Chris Smith from Durham has taken on the role having been a doctor at GNAAS for more than 12 years.
As well as being employed by the British Army, he also works as an emergency medicine consultant in the Accident and Emergency department at James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough.
The appointment has come after the organisation’s previous medical director, Dr Simon Le Clerc stepped down from the role earlier this year.
Dr Smith said: “I’m extremely excited about my new role. Working with such a great team makes it a pleasure and privilege.”
As well as looking at expansion strategies for the charity, Dr Smith’s new added responsibilities will also include the employment of new doctors.
He added: “The main responsibilities of my new post are centred around the delivery of clinical care and maintaining appropriate standards of good clinical governance across the organisation.”
The 40-year-old, who has been deployed to five combat zones since 2006, previously worked for air ambulances in East Anglia and London before his arrival at GNAAS in 2010.
Dr Smith said: “My roles in the military, NHS and at GNAAS are very similar. All of them require a knowledge of medical planning, logistics, equipment, welfare support and delivery of clinical care.
“All of my jobs are rewarding in equal measure, but the most rewarding memories are those of the unexpected survivors which without the constant hard work of every member of the team would have otherwise died.”
When asked what he hopes to achieve is his new post, Dr Smith added: “I hope to continue to build our great team and help put into place some new and exciting capabilities to enhance the charity. I would also like to thank everyone at GNAAS and my family for all the support.”
GNAAS is dependent on donations to survive and has launched a raffle with a top prize of £10,000 to help it meet rising demand for its services. Tickets cost £1 each and are available now at gna.as/raffle21
