GENERAL DUTIES MEDICAL OFFICER TOUR

As with all new officers, you will probably move jobs every 2 or 3 years, and each job is known as a tour. As a Doctor in training, fully qualified GP or consultant, you will begin your RAF career in a medical setting at one of our bases as a GDMO to give you first-hand experience of RAF life and time to attend military courses relevant to your future role. You will then be posted to a Defence Medical Group Unit or to a NHS hospital, either to complete your training or to work as a consultant in your specialty. Qualified GPs will continue working in a Medical Centre.

YOUR FUTURE CAREER PROSPECTS

The RAF offers a structured career path that mirrors the challenges and responsibilities of a civilian medical career. There are opportunities to join as a bursar or cadet rewarded with support through the latter stages of medical school and FY1&2. Once fully registered, you will hold the rank of Flight Lieutenant or Squadron Leader dependent on your experience at time of joining. Initially, you will be offered an Initial Commission of 6 or 12 years depending on whether you have already completed specialist training, but opportunities may be available later to extend to a pension earning commission of 20 years service or age 40, whichever is the later. Promotion from Flight Lieutenant to Squadron Leader is after 5 years satisfactory service. For GPs, promotion to Wing Commander and above is by competitive selection. For consultant based specialties you will become eligible for Wing Commander on appointment to a consultant role. Your commission may be extended until you reach the age of 60, subject to Service requirements and your medical fitness. Pay is aligned with your peers in the NHS and there is a generous Armed Forces Pension Scheme.

ONGOING DEVELOPMENT

The Royal Air Force is a strong advocate of continuous professional development and as a Medical Officer, you will have extensive opportunities throughout your career. This includes, both for primary and secondary care clinicians, the opportunity to undertake the Diploma in Aviation Medicine course. The Diploma in Occupational Medicine can also be undertaken and, if successful at national benchmarking, higher training can be undertaken to reach Consultant level in this specialty. Other training opportunities include medical education, sports and exercise medicine and public health, depending on your career aspirations and the needs of the RAF. As a fully-qualified independent practitioner, either in primary or secondary care, you will undergo various types of further military and adventure training to test your skills in more challenging ways. All Medical Officers receive Command and Staff Training with some undertaking additional training to prepare them for senior medical management appointments.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

As a Medical Officer in the RAF, you will have similar professional promotion and development opportunities to your civilian counterparts together with the chance to work in challenging locations around the world and gain a unique medical and personal experience. The development of your leadership skills and broader military experience will enhance your prospects when you eventually leave the RAF.