All doctors at some point will have a difficult time, and many will have considered leaving medicine or the NHS. That might be why you are reading this! I am very glad that I decided to find a different way to continue my career, and would recommend that anyone having doubts has a look to see what else is available. If you love adventure and a bit of a challenge, the Army is an excellent opportunity. You will need to take 3 years out between FY2 and starting specialty training, but most Army doctors will tell you this is the most enjoyable 3 years of your career! After those 3 years, you will likely have a great looking CV and a much clearer idea of what you want to specialise in. The majority of doctors will stay employed by the Army during the training years, although some may choose to return to the NHS to train, this is usually if they decide to do a specialty that the Army doesn't provide (eg Paediatrics). It has been an excellent career change for me, and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Throughout selection and training things will not always go your way, it is designed to be tough and challenge you to give you the tools and know how to succeed in the challenging job as a soldier. It is vitally important that when you have a tough day you have the drive and determination to get up go again and get better. Anyone can do this as long as you give yourself the right mindset.

I talk to many older people who know I'm in the Army who then say "I wish I joined" or "I was going to join but never". This is conversation as they are sat in the pub on a Sunday afternoon which is about as far from home as they ever go and as exciting as their life ever gets. While you can and are able to give it a go and if it works out fantastic, if not you know you gave it a try and move onto something else. No one will ever say anything negative to you for giving it your best and having the drive to better yourself and join the Army. I've seen parents of soldiers crying bursting with pride watching their son or daughter at the pass off parade all soldiers take part in at the end of their initial training. Some of these parents were against them joining only a few months prior.