Medical Officer in Ruislip

What will you do?

RAF Medical Officers play a vital role in keeping our personnel fit and medically prepared for their operational role, at home and when deployed. All RAF Medical Officers receive basic training in aviation medicine and have the opportunity to train further to provide specialist medical support to the RAF and the UK Armed Forces, including Aeromedical Evacuation. Typical responsibilities include:

Medical duties in field hospitals

General Practitioner duties in RAF medical centres

Specialist activities in NHS medical units

Minimum Education Requirements

Be fully registered with the General Medical Council.

Sponsorship is available for the final three years of study in a UK Medical School.

Minimum Education Requirements

Be fully registered with the General Medical Council and fully qualified in your specialty.

Requirements

Be aged 21 - 53 (Must attest before 54th birthday)

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status)

Commit to a Preliminary Commission of 6 years service

Meet the health and fitness criteria

Pass a Fitness test - Details below

Complete and submit thisprior to application.

Current Priority: General Practitioner

Requirements

Be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.

Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth Citizen since birth (with indefinite leave to remain immigration status)

Commit 27 days per year

Pass a

Reserve role locations Reserve roles exist in specific reserve squadrons, which in turn are located at specific RAF bases. As you will not be resident at those bases (except on multi-day operations or exercises), geographic proximity to where you live is important. These are the bases where this role is active: 502 Sqn, JHFS Aldergrove, Co Antrim 600 Sqn, RAF Northolt, Middlesex 612 Sqn, RAF Leuchars, Fife 4626 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire CAREER, TRAINING & EDUCATION At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas. 01 Phase one training Initial Officer Training 12 weeks RAF Cranwell Like all our Specialist Branch officers, you will begin your RAF career on the Specialist Officer Initial Training Course (SOITC) at the RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire. 12 weeks RAF Cranwell Phase one training

You will undertake a 12-week course specially designed for professionally-qualified entrants to the RAF. The course includes fitness development, military training, weapons handling and academic study as well as practical outdoor leadership challenges.

02 Phase two training Specialist training Ongoing As assigned The next step is a Specialist training course that will give you a breadth of skills and knowledge across the full range of duties you may be employed in. Ongoing As assigned Phase two training

Following a short period of well-earned leave, you will then go to the Defence College of Healthcare Education and Training for a 1-week course where you will learn about the delivery of medical care in the RAF.

This is followed by an introduction to the speciality of Aviation Medicine at the Centre of Aviation Medicine at RAF Henlow in Bedfordshire. You will learn about the effects of illness and medication on the ability of our staff to work onboard aircraft, aircrew life support and human factors in aviation. The course also includes elements of occupational medicine.

03 General duties tour Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned As with all new officers, you will probably move jobs every 2 or 3 years, and each job is known as a tour. Ongoing As assigned General duties tour

As a 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 Joint Hospital 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.

04 Career prospects Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned The RAF offers a structured career path that mirrors the challenges and responsibilities of a civilian medical career. Ongoing As assigned Career prospects

You will hold the rank of Flight Lieutenant or Squadron Leader dependent on your experience and professional qualifications at the 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. 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 promotion to A/Wg Cdr on successful completion of IOD4 (Intermediate Officer Development) and substantive Wg Cdr on successful ASCAB (Armed Services Consultant Appointment Board). 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.

05 Ongoing development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned 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. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing development

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.

06 Transferable skills Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned As a Medical Officer in the RAF, you will have similar professional promotion and development opportunities to your civilian counterparts. Ongoing As assigned Transferable skills

You will also have 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.

prevnext TRAINING AND CAREER At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas. 01 Phase one training Initial Training 24 days (split) RAF Halton Your first steps with us will be your Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC). at RAF Halton. 24 days (split) RAF Halton Phase one training

This will take place over 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This should be completed within your first year in RAF reserves.

Throughout your training you’ll become prepared for service life in one of the most respected military forces in the world. As well as military training you’ll learn about the core values, code of conduct, and history of the RAF as well as its unique lifestyle.

02 Phase two training Initial training 24 days (split) RAF Cranwell Reserve Officer Initial Training course (ROIT) takes place at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire, comprising up to 4 weekends and a 2-week residential phase. 24 days (split) RAF Cranwell Phase two training

ROIT is designed to build upon the military skills gained during BRTC(R) and cultivate leadership skills through academic study and field exercises. Culminating in graduation from RAF Officer Training Academy, Cranwell as a Commissioned Officer. You will also undertake the Foundation Airpower training on completion of ROIT.

03 Phase three training Specialist Training Ongoing As assigned You will attend the Introductory RAF Medical Services Officers' Course at the Defence Medical Academy. Ongoing As assigned Phase three training

This is held at DMS Whittington, Staffordshire and a 2-week Aviation Medicine course at the RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine, RAF Henlow. The final element of specialist training is a 2-week clinical placement in a Primary Care Rehabilitation Facility on a Fast Jet Flying Station.

04 Your commitment to us Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us. Ongoing As assigned Your commitment to us

This will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve and provide value to us.

Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises. You could also be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after your first year with us.

05 Ongoing development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned You will have valuable personal development opportunities together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique experiences in the process. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing development

As well as RAF training packages and courses linked to outside professional bodies, we actively support individual study programmes at every level.

06 Transferable skills Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies. Ongoing As assigned Transferable skills

The skills you learn with us as a Reserve will complement those that you use in the wider world, providing value at work and at home too.

prevnext MEDICAL SPONSORSHIP

Please view our Medical Sponsorship page. This is only available for Regular applicants.

WHY JOIN THE RAF?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

Subsidised Accommodation Free gym Subsidised food Health care World travel Training WHY JOIN THE RESERVES?

The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.

You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.

Training Free gym Subsidised food Paid pension Paid holiday COMMITMENT AND LOCATION

You will have to commit to 27 days per year. Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.

You might be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after the first year.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are. 1 Filter interview 2 Health Assessment 3 Fitness Test 4 OASC 5 Acceptance 6 Familiarisation visit 7 Training 1 Filter interview Stage 1 of 7

Selection interviews help us get to know you a little better – and vice versa. You’ll get to show your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining the RAF.

The first of these interviews happens online and covers the following topics:

Family life

Education

Work experience

Special interests or hobbies

Interest in the RAF

2 Health Assessment Stage 2 of 7

You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.

We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. View details below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.

3 Fitness Test Stage 3 of 7

A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.

The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation .

4 OASC Stage 4 of 7

This will be your second visit to the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre. OASC lasts one day, but you will arrive the day before. During this time the officers will be assessing your leadership, teamwork, communication, motivation, and problem solving.

The day will end with an interview. The first half of the interview covers your achievements at school and college, in sports, your community, at work, and as a cadet, scout or guide.

The second half explores your motivation for joining the RAF – what you know about current affairs and the RAF’s role in the national and international arena, current operations the RAF is involved in and your knowledge about the RAF and the role you've applied for.

5 Acceptance Stage 5 of 7

Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO.

This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.

6 Familiarisation visit Stage 6 of 7

This takes place over 2 days and is designed to give you an insight into officer training. You’ll be issued with your initial kit, including your boots, attend lectures, and also repeat the fitness test taken at OASC.

7 Training Stage 7 of 7

(M)IOT and officer staff training

The Modular Initial Officer Training Course (MIOTC) has been designed to set commissioning officers up for their career in the RAF with the right skills and knowledge. This training will provide a solid platform for your continued development.

Visit our for more information about (M)IOT and the rest of officer training.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF as a Reserve takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are. 1 Squadron information day 2 Aptitude test 3 Selection interview 4 Health assessment 5 Fitness test 6 Acceptance 7 Training 1 Squadron information day Stage 1 of 7

The first step in the application process requires you to attend a squadron information day. This is a chance for you to visit the squadron of your choice and ask questions. You’ll get to see what life is like in the RAF Reserves and learn about the trade you’re interested in.

2 Aptitude test Stage 2 of 7

The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you’re a good fit for the role you’re applying for. You’ll answer seven multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:

Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information

Numerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae

Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks

Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work

Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts

Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts

Memory - Ability to remember information accurately

Click to find out more about the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) and try the online practice test.

3 Selection interview Stage 3 of 7

Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:

Family life

Education

Work experience

Special interests and hobbies

Interest in the RAF

Training

The role you’ve applied for

The RAF

You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.

4 Health assessment Stage 4 of 7

You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index. We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role.

View details below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.

5 Fitness test Stage 5 of 7

A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym near to you, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.

The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation .

6 Acceptance Stage 6 of 7

If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your Sqn. The purpose of this interview is to ensure you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.

7 Training Stage 7 of 7

Basic Recruit Training

Basic recruit training takes place at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire over a 15-day period. This residential course includes an introduction to life in the RAF Reserves, military skills training, drills, field training, and team-building exercises.

What’s next?

After basic recruit training, you will go on to receive role specific training in your spare time.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Age: When completed professional/education qualifications.
Maximum Age: Candidates can be accepted up to age 54 if you are already fully accredited. If you require professional training this age will be lowered to take account of your exact training requirements. Must have entered SOITC by 54th birthday.

Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Direct entrants must be fully registered with the General Medical Council. Sponsorship is available for the final three years of study in a UK Medical School.

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

NATIONALITY
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).

RESIDENCY
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered.

If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. Please continue this registration and proceed to your full application.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. To check your fitness levels, we put every candidate through at least two separate fitness tests as part of the application process.

The first of these is the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) which takes place at a fitness centre local to you.