Initial Naval Training for Medical Officers: successes and opportunities

Abstract

In 2012, the Initial Officer Training (INT(O)) pipeline for Royal Navy Medical and Dental Officers (RN MODOs) was reorganised to ensure the same key training objectives were met by all Officers in the RN. This modernisation programme was initiated by the Institute of Naval Medicine (INM) and Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC), to guarantee that MOs possess the leadership and military skills required for service in the Royal Navy. This article describes the course and how it has developed over the seven years since its introduction. It aims to give an understanding of what initial MO training involves, some areas of opportunity, and intends to inform potential RN Medical Service applicants about what they can expect during initial training.