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Top Insider Advice
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.
Career path
GDMO (General Duties Medical Officer)
British Army
From 10/2016 to 08/2019Foundation Year Doctor
British Army
From 08/2014 to 08/2016GP Specialty Trainee
British Army
From 08/2019 to 01/2023Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
Greatest achievements
After finishing FY2 I felt like my life had become all about medicine. I had no time to do anything else! So my achievement I am most proud of is nothing to do with medicine. I am most proud that I found a way to learn a new sport and do well at it. I am proud that there is more to my life now than just work, and that I have the time to try new sports and activities and really enjoy my free time. While the army has provided me many opportunities to further my career (they are excellent at supporting courses and helping you build a CV), and I am proud of how I have developed as a clinician over the past few years, they have also provided me with plenty of opportunities to develop myself as a person as well.
Melissa C
Combat Medical Technician
Top Insider Advice
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!
Carlington R
RE CET JNCO
Top Insider Advice
Once you join the army there will be no other experience like this to compare it to. The training is challenging and it is deliberately designed like that to challenge you. It is definitely possible to complete. You will have the best experience that last a life time.The people you meet in this job becomes your new family members.
James W
Role Model Recruiter
Top Insider Advice
Do your research as there are so many jobs in the army. I would also advise candidates to get on top of their fitness - as the fitter you are the easier basic training will be.
