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Service doctors have lived through some interesting times recently. But the future is bright once more, argues Air Commodore David Rainford
The changes in the political arena of Europe since the Berlin Wall came down have allowed a reduction in the size of our armed forces. As a result the medical services have undergone a period of change and restructuring in order to meet the challenging demands of the future. The Royal Air Force has borne some of the most severe cuts, but has now settled down and is in a position once again to offer rewarding and satisfying careers in both primary and secondary care specialties.
Joining up
Doctors join the Royal Air Force (either as fully qualified direct entrants or following house jobs as a cadet) and undergo initial officer training for eight weeks at RAF Cranwell. Leadership qualities are assessed and developed by learning about the traditions and administration of the RAF which adjusts medical officers to their new responsibilities as officers. Instruction in service specific medical matters, aviation medicine and advanced trauma life support are followed by posting to an accredited GP training practice practice on an active flying station. A station medical officer is responsible not only for the general practice care of his patients, but also for the occupational needs of the workplace, particularly in the field of aviation medicine and for aspects of public health. The young medical officer will gain experience of Royal Air Force life and of the special needs of its personnel. During this period preparations are made for the future training needs of the individual.
The intake of medical officers is on average 15 per year from the cadetship scheme and 3-5 per year as direct entrant officers. Approximately 60% of entrants opt for general duties and the rest will enter hospital practice.
Training opportunities
Since April 1996 secondary care has been delivered to all of the services by the Defence Secondary Care Agency except in Germany where it is under the auspices of the Health Alliance. All single service hospitals have closed and been replaced by a single triservice core hospital, the Royal Hospital Haslar and three Ministry of Defence Hospital Units, one at Peterborough (predominantly RAF), one at Frimley Park (predominantly army)...