Page 53 - RADC 2016

The RADC Reserves Weekend – A Regulars’ Perspective
Major Sarah Armstrong
Following the success of 205 (Scottish) Field Hospital’s RADC (R) weekend in Edinburgh in March 15 which focused
on leadership in the Military and Clinical Environment, I was looking forward to nding out what 202 (Midlands) Field Hospital had in store for us at the Defence Academy, Shrivenham.
Each year a new team organise the event, allowing for fresh ideas and themes, new locations and an opportunity to develop our people in the organisation and planning of military events.
So why attend as a Regular?
Firstly, the engaging lecture program.
In Edinburgh the program focussed on the question ‘What do we need to appreciate to Lead well?’ with an inspiring series
of lectures and seminars on leadership
in adversity, leadership theory, spiritual aspects of leadership, leading change
and coaching. Rarely have I seen a study day provide so much food for thought, with myself and other RADC colleagues returning to our dental centres enthused to develop leadership within our own dental environments.
This year the program was clinically focussed, and the organising team did not disappoint, with an excellent program of external and military clinical speakers covering a wide range of topics including posteriors composites, oral cancer, BLS, record keeping and a hand’s on clinical workshop.
Secondly, the prestigious locations.
In Edinburgh we had the great privilege
of being hosted in the Of cers’ Mess at Edinburgh Castle, followed by an all-ranks Regimental dinner night in the Castle Club
Maj Sarah Armstrong, Maj Kate Hitchcock, Maj Fiona Cunningham
Rooms deep inside the Castle rock. This year we were dined in the Joint Services Command and Staff College, an impressive location you may only get the opportunity to visit if attending ICSC or ICSC (LR).
Thirdly, the social element.
The events provide a great chance to meet other dentists and DCP’s who work outside of the DPHC environment, catch up with old friends who have transferred to the Reserves as well as socialise with CDP Reservist colleagues in a military environment.
There is plenty of opportunity throughout to share stories of our different military experiences/opportunities, discuss differences in our everyday clinical practice, and it provides a great forum for networking and collaborating over new ideas.
All in all I would certainly recommend attending and I’m already looking forward to what 204 (North Irish) Field Hospital have to offer next year!
Maj Neil Heath, Maj Sarah Armstrong, Maj Pete Wright
Maj Kate Hitchcock and Lt Col Richard Crutchley
Col Jackson presenting Reserves Weekend
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