A MEDIC aims to 'carry on a legacy' after he passed out from a prestigious military academy.

Reservist medic Lieutenant Daljinder Singh Virdee took part in a four-week intensive course for professionally qualified officers (PQO) at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, which aimed to develop leadership and professional competencies to a level demanded of an army officer.

Lt Virdee, 25, from Iver, is a technical services pharmacist at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital in London, and became a reservist in April with C Detachment, 256 (City of London) Hospital in Kingston, and passed out on November 28 in front of family and friends.

He said: “My NHS career became slightly repetitive and I was looking for a new adventure. Also being Sikh played a huge part in me signing up for service with a rich military history specifically with the British Army, so I wanted to carry on that legacy and tradition.

“Walking up the Old College steps and passing out was the only thing that I was focussed on during the various challenges and difficult times on the PQO course.”

He added: “Being part of the army reserve has given me a huge feeling of personal accomplishment and self-confidence. I feel the leadership skills I have picked up will truly be beneficial to my career and personal life.

“Due to the various physical and mental challenges, I feel a lot more resilient and am able to overcome anything that life can throw at me.”

The PQO course has been specifically designed for doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses and lawyers, with the focus of the course being on officership, command and leadership and the syllabus includes field training, physical and weapons training and drill.