What is an RMO and What is RMO Work?

The initials RMO stand for Resident Medical Officer and this means just as it says – you will be resident at a hospital for the period of your cover (usually one to two weeks). RMOs are generally on call 24 hours per day 7 days per week (i.e. 168-hour shifts), and are required to remain on the hospital site during that time. Meals and accommodation are provided free of charge for the RMO whilst on duty. Several of the hospitals we work with offer dual accommodation for doctors and their partners.

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RMOs provide cover in all private surgical hospitals within the UK and essentially observe the wishes of the patients' consultants in their absence. You need recent resuscitation and blood-taking experience and to be skilled in ECGs and urinary catheterisation. You also need to present a friendly and professional demeanor to patients and staff alike and demonstrate that you are confident with both your spoken and written English skills. You will be a team member but you will also be expected to act on your own initiative on occasions. You will be expected to head the resuscitation team in the event of a cardiac arrest and so you need to be able to display leadership skills. You will also be expected to carry out general ward work in line with the specific hospital job description (provided for each hospital); this may include clerking patients and pharmacy procedures. Hospitals vary in size and in the specific procedures carried out, but the majority primarily deal with elective, low-risk surgery.