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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
Regimental Medical Officer
British Army
Started 02/2023 to PresentGP Specialty Trainee
British Army
From 08/2019 to 01/2023GDMO (General Duties Medical Officer)
British Army
From 10/2016 to 08/2019Company
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.
Amie P
Top Insider Advice
Someone once told me to never give up on something I was passionate about, but to find a way of making it happen. No matter how long it takes or how many push backs you get, if you are passionate about something, aim to succeed.
Holly J
Financial Systems Administrator
Top Insider Advice
No matter what anyone tells you, your career is yours to make of what you wish. There are endless opportunities, be it sport, travelling, adventure training, being attached to certain units, doing a different role within the role you already do, the opportunities are endless.
Amie B
Section Commander
Top Insider Advice
One of the biggest pieces of advice I can give somebody who has an interest in joining the military is to simply be yourself. One of key values of the military is integrity, so as long as you're honest with yourself and being true to who you are, you can't go too wrong. Those who try to be somebody they're not always get found out, and false appearances can only be kept up for so long. I would also say work hard. If you continue to push yourself and push what you think are your limitations, you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised. Those who work hard in the military are very often rewarded and go on to have the more fulfilling, exciting career with an abundance of opportunities. Those who shy away from work or are lazy will again get found out very quickly and have less opportunities available.
