.
You may hear “no” repeatedly — but success often comes to those who continue asking the right questions.

💼 Employment Flexibility: ODEs, URSAs, and MTAs

Military surgical careers have evolved. Dr.Schlussel explains:

• Off-Duty Employment (ODE)

• URSAs (utilizing civilian colonoscopy suites)

• MTAs (taking acute care call at civilian hospitals)

These opportunities are significantly more available than they were 10–15 years ago — but require understanding military legal frameworks and approval processes.

Current reserve bonuses for surgeons:
💰 $75,000 per year with a two-year minimum commitment

🌈 LGBTQ+ Service in the Military

One of the most powerful parts of this episode is Dr.Schlussel's personal experience serving under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

• ROTC contracts in 2000–2001 included clauses prohibiting identifying as homosexual.

• He served closeted for years.

• Following repeal, he observed gaps in military physicians’ understanding of LGBTQ+ healthcare — including knowledge of PrEP and inclusive care practices.

As former president of the Association of Gay and Lesbian Surgeons and Allies, he emphasizes:

Inclusive environments require both cultural awareness and clinical competence.

📝 Preparing for Retirement or Separation

Dr.Schlussel strongly recommends:

• Start preparing one year earlier than required

• Carefully review your DD-214

• Utilize Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs)

• Take advantage of transition programs (college courses, certifications, Lean Sigma training)

Once the DD-214 is signed, changes are extremely difficult.

🏥 Working at the VA

Dr. Schlussel discusses his experience serving at the VA — both as a volunteer and paid staff.

He explains:

• Differences between DOD and VA funding models

• Communication challenges between systems

• The deep fulfillment of caring for veterans

He also highlights:

• Priority hiring for veterans

• Ability to “buy back” military time toward federal retirement

• TSP rollover benefits

📍 Finding His Current Role

After relocating to Jacksonville for his husband’s practice, Dr. Schlussel contacted every colorectal surgeon in the area — demonstrating the same persistence he advocates.

He now:

• Works in Jacksonville

• Continues reserve service

• Plans to coach and mentor military surgeons

📚 Resources & Links

• The SAGES Manual for Navigating a Successful Military Surgical Career (Springer, 20% discount available; proceeds support SAGES)

• Connect with Dr.Schlussel on Instagram: @rainbow_scalpel

• Email: [email protected] 

• Attend the annual Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) meeting

  • Free for active duty personnel

  • Reduced membership ($60–100 for attendings, free for residents)

💡 Key Takeaways

✔ Military surgical careers offer leadership development far beyond the operating room
✔ Lower volume can create space for innovation and research
✔ Persistence within the military system is critical
✔ Separation planning must begin early
✔ LGBTQ+ inclusion requires both policy change and medical education
✔ Military surgeons develop unique leadership and systems-thinking skills that translate powerfully into civilian careers