Doctor or Soldier? A Life on the Front Line

From battlefield medicine to humanitarian emergencies, Major General Tim Hodgetts has spent a remarkable career saving lives in the most demanding circumstances. Hear the extraordinary story of a doctor, soldier and leader whose experiences have taken him across the globe. Inspirational, thought-provoking and deeply personal. This a follow-up to Major General (rtd) Professor Tim Hodgetts CB CBE DL DSc DUniv PhD successful 2026 session, taking us through fascinating new material from his professional life, delivered in a very engaging way. Tim retired from active duty in 2024 after 41 years of Army service. His military career culminated as the Surgeon General of the UK Armed Forces, Master General Medical, elected senior medical adviser within NATO, and Honorary Surgeon to His Majesty the King. Tim is a Professor of Emergency Medicine by trade: he established the military specialty and has served to save lives in numerous zones of conflict, disaster and war. An author of 37 books, Tim is also an original war poet and has used poetry to reflect on his many challenging experiences, some shocking or absurd, and some humorous. This session is some of Tim’s stories and poems. They will make you both laugh and cry. He uses actors and the local community to help present them.