Being a soldier and a medic
BMJ 2016; 352 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.h5891 (Published 01 February 2016) Cite this as: BMJ 2016;352:h5891- Mathew Billingsley, editor, Student BMJ
Matt Ellington is a clinical fellow in emergency medicine at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Kent. He went to medical school in Birmingham and completed his foundation years in Cambridge and Ipswich.
Why did you decide to volunteer for the army reservists?
As a junior doctor I was well versed in the daily battle of requesting scans, completing discharge paperwork, prescribing fluids, and doing lengthy ward rounds. I found this all fairly unstimulating, so I decided to search for something more exciting. I had considered a career in the military, and my interest was heightened at medical school when I witnessed the incredible work done by the medical teams in Afghanistan. They were often working in tents and in austere conditions, but I was amazed that the survival rate for trauma patients at Camp Bastion [Ministry of Defence airbase in Helmand province, Afganistan] was 97%, which is higher than NHS hospitals in the United Kingdom. One of the main reasons I joined [the army reserves] was the wealth of extracurricular activities and experiences that are offered. There are opportunities to work in the field, learn how to shoot new weapons, and take part in training that involves skiing, mountain biking, and hiking.
What is your role and what does the training pathway involve?
My role in the army is as a general duties medical officer. It can be as varied as it sounds, but typically involves …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £173 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£38 / $45 / €42 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.