Joining the army reserves as a doctor

Hi guys,

I have a question about joining the army reserves. Just wondering if it is possible to apply to join during specialty training (I'm currently an anaesthetic core trainee) or do you have to wait to CCT (be a consultant)?

Thank you!

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Reply 1

Surnia

Have you looked at the Reservist medical roles on the British Army Recruitment website? As well as all the other entry requirements, Doctor requires a degree in Medicine and full registration with the UK General Medical Council (GMC).

Reply 2

Kerzen

Consider joining the Royal Naval Reserves too. You can join in a general role now and then specialise when you are qualified.

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/royal-naval-reserves

Reply 3

AnotherMedic

Original post by Kerzen

Consider joining the Royal Naval Reserves too. You can join in a general role now and then specialise when you are qualified.

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/royal-naval-reserves

I’m already in anaesthetics specialty training which is why I’m wondering if I can join in that capacity

Reply 4

Kerzen

Original post by AnotherMedic

I’m already in anaesthetics specialty training which is why I’m wondering if I can join in that capacity

That's a good point, let me check.

Reply 5

Kerzen

AnotherMedic

I hope that my posts aren't showing up twice, I thought that I had just written something.

I know someone senior in the RNR - I'll run this by him.

There are Reserve Units all over the country - do you mind if I ask you which is your nearest City, please? It might be possible to put you in touch with the Medics with the RNR in your area.

Kerzen

Reply 6

Kerzen

I've just been looking at the detailed guidelines and I think that you may be able to join without having reached consultant level.

I'll ask the guy I know about this later - he has contacts at all of the RNR Units - let me know which part of the country you are in, AM and I'll try to get you the contact details you need.

Kerzen

Reply 7

Kerzen

Would you be interested in joining the Royal Naval Reserves as a Medical Officer, Hellohsjakodsmka?

Reply 8

Kerzen

No time like the present!

https://apply.army.mod.uk/register

Reply 9

Kerzen

The scholarships aren't that high. Here you go:

https://apply.army.mod.uk/how-to-join/entryoptions/officer-scholarship#

Reply 10

Kerzen

What is it that you actually want to be, it's not totally clear?

The original poster is considering joining the Armed Forces as a Medical Officer in the Reserves.

Reply 11

Kerzen

You need a degree in Medicine to apply, though and you are only 17.

What are your A Level subjects?

Reply 12

Kerzen

If you are a 6th former now, you should apply for the Scholarship Scheme now. There is no need to wait until you are at medical school.

Reply 13

Kerzen

I see.

It might be worth asking the Army whether you can apply for a 6th form scholarship and also for a University scholarship. You have nothing to lose by asking.

The other thing you might be able to do is join as a Reservist in the meantime.

https://apply.army.mod.uk/how-to-join/entryoptions/army-reserve-soldier

Reply 14

AnotherMedic

Original post by Kerzen

Kerzen,

Thanks for your message! I’m based in Cornwall at the moment, can commute to Plymouth or other Cornwall/Devon centre as needed.

Reply 15

Kerzen

Original post by AnotherMedic

Kerzen,

Thanks for your message! I’m based in Cornwall at the moment, can commute to Plymouth or other Cornwall/Devon centre as needed.

Hi AM

Thank you for letting me know.

The RNR has a Unit in Plymouth - I'l check with my contact to see whether I can get the details for someone on the medical side there.

Kerzen

Reply 16

Kerzen

I've been advised that a good port of call for you would be the Royal Navy's specialist medical recruiting team - their number is 02392 727096. They would confirm your eligibility to join at this stage of your career.

They should be available today - let me know if you have any problems with the number.

I'll get you a regional number for the RNR in Plymouth in a little while.

Reply 17

AnotherMedic

You can apply pretty much at any point in med school or during F1-F2. You would then do a few years as GDMO (general duties) before getting a chance to choose a specialty. I’m already beyond this point and have done 2 years of anaesthetic specialist training

Reply 18

AnotherMedic

Original post by Kerzen

Kerzen, thanks for that although I’m looking at army reserves not naval. The navy doesn’t take specialists doctors below consultant level for the reserve side, neither does the RAF reserves

Reply 19

Kerzen

Original post by AnotherMedic

Kerzen, thanks for that although I’m looking at army reserves not naval. The navy doesn’t take specialists doctors below consultant level for the reserve side, neither does the RAF reserves.

AM

I wrote about that in one of my earlier posts. I wonder whether it has vanished, I got the impression something odd was happening yesterday!

Naval recruiting regulations are encapsulated in a formal volume called BR3. See Para 0761.

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/-/media/royal-navy-responsive/documents/reference-library/br-3-vol-1/chapter-07.pdf