Please view our Medical Sponsorship page. This is only available for Regular applicants.
MEDICAL OFFICER (DOCTOR)
CURRENTLY RECRUITING
Helping people
Travelling the world
Aircraft
CONSULTANT PAY FROM
£100,600
+ Benefits
ACCREDITED GMP PAY FROM
£88,400
+ Benefits
Starting pay and seniority for all Medical Officers (Doctors) will be calculated individually based upon previous experience.
Depending on your specialisation and Service need, there may be potential to gain a £50,000 Golden Hello.
A doctor in the RAF is known internally as a Medical Officer and you will deliver a high standard of care, sometimes under challenging conditions. You will play a vital role in keeping our personnel fit and medically prepared for operational roles.
The RAF Medical Services are currently recruiting the following specialisations: General Practitioners, Trauma and Orthopaedic Consultants, and Psychiatrists.
Don't limit yourself. You can apply for more than one position and we can help you find the right role.
You can view and manage favourites here.
Already applied? See what the next steps in the application process are below.
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
CURRENTLY RECRUITING
Helping people
Travelling the world
Aircraft
DAY RATE STARTS AT:
Depends on role, rank and experience
As an RAF Medical Officer, you will deliver a high standard of care, sometimes under challenging conditions. You will play a vital role in keeping our personnel fit and medically prepared for operational roles.
RAF Medical Reserves recruit the following specialisations: Anaesthetist Consultant, Emergency Medicine Consultant and General Practice, although Medical Officer General Practice is currently closed for new applicants. For further details, or to express an interest in Medical Officer General Practice, please email our team here.
Don't limit yourself. You can apply for more than one position and we can help you find the right role.
You can view and manage favourites here.
Already applied? See what the next steps in the application process are below.
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)
- 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)
- Commit to a Preliminary Commission of 6 years service
- Meet the health and fitness criteria
- Pass a Fitness test - Details below
- Complete and submit this CV form prior to application.
- Current Priority: General Practitioner
Requirements
- Be aged 18-54. Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 6 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 General Fitness Test
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
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.
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.
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
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
The RAF offers a structured career path that mirrors the challenges and responsibilities of a civilian medical career.
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
As a Medical Officer in the RAF, you will have similar professional promotion and development opportunities to your civilian counterparts.
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.
24 days (split)
RAF Halton
Your first steps with us will be your Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC). at RAF Halton.
Ongoing24 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.
Ongoing
As assigned
You will attend the Introductory RAF Medical Services Officers' Course at the Defence Medical Academy.
Ongoing
As assigned
We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us.
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
Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies.
WHY JOIN AS
AN OFFICER?
When you become an RAF Officer, your responsibilities start from day one. You’ll be tasked with leading a team, building a sense of camaraderie, and making quick decisions. Become tomorrow’s leader. Start today.
WHY JOIN
THE RAF?
Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.
Rent from £75p/m
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.
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.
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.
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. Every candidate's fitness levels are tested 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. This consists of a 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
How fit you need to be to pass this test varies on age and gender. The PJFT requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).
| MEN | |
| AGE | 2.4 Km Run |
| (Mins) | |
| 15-16 | 13.52 |
| 17-29 | 13.20 |
| 30-34 | 13.49 |
| 35-39 | 14.14 |
| 40-44 | 14.46 |
| 45-49 | 15.17 |
| 50-54 | 15.53 |
| WOMEN | |
| AGE | 2.4 Km Run |
| (Mins) | |
| 15-16 | 16.22 |
| 17-29 | 15.48 |
| 30-34 | 16.14 |
| 35-39 | 16.44 |
| 40-44 | 17.22 |
| 45-49 | 17.57 |
| 50-54 | 18.34 |
See here for more information about a training plan
A second fitness test will take place at RAF Cranwell as part of your familiarisation visit. This includes the Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT or Bleep test). Standards to achieve will be given during the visit.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Candidates joining the RAF must be medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the challenges of military service, during which they will be expected to deploy, potentially at short notice, to locations world-wide that are remote from established medical care.
Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF. Further details can be found in this document.
Before your application, please note that Body Mass Index Requirements are as follows:
| Age | Male and female minimum | Male and female maximum | Male maximum with additional assessment | Female maximum with additional assessment |
| 18 + | 18 | 30 | 32 | 32 |
| 16 to < 18 | 17 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.
If you are unsure about any health criteria, please continue your application and your eligibility will be assessed at the medical examination stage.
During your application, the Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
YOU MUST:
- Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
- Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
- Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance
DISQUALIFYING FACTORS
YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:
- Have been or are a member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
- Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
- Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
- Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive.
Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). - Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
- Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt
Beard Policy:
A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).
The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available.
Applicants must be aged 18-54 (and meet all specialist/professional pre-requisites listed below)
Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 6 months in order to attest before 55th birthday. Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis.
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Be fully registered with the General Medical Council and fully qualified in your specialty.
NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY
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).
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application. However, candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered.
Commonwealth citizens require a minimum of 5 years residency in the UK prior to application.
FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively. Every candidate's fitness levels are tested 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. This consists of a 2.4km (1.5m) run on a treadmill (set to zero incline)
How fit you need to be to pass this test varies on age and gender. The PJFT requirements are listed on the charts below (Male and Female).
| MEN | |
| AGE | 2.4 Km Run |
| (Mins) | |
| 15-16 | 13.52 |
| 17-29 | 13.20 |
| 30-34 | 13.49 |
| 35-39 | 14.14 |
| 40-44 | 14.46 |
| 45-49 | 15.17 |
| 50-54 | 15.53 |
| WOMEN | |
| AGE | 2.4 Km Run |
| (Mins) | |
| 15-16 | 16.22 |
| 17-29 | 15.48 |
| 30-34 | 16.14 |
| 35-39 | 16.44 |
| 40-44 | 17.22 |
| 45-49 | 17.57 |
| 50-54 | 18.34 |
See here for more information about a training plan
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Candidates joining the RAF must be medically fully fit, both physically and psychologically, to meet the challenges of military service, during which they will be expected to deploy, potentially at short notice, to locations world-wide that are remote from established medical care.
Certain medical conditions could preclude entry to the RAF. Further details can be found in this document.
Before your application, please note that Body Mass Index Requirements are as follows:
| Age | Male and female minimum | Male and female maximum | Male maximum with additional assessment | Female maximum with additional assessment |
| 18 + | 18 | 30 | 32 | 32 |
| 16 to < 18 | 17 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
Eyesight requirements vary for different roles. A requirement to wear glasses or contact lenses may be allowed for aircrew.
If you are unsure about any health criteria, please continue your application and your eligibility will be assessed at the medical examination stage.
During your application, the Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.
DURING YOUR APPLICATION:
The Medical Risk Assessment that all candidates undergo is there to make sure that you are healthy enough for the intense training required by the RAF. Your application will be rejected if you fail to meet the minimum acceptable medical standard for entry. Your medical history is confidential and is not disclosed to those not authorised to hold this information.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
YOU MUST:
- Declare any previous spent and unspent convictions
- Check if you qualify under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 through this summary
- Have a basic background check to get Security Check level clearance
DISQUALIFYING FACTORS
YOU CAN'T APPLY FOR THE RAF IF YOU:
- Have been or are member of a group that stirs up racial hatred and violence
- Are waiting to appear in court, or have unspent convictions. You may also have to declare spent convictions for certain roles
- Misuse drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits
- Have tattoos, brands or bead implants that are obscene or offensive.
Any permanent or temporary tattoos, whether ordinarily visible or not, must not be obscene or offensive (eg, racist, anti-religion or belief, crude, overtly sexist, homophobic, drug related or of an extreme political nature). Tattoos may be worn on the side and back of the neck but tattoos on the back of the neck must not extend above the natural hairline (scalp tattoos are not permitted). - Have body piercing which causes holes that do not close up
- Declare yourself to be an 'undischarged' bankrupt
Beard Policy:
A revised facial hair policy has been agreed by the Air Force Board which will allow serving personnel to wear a smart, neatly-trimmed, full-set beard whilst maintaining high standards of appearance. The length of acceptable beards is between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm).
The wearing of beards during Phase 1 and Phase 2 training is currently under consideration and details will be advised when available.
If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.
SIMILAR
ROLES