The story behind today's training-system for doctors serving in the French Armed Forces is embedded in a series of establishments each of which has left its mark in history, maintained the closest links with centres of improvisation, and instilled in its students a deep sense of attachment.
It was at the very beginning of the 18^th century that the first such establishment dedicated to military doctors appeared in France. It strove unceasingly to adapt itself not only to the needs of the military, but to the advancement and established use of knowledge pertinent to the changing conditions of military service.
Since then, piecemeal evolution finally resulted in the amalgamation of 2011 when, on the 2^nd July, one single institution responsible for basic medical training was constituted --- the Defence School of Medicine (ESA). Its inauguration co-incided with the closure of the two Military Medical ...