What does a US Army Flight Surgeon do, really?

Not an uncommon question both asked or considered when I say I was a flight surgeon in the Army.
(The picture is of myself in the center with some of my teammates as we stand on the ramp of CH-47 in Camp Taji, Iraq). 

Those trained in aviation medicine for the US Army predominately are responsible for: 


1. Training in Aeromedical Physiology Concepts:

Training includes both rotary wing and fixed wing airframe travel effects on a patient, flight crew, pilots, and medical equipment used.


2. Application of Aeromedical Concepts:

Rotary wing airframes are the predominant ones we work with and so much is learned regarding low-frequency vibration effects, wet gas expansion, hearing safety, and combined effects of the physiological responses on medical-surgical disorders. Applying this knowledge, Flight Surgeons complete flight physicals on the unit members, provide commanders with either an "upslip" or "downslip" depending on whether the US Army Medical standards (40-501) for aviation duty are met



3. Aircraft Mishap Duties-

In addition to preventative safety duties, we are also responsible for aircraft mishap investigation duties.


4. Special Staff Officer duties-

US Army Flight Surgeons are typically assigned directly to and work for an Aviation Unit as a Special Staff Officer to the Commander. Physicians are expected to maintain records of current flight readiness of all assigned personnel, notify commanders of medical trends that may affect mission readiness, and be available 24/7 to the commander to respond to Red Cross messages of personnel, emergency care of a unit member, brief family members of medical concerns on behalf of commander. 

5. Mission Readiness Briefs-

Prepare and brief Commanding officers of pilot and flight crew health/readiness for mission


6. Direct patient care-

Providing Primary, preventative and emergency medical care in office settings, field training locations and combat operation environments. 

7. Aircrew /Pilot Aeromedical Training-

Teach regular yearly update classes of aeromedical/physiologic effects on the human body which can influence visual, auditory, vestibular input while in flight.


8. Aircrew Duties-

Regular flights aboard the unit aircraft with the unit members is required both monthly and yearly flight hours are logged.  


9. Inflight Medical-Psychological Evaluations

Performing inflight assessments of unit members as they perform their flight /crew duties is a regular responsibility.



Resources :
US Army Flight Surgeon Description
https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/career-match/science-medicine/intensive-care/61n-flight-surgeon.html

Society of US Army Flight Surgeons
https://sites.google.com/site/societyofusarmyflightsurgeons/home

US Army Flight Surgeon

My Flight Surgeon Training and Duties

2001-
US Army Flight Surgeon Course, 6 Weeks, Ft. Rucker Alabama. (https://home.army.mil/rucker/index.php/units-tenants/tenants/dam) 

2005-2006-
2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, Camp Humphreys, South Korea.  Brigade Flight Surgeon. (https://www.facebook.com/2ndCAB/)

2006-2009-
2-4 General Support Aviation Battalion,  Ft. Hood, Texas.  C Co MEDEVAC Medical Director and 2-4GSAB  Flight Surgeon. The unit has since relocated to Ft. Carson, Colorado.  (https://www.facebook.com/24GSAB/)

2009-2011-
Texas National Guard, Camp Mabry. Texas Medical Detachment. Chief Aviation Medicine.
(https://tmd.texas.gov/army-guard)

Flight Surgeon Oath


I will at all times remember my responsibility as a guardian of the skies.
I will uphold the sacred charge to promote the health and well-being of those aviators entrusted to me.
My studies will be unending.
My efforts ceaseless. Those who place their lives and the lives of their loved ones in my hands will not be disappointed.

My obligation as a flight surgeon is to move ever forward in the mastery of my skill. I promise to practice the medical arts with forthrightness and honor.

My skills must remain sharp, my mind quick – Lest I fail those whom I’ve sworn to protect. My insight and knowledge can turn the tide of battle.

The skies of tomorrow await the discoveries of today. As a soldier, I dedicate my efforts to the well being of the United States of America.

As an officer, I will always live the Army values and remain devoted to Duty, Honor, Country.

As a healer, I dedicate my efforts to the well being of mankind. I wear the sacred wings of my profession with the pride and understanding that I carry the legacy of brave men and women who have given their lives so that I might better protect my fellow Americans.

From the skies above, aviators are not separated by mountain and sea- they are joined by a common sky. I will bring all of them home, my word is my bond, these wings my manifesto. I do solemnly swear these things by the heavens in which we fly.

I am an Army Flight Surgeon.