I have known Mike for a very long time and if you’d told me a decade ago that he’d one day be a Navy Doctor, I’d never have believed it. The carefree and, to put it delicately, untidy Mike that I knew did not seem the type of person to choose the rigid and structured life of a military officer. Yet seeing him now I can completely appreciate how the opportunity has opened up and elevated his life in a way I couldn’t have imagined.

The Royal Navy has taught Mike so many new skills. Not only can he now iron a shirt and make a bed, but he can work confidently under pressure, provide humanitarian support overseas, and protect and preserve the wellbeing of his colleagues and patients in challenging circumstances. He’s also had the opportunity to travel and pursue his own extracurricular hobbies like kite surfing and sky diving.

👉 Topics Discussed

In this episode, Mike shares his rationale behind joining the military and committing to a minimum of five years of military service. He also describes what life is like for Naval doctors, the highs and lows of the job, and what to expect if someone were to join the Royal Navy in their F3 Year.

This episode also includes:

• A run down of the different branches of the military that doctors can join.
• The day-to-day role of a doctor in the Royal Navy.
• The training path for military doctors.
• The pros and cons of joining the military as a doctor.

👉 Useful Links

• Get more information about joining the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, or British Army as a doctor.
• Or find other alternative medical roles at Medic Footprints.
• Or consider multiple different NHS roles in this article.
• If you aren’t sure what you want to get out of your F3 Year, try working though our F3 Workbook which has guided exercises and tips to make the most of your time out of training.
• Get information about how to find and apply for work in Australia here.
• Connect with other UK doctors ‘Down Under’ in the F3 in Australia and New Zealand Facebook group.
• Use our Portfolio Companion to help you structure your professional portfolio.
• Find out how you can boost your portfolio with CPD and courses.
• This article explains how to build a high-quality portfolio, and why it is important.

‍‍

This article is part of a wider series of comprehensive guides and information to help doctors ensure their F3 year is a success. We cover everything from initial planning, options for moving abroad, help with finding work, and tips for making the most of the experience.

Click here to visit our F3 Resource Hub to explore the full list of guides and articles.