Search the website

Representing armed forces doctors

The Armed forces committee was established by the BMA "To consider matters relating to the medical branches of the armed forces and the medical branches of the reserve armed forces and so far as possible to ensure that medical officers serving in the medical branches of the armed forces are not disadvantaged in relation to their civilian counterparts."

The main focus of its work has traditionally been the production of evidence to the Armed Forces Pay Review Body. The bulk of this work is undertaken by the co-ordinating group that convenes between meetings of the main committee. In addition, the committee organises an annual conference for BMA members in the armed forces and lobbies minister, MPs, peers and the press on issues of concern to armed forces doctors.

The committee is also hoping to develop an improved working relationship with the Surgeon General and his department, building on meetings held in the past year. The committee also represents civilian doctors working for the defence medical services, and elected civilian doctor negotiators meet with MoD personnel twice a year. In addition, the committee hosts a one day conference specifically for civilian doctors.

BMA membership records
There are a number of medical officers in both the regular and reserve forces who are not known to the BMA. It would help the work of the Committee if those who have not yet informed the BMA membership department that they are in the forces could contact them with the information.

Do also encourage colleagues who are not members of the Association to ensure that their records are up to date as the Committee frequently writes to all armed forces doctors.

We also wish to improve our record of those medical students who are cadets. Please email the Armed Forces secretariat with this information.