We were thrilled to welcome 2003 alumna Amy Carty (née Randle) back to school to talk about her career in Emergency Medicine in both the RAF and for the NHS.

When Amy joined NGHS she always knew she wanted to become a doctor. Amy attended an RAF careers talk when she was in Year 11 and it sparked an interest, helping her realise she could be a doctor in the RAF. 

Amy was successful in securing a bursary from the RAF to study her medical degree at the University of Liverpool.  During her medical degree she was actively involved in the Liverpool University Air Squadron. She was paid a salary, became a Junior Cadet Officer, led on charity events, and ran lots of activities. It was great to hear how much Amy enjoyed her time at university.

Amy went on to say:

“After completing my medical degree and foundation training I spent a year completing my RAF Officer Training at RAF College Cranwell. I went on to General Duties postings in Cyprus and then to RAF Leeming in Yorkshire.”

 

 

Amy specialised in Emergency Medicine, with a subspecialty of Paediatric Medicine. Since completing the training, she has worked as an Emergency Medicine Consultant at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, working alongside military and NHS colleagues providing support for the NHS, but also with dedicated time to provide operational support for the Defence Medical Services. Amy uses her Paediatric subspecialty experience to guide operational plans for the DMS and provides ‘reachback’ advice and expertise for colleagues on remote operations. 

The students enjoyed asking Amy about her day-to-day role in hospital, what it’s like working in Emergency Medicine and being on the front line for both the NHS and RAF. Amy spoke a lot about the importance of teamwork, being a self-starter and having a good work ethic. These attributes from her days at school have helped her through her career. 

 

 

As part of Amy’s RAF role, we heard about how she’s had the opportunity to learn how to fly an aeroplane solo. She has also completed exercise training in some fantastic locations, flown in all sorts of aircraft and helicopters, worked abroad and met some interesting and engaging people. Through the support of the RAF, Amy has also been presented with academic opportunities in the military.

Amy finished by saying, “Being a consultant in the RAF has been, to date, one of the best careers I could have hoped for. Even after all these years, I still feel like I am a small part of a very special family, without which I wouldn’t be where I am today.” 

We were also pleased to inform Amy that she still holds the Year 10, 1500m Sports Day Record, which she has held for over 20 years!