Medical Officer
Jon Griffiths’s story...
‘My job is very enjoyable, I have a great deal of support and I never stop learning.’
My role
‘Being a GP in the RAF is different to civilian general practice. I can devote more time to patients and they are seen on the same day as they make their appointments, so that makes them happy with the service.
‘Working with aircraft and aircrew was always something that appealed to me, and I was well prepared for my Initial Officer Training as I’d been a member of the University of Wales Air Squadron when I was studying.’
My day
‘Here at RAF Kinloss, I have responsibility for providing primary healthcare to all Service personnel; that can range from daily sick parades to out-of-hours medical cover. The Nimrod aircraft here are on call 24 hours a day and I’m actively encouraged to fly in them to get first-hand experience.
‘I also have responsibility for occupational health screening to ensure that all Service personnel are fit. However, I have to remember that I’m an officer first and a doctor second.’
My experience
‘I’ve been fortunate enough to have medical training that I believe to be second to none. My Initial Medical Officers’ Course introduced me to important aspects of aviation medicine, such as assessing pilots for specific occupational needs. After that I went to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire as a General Duties Medical Officer (GDMO).
‘Later I spent 18 months working in an RAF hospital, before doing my General Practice Vocational Training at RAF Wittering near Peterborough. Our role there was to look after all Service personnel and their families.’
My life
‘When I was detached to Kosovo, I worked at the deployed operating base medical centre as one of two doctors in a team of 15 people. We were tasked with looking after the primary healthcare needs of the entire British contingent and all the refugees returning to their homeland after the war. There was a real sense of professionalism – everybody had a common goal and I felt proud to be involved. It was a great life experience.’
More views
Luke’s view
What’s your favourite bit of the job?
It has to be the patient contact. I really enjoy being able to see them again a week or so later and see that you’ve managed to solve their problems.
What’s the worst bit of your job?
It’s admin – it comes at you from all directions.
If you weren’t a Medical Officer, which other RAF job would you like? Why?
I don’t know, I’ve never really thought about it before. I do like helicopters, so I think probably something to do with helicopters – but I shouldn’t say that on a fast-jet base!
What do you do at lunchtime?
We go over to the Mess, normally with all the doctors and sometimes with the physios as well, and try and have a fairly sociable lunch.
Do you have any pets?
We’ve got two cats, Gabby and Lucy, who we adopted from a rescue centre about two years ago now.
What’s the best bit of advice you’ve ever had?
I think it would be what my parents said: ‘Be your own person.’
Sentiru’s view
What’s the worst bit of your job?
The unpredictability.
What are the three best things about the RAF?
The sense of community, the opportunity to work with people of different nationalities and the opportunities to progress your career.
What are the three worst things about the RAF?
The potential to be in danger and to lose your colleagues. The awful hours.
What was your favourite subject in school?
Biology.
What did you want to be when you were 16?
A doctor.
What’s the best bit of advice you’ve ever had?
Whatever you do, go in with your eyes open and research it first.
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