RAF Medical Services

Advert number: 321219-0
Posted Date: 14/01/13

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ROYAL AIR FORCE CAREERS

A CAREER AS A RAF GENERAL PRACTITI0NER

Joining the RAF as a newly qualified GP

was the best career move I have ever made. Upon successful completion of Officer Training, where I learned a whole new set of skills, I embarked on an extremely well supported training pathway within my speciality.

As an independent practitioner, I have worked within families medical centres in the UK and overseas. I get to practice medicine in a well resourced and appropriately governed environment, where teamwork is core and every day presents new challenges. I have been encouraged to gain further skills in aviation and occupational medicine and regularly get to experience the thrill of flight. As an aviation medical examiner, there is always opportunity to get involved with aircrew both on the ground and in the air.

Medicine is not confined to the GP surgery, as I am expected to operate in a range of locations from the back of a helicopter in the Falkland Islands to a deployed medical centre in Afghanistan. I am always fully prepared before I deploy, with both clinical and military skill refresher training to ensure I am always able to function to the best of my ability. As a RAF doctor I play a key role in the Aeromedical evacuation of injured Servicemen where my specialist knowledge, coupled with integration with extremely well organised and capable colleagues, ensure expedient transfer of all patients to appropriate specialist care.

I am currently the Senior Medical Officer to a team of 50 staff; we provide a full range of primary health care to over 3000 military and civilian personnel. As a GP Trainer, I mentor GP Registrars throughout their training pathway.

The RAF is always looking to challenge its personnel, and I am fully supported in my ongoing professional development. There are also great sporting and travel opportunities. It is not only work that the RAF provides, but a wealth of experience and community engagement. I feel a valued member of a highly capable team that actively promotes a healthy workforce and wider well being of the military community.

We are also currently recruiting in:
Emergency Medicine
Rehab & Rheumatology
Radiology

BE PART OF THE STORY
For current information visit: www.raf.mod.uk/careers
To register your interest in this role call 0845 605 5555

Address :: Medical and Dental Liaison Team; RAF Cranwell; Adastral Hall; Cranwell; Lincolnshire; NG34 8GZ

Telephone: 01400 268 011

Web: http://raf.mod.uk/careers/jobs/medicalofficer.cfm

Look after the health of our staff on bases, in hospitals and in the Air

Your Work

Medical Officers are the doctors of the RAF. They play a vital role in keeping our personnel fit and ready for action. You could work in the medical centre at an RAF base, delivering general practice and occupational health services for RAF personnel and their families. Or you could work in one of our units in NHS hospitals around the UK, providing secondary care for Armed Forces staff and NHS patients, as a surgeon, anaesthetist or other specialist.

Primary Care

Primary care Medical Officers spend the majority of their tours in medical centres at RAF bases, while Medical Officers who specialize in secondary care will spend most of their time in NHS hospitals. In primary care, as your career progresses you could also have the chance to become Senior Medical Officer on a unit. This would initially involve working in small medical centres, but later on you could move to busy practices attached to large flying units. You could also take on a teaching role as a GP trainer, assume the responsibilities of an occupational health advisor or work in the planning and development of medical strategies. You will have the chance to work around the country and around the world.

Secondary Care

In secondary care, you will have every opportunity to develop your career up to consultant level. Whatever your chosen specialization, we'll do our best to send you to the appropriate centre of excellence. If you are a secondary care doctor, either as a specialist trainee or a fully qualified consultant, you should expect a short posting to a medical centre to give you first-hand experience of RAF life and the day to day delivery of healthcare. After that, you will be posted to Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit (MDHU) or to an NHS hospital, either to complete your specialist training or to work as a consultant in your speciality.

Career Prospects

In both primary and secondary care, the RAF offers a structured career path that mirrors the challenges and responsibilities of a civilian medical career. The resources and opportunities are available to take you to the top of your profession. Once fully registered, you'll join the RAF as a Flight Lieutenant or Squadron Leader, depending on your qualifications and experience. Initially, you will be offered a Short Service Commission, normally of three to six years, but once commissioned you may apply for a medium commission of 18 years.

Out of Work

Physical training is a massive part of RAF life, not to mention a great way to meet new people. Every base has free sports facilities, normally including a gym and regular fitness classes, and the RAF's physical training instructors are always on hand to offer training advice and tips.
Adventurous training develops vital military skills such as leadership, risk assessment, team spirit and working under pressure. So while your civilian mates are saving for two weeks on the Costa del Sol, you could be mountain climbing in France or swimming with sharks in South Africa... and be getting paid while you're doing it!

ROYAL AIR FORCE CAREERS

A CAREER AS A RAF GENERAL PRACTITI0NER