Would you use your clinical
skills to obtain a ring-side view of the games or is volunteering as a doctor
too much of a busman’s holiday, even if it does land you trackside at the
Olympic Games?

Today marks two years until
the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Probably too short a time for most of us to get match fit for our chosen
event, but for those who would like to be part of it in another way, the
campaign for volunteers or ‘Games Makers’ is launched today.

Akin to medicine, Games
Maker roles are split into generalist and specialist. Thousands of specialist
medical roles
are on offer from blood collection officer in the anti-doping team to crowd
doctor for the fans.

It is estimated that
2000-5000 specialist anti-doping Games Makers will be required and up to 5000
specialist medical Games Makers. For members of the medical team the highs are
described as having the unique experience of practising medicine in a Games
environment, taking care of athletes or dealing with ‘enthusiastic’ spectators.
Interestingly, the lows points are listed as having to work long hours in a
demanding role (nothing new there, you may think) and being expected to deliver
a world-class level of service at all times (as above).

I couldn’t help but look if
any media bods were required. Sadly the description for the editorial volunteer
roles explains ‘You won’t set foot outside your designated work venues and will only see
the sporting action on TV….Not for anyone seeking to bask in the glamour of the
games’.   

Sounds like the medics will
see more of the action then.