Who we want
Officers are the managers, decision makers and leaders of the Defence Forces. A Medical Officer is a specialist Officer who practices medicine within the Defence Forces both at home and overseas. Medical practice focuses on health protection and education, primary care and environmental medicine. The role comes with very real physical and mental challenges. In addition to your medical role as an Officer you will be expected to lead and manage the personnel of the Medical Corp.
The Defence Forces is looking for people who have, in addition to the appropriate medical qualifications
- The ability to plan, prioritize and organise
- A reasonably high level of personal fitness
- Clear, concise and effective communication skills
- The ability to motivate others and work with a team
Professional Qualifications
Possess the minimum qualifications of M.B., B.Ch, B.A.O., or L.R.C.P. and S.I.
Hold current, full registration with the Medical Council of Ireland. (A successful candidate will be required to maintain registration).
Have 3 year’s post graduate experience.
In addition it is desirable but not essential that candidates be entered on one of the following Specialist Register of the Medical Council of Ireland.
- Emergency Medicine
- Anaesthetist
- General Practice Medicine
- Occupational Medicine
- Psychiatric specialties
- Public Health Medicine
How to Join
The Direct Entry MEDICAL OFFICER Competitions are held as required.
Application
Potential Candidates are required to complete an online application form through this website. The dates for the competition are advertised in the National Papers and on this website with applications only being accepted on these dates. All correspondence with applicants will be done through email for the duration of the competition.
Interview
Candidates who are deemed eligible will be asked to attend for Interview.
Medical & Security Clearance
The top scoring candidates at the Interview will then be called to attend a full medical examination in St. Bricin’s Military Hospital in Dublin. In conjunction with this all candidates will be security vetted by An Garda Síochána. Candidates will be required to pass both the medical examination and security vetting to be considered for induction.
Award of an Medical Officer Commission
The candidates who finished at the top of the competitions order of merit will then be offered a commission in the Defence Forces, as a Medical Officer with the rank of Captain.
Training
All newly commissioned Direct Entry Medical Officers will be required to undergo a Military Induction course.
Unit Assignment
Medical Officers will be assigned to Medical Units according to the needs of the Defence Forces. Medical Units are based in the following locations
- Naval Base, Haulbowline, Co. Cork
- Collins Barracks, Cork
- Custume Barracks, Athlone
- Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh Camp, Co. Kildare
- St. Bricin’s Hospital, Dublin
