The first military pharmacist in the Royal Air Force has been recruited by 4626 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, a reserve unit based at RAF Brize Norton.
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Flight Lieutenant Sira is an Officer in the RAF Reserve. She graduated from the London School of Pharmacy in 2009 and in her civilian life works as a prescribing pharmacist for a group of general medical practices in the capital. In fact, Flight Lieutenant Sira has just completed her medical degree and is now a qualified doctor and will soon begin her foundation training.
Read more about being a RAF Pharmacist
Before becoming the RAF’s first uniformed pharmacist, Suki served with 4624 Movements Squadron for two years.
I’ve always had a fascination with aviation and felt quite endeared to the military. It was the always the RAF I was more drawn to, and eventually I decided to take the plunge and have not looked back since.
Flight Lieutenant Sira
RAF Pharmacist Reservist
4626 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron is part of the RAF Support Force, which brings together most of the capabilities and skills needed to sustain modern air operations and exercises. 4626 Squadron was formed at RAF Wroughton in 1983 and today provides trained medical personnel for aeromedical, pre-hospital and primary healthcare supporting the regular forces.
But why would the RAF need a Pharmacist?
I’m still new to my job in 4626 Squadron, but essentially there is a need for a pharmacist to oversee the setup of a hospital staging unit, which provides treatment for personnel prior to Aeromedical Evacuation. A pharmacist monitors the supply of medicines and is in charge of purchasing, dispensing and quality testing the stock of medicines along with help from RAF Reserve Pharmacy Technicians.
The recruitment of an RAF military pharmacist is a great step forward in the development of the operational capability for RAF Medical Services and it is a privilege that the post and Flight Lieutenant Sira sit within 4626 Squadron.
Squadron Leader Staniforth
Executive Officer for 4626 Squadron
RAF Medical Services’ mission is to ensure that personnel are medically fit to go wherever they are needed. Its personnel are trained to deliver direct medical and mental health care in a variety of different clinical settings. There are lots of roles, including doctors, dentists, nurses, paramedics and medical support officers – all of which safeguard the health and fitness of all military personnel.
I thoroughly enjoyed officer training, and you tend to learn a lot about yourself at Cranwell. I made some friends for life and it was a real privilege to graduate from there. Being in the medical reserve is slightly different to the civilian word, but you are recognised for what you can do, and there is still that sense of camaraderie.
Flight Lieutenant Sira
RAF Pharmacist Reservist
This is a brilliant step forward for the Medical Reserves and the RAF. The team at 4626 Squadron have brought a new and valuable medical capability to the RAF. Flight Lieutenant Sira’s pharmaceutical experience and qualifications, coupled with her existing knowledge of the RAF make her the ideal choice and we’re pleased to welcome her.
Wing Commander Woolley
Medical Operations Team
Hear more about RAF Reserves on InsideAIR
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