Job knowledge, research and physical preparation are key to achieving a basic training place.

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.

I mean this in two different ways, the first is your mindset and the way you talk to yourself. If you wake up everyday with belief you can do anything, you absolutely can. The way you think is the strongest motivation you can give yourself. If a task is hard and you are struggling tell yourself you can and you will. Secondly is your physical strength, the British Army does have a fitness standard we expect candidates to achieve however they are not impossible for anyone. Again, put your mind to it and you can achieve it!