Evasão de médicos na Marinha do Brasil

Abstract

The evasion of Medical Officers in the Brazilian Navy (MB) represents a growing challenge, directly impacting operational readiness and the quality of health services provided to military personnel and the Naval Family. This study analyzed the factors that contribute to the departure of doctors from MB in the last five years, using Maslow's Needs Theory as the main theoretical framework. It was identified that an increase in the length of service for transfer to the Paid Reserve, and in the career interstices of military personnel, better gains made in the civilian job market, including higher remuneration for specialists and for medical duty, risk of change in salary policy, appointments to highlights, many for prolonged periods and without prior planning, unplanned movements, high number of shifts per month, are the main drivers of evasion. The study also compared physician retention strategies in the Brazilian, United States and French Navies, highlighting significant differences in the provision of financial incentives, educational opportunities and career stability. Based on these analyses, recommendations were presented to mitigate dropout rates at MB, including improving working conditions, reviewing graduation and financial incentives, expanding specialization opportunities and strengthening social and family support. It is concluded that, if implemented effectively, these measures can help mitigate the dropout of doctors in MB and ensure a more stable and motivated medical staff, essential for maintaining operational readiness and the quality of medical care in the long term.