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Tori C.

Regimental Medical Officer

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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.

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Career path

GDMO (General Duties Medical Officer)

British Army

From 10/2016 to 08/2019

Foundation Year Doctor

National Health Service

From 08/2014 to 08/2016

GP Specialty Trainee

British Army

From 08/2019 to 01/2023

Company

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.

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Freya R

MPA

Top Insider Advice

As someone that is now out of training, the basic training is such a great experience looking back now. Even though it may seem difficult, just push through and it is all worth it in the end to actually do the job role you joined for.

Shaun M

Top Insider Advice

Learning to live within the values of the British Army is the best way to live for opportunities and self-improvement. Courage - have the courage to take opportunities, and volunteer for things that others won’t. Discipline - don’t be easily led, and always do the right thing - even if there is nobody watching. Respect - respect is often hard to earn and easy to lose; treat others the way you want to be treated and don’t forget to respect yourself. Integrity - be honest with yourself and others: you’ll learn faster and better for it. Loyalty - be loyal to your values and don’t fall into following the wrong crowd. Be loyal to your friends and family. And, most importantly, be loyal to yourself and what you want to achieve. Selfless Commitment - do things with conviction, work hard, and offer yourself up to always being there for people when you can. Following these values will give you the best chance to achieve anything you want in the Army - whether that's a promotion, time away doing sports, or making friends. All your winnings and failings will come back to asking yourself, "Did you stick to the CDRILS?"

Michael K

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Discussions with Tori C
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in Career Tips·Saturday, August 17, 2019
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in Career Tips·Wednesday, August 7, 2019
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Being a nurse in the army
in Career Tips·Saturday, November 9, 2019
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Can someone join the Army if he or she has a hearing problem in the right ear?
in Career Tips·Thursday, August 1, 2019
4 responses
6059 views