All doctors at some point will have a difficult time, and many will have considered leaving medicine or the NHS. That might be why you are reading this! I am very glad that I decided to find a different way to continue my career, and would recommend that anyone having doubts has a look to see what else is available. If you love adventure and a bit of a challenge, the Army is an excellent opportunity. You will need to take 3 years out between FY2 and starting specialty training, but most Army doctors will tell you this is the most enjoyable 3 years of your career! After those 3 years, you will likely have a great looking CV and a much clearer idea of what you want to specialise in. The majority of doctors will stay employed by the Army during the training years, although some may choose to return to the NHS to train, this is usually if they decide to do a specialty that the Army doesn't provide (eg Paediatrics). It has been an excellent career change for me, and I would highly recommend it to anyone.

After finishing FY2 I felt like my life had become all about medicine. I had no time to do anything else! So my achievement I am most proud of is nothing to do with medicine. I am most proud that I found a way to learn a new sport and do well at it. I am proud that there is more to my life now than just work, and that I have the time to try new sports and activities and really enjoy my free time. While the army has provided me many opportunities to further my career (they are excellent at supporting courses and helping you build a CV), and I am proud of how I have developed as a clinician over the past few years, they have also provided me with plenty of opportunities to develop myself as a person as well.