From the frontlines to the future: Anti-epidemic volunteer experience and career rewards for doctors

Amid a series of sudden public health crises that have erupted since the beginning of the 21st century, healthcare professionals in China have consistently been recognized as frontline heroes. This study, based on unique data from a major hospital in China, focuses on doctors who volunteered during the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, China. We examine the changes in remuneration and career trajectories of these volunteers upon their return to regular duties. Our findings reveal that these "heroes" received higher remuneration upon reintegration into their original workplaces, reflecting recognition for their sacrifices. Mechanism tests demonstrate that volunteer doctors are more likely to engage in roles requiring advanced technical expertise and receive priority in promotion processes upon returning. Moreover, we observe that male, highly educated, and experienced volunteer doctors receive greater remuneration, indicating the need for fairness in reward mechanisms. By elucidating the mechanisms and actual effects of career rewards for volunteer doctors, this study provides feasible suggestions and theoretical support for policymaking in future public health emergencies.