DA Form 1970: House Staff Evaluation Report (PDF Download) – DA Form 1970 is the official House Staff Evaluation Report used by the U.S. Army to assess the performance of medical interns, residents, and fellows participating in Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs. It provides a structured framework for evaluating clinical skills, professional conduct, and overall competency during a specific training period.
This form helps program directors, service chiefs, and medical education leaders document strengths, identify improvement areas, and support decisions on progression, additional training, or recommendations. It is governed by AR 351-3, with the Office of the Surgeon General (OTSG) as the proponent agency. The current version dates to May 2009.
Purpose and Importance of the House Staff Evaluation Report
The primary purpose of DA Form 1970 is to deliver objective, standardized feedback on house staff performance in military medical facilities. It evaluates key areas such as medical knowledge, clinical performance, personal qualities, and administrative responsibilities.
This evaluation supports:
- Professional development of Army medical personnel.
- Assurance of high-quality patient care standards.
- Fair decisions on promotions, program continuation, and career assignments.
- Compliance with GME accreditation and military medical regulations.
For U.S. Army medical training programs, consistent use of this form promotes accountability, identifies training needs early, and maintains excellence in military healthcare.
Key Sections of DA Form 1970
The form is divided into several main parts with rating scales (typically 1-5, where higher numbers indicate better performance) and narrative sections.
Part I – Clinical Performance
- Section A: General Medical Knowledge — Assesses knowledge of disease processes, fundamental facts, and controversial areas.
- Section B: Obtaining Medical History — Evaluates completeness and accuracy of patient histories.
- Section C: Performing Physical Examination — Rates thoroughness and skill in exams.
- Section D: Diagnostic Acumen — Reviews judgment in selecting studies and arriving at diagnoses.
- Section E: Planning, Implementing, and Evaluating Therapy — Covers patient care planning, modifications, and management.
- Section F: Keeping Medical Records — Assesses quality, timeliness, and usefulness of documentation.
- Section G: Fulfilling Administrative Obligations — Evaluates compliance with hospital and Army policies.
Part II – Assuming Responsibilities
This section continues clinical evaluation with focus on initiative in patient care and therapy implementation.
Part III – Personal Qualities
- Section H: Interest in Continued Medical Education — Rates engagement in learning and conferences.
- Section I: Establishing Effective Physician-Patient Relationship — Assesses communication and empathy.
- Section J: Attitude and Appearance — Evaluates professionalism and maturity.
- Section K: Working with Others — Reviews teamwork and interpersonal skills.
- Section L: Leadership and Responsibility — Rates initiative and accountability.
- Section M: Self-Evaluation and the Use of Consultants — Assesses insight into limitations and appropriate use of resources.
Part IV – Overall Evaluation
Raters select from categories ranging from Unsatisfactory to Outstanding, with descriptive anchors for each level.
Part V – Recommendation for Additional Training
Provides specific recommendations on future training suitability.
Part VI – Narrative Description
Requires written comments on performance and qualities, plus signatures from the Service Chief, Director of Medical Education, and others.
Who Uses DA Form 1970 and When?
Evaluators include:
- Service chiefs
- Program directors
- Attending physicians supervising house staff
It applies to rotating/straight interns, residents, and fellows in Army hospitals. Reports cover a defined period (from/to dates) and are completed at the end of rotations or training periods. Counseling with the house officer is required.
How to Fill Out DA Form 1970
- Complete administrative data: Name, grade, intern/resident/fellow status, specialty, hospital name, and service period.
- Rate each item in the sections using the provided scale (often with N/A options).
- Provide an overall evaluation in Part IV.
- Mark recommendations in Part V.
- Add detailed narrative comments in Part VI.
- Obtain required signatures.
The form is available as a fillable PDF. Always refer to the latest instructions in AR 351-3 for compliance.
Download the Official DA Form 1970 Here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/DA%20FORM%201970.pdf
Tips for Completing Effective Evaluations
- Be specific and objective with examples in the narrative section.
- Balance strengths and areas for improvement.
- Ensure ratings align with narrative comments.
- Conduct counseling sessions as required to support the trainee’s growth.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism per Army and HIPAA standards.
Accurate completion contributes to better training outcomes and stronger military medical readiness.
Common Questions About DA Form 1970
Is DA Form 1970 the same as DD Form 1970?
No. DA Form 1970 is for House Staff Evaluation (medical training). DD Form 1970 is the Motor Equipment Utilization Record.
Where can I find the most current version?
Download directly from the official Army Publishing Directorate link provided above. Previous editions are obsolete.
Who can access or complete the form?
Authorized medical education supervisors and program leadership in U.S. Army facilities.
For official guidance, consult AR 351-3 or your local GME office. This article is for informational purposes and does not replace official Army directives. Always use the most current form and regulations for any official evaluation.