What is the pathway to becoming a military psychiatrist specifically?

Hi Rahnuma,

Complete medical school.
Complete 2 foundation years and become fully registered with the GMC.
Complete 3 years as a General Duties Medical Officer (including the short commissioning course)
Apply to specialise in Psychiatry through the defence deanery.
Complete specialty training in psychiatry.

You can apply to join the military while at medical school (for a bursary), or during your foundation years.

If you need any more information please do let me know.

Thank you very much for answering. I was also wondering how it would work if you wanted to do it part-time - as I read somewhere you could do that - and how the structure of work would be different, eg when would you work if you do part-time.

While the Army is starting to offer some part time working, it is not guaranteed and you can only do it for a set period of time (I think it's no more than 3 years currently). I don't know anyone who's done specialty training or GDMO part time so I couldn't say whether or not it would be allowed.

Thank you, sorry I have 2 other questions:
If for any reason I left the Army early, then would I have to go back to specialise in psychiatry that isn't Army-related or would my training suffice for working as a psychiatrist?
Also, I read somewhere that a military psychiatrist doesn't work for the NHS - I was wondering would this have impacted you in any way, for example we learn in med school the NHS values etc, and sectors within the NHS, but all of this wouldn't be useful in the Army?

Hi Rahnuma,

Your psychiatry training will be the same, if not very similar to your NHS colleagues. You gain the same qualification, you will just have a different employer.
If you choose to train in psychiatry you would have a return of service after you qualify, the Army pay to train us, so we have to give something back! I am afraid I don't know exactly how long it is for psychiatrists, its 4 years for GPs, so I expect it would be something similar.

Military psychiatrists work in a military setting, but the principles/values remain the same, you just have a different cohort of patients.

Got it, thank you again for answering all of my questions :)

My question is related to this as well, with no law degree can I still apply and get my law degree whilst in the Army and eventually become a legal officer?

Hi Maina,

To become a legal officer you need to already be a Qualified solicitor, barrister or Scottish advocate, qualified in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and have completed your training contract or pupillage.