Doctor or Soldier first? Ethical and Legal Dichotomies in the Practice of Medicine in the Armed Forces

Abstract

Armed forces of nations maintain military forces which include an element of medical support. The use of military medical practitioners is to maintain a fit for service force, provide rehabilitative and curative services whilst at home and support the deployed forces in the field. In order to practice medicine, all health care Practitioners have to be registered with their respective statutory regulation bodies. These regulating bodies ensures legal and ethical practice and may prescribe sanction to the health care practitioner who transcends either legal or professional ethical rules. The health care practitioners wears to hats. Firstly as a medical practitioner, duly qualified to practice and holding registration with the respective statutory regulating body. Secondly, as a member of the armed forces of the state, the health care practitioner is bound by the oath taken in the defence of the nation. The military medical practitioner will be faced with the dualist roles that have to be undertaken. The commitment to the individual soldiers health and well being, versus the greater good of the nation.