Flight Medicine for Civilian Physicians

I frequently get asked by civilian physician colleagues: "How do I get involved in aviation medicine?" It's a great question, and the answer is more accessible than most doctors realize. You don't need to be a military flight surgeon or have piloting experience to make meaningful contributions to this field. Aviation medicine — or aerospace medicine — sits at a fascinating intersection of clinical medicine, occupational health, human factors, and regulatory policy.

WHY AVIATION MEDICINE?

Aviation medicine is one of the most rewarding subspecialties in all of medicine. As an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), you serve as the gatekeeper between a pilot's health and public safety. Every exam you perform has direct implications not just for the individual sitting in front of you, but for every passenger who will fly with them. It's a responsibility I take seriously every single day.

The field also offers remarkable variety. In a single week, you might evaluate a student pilot applying for their first medical certificate, help a commercial airline captain navigate an antidepressant SSRI authorization, counsel a pilot through a DUI/alcohol event, or assist a veteran transitioning from military to civilian flying. No two cases are alike.

BECOMING AN AVIATION MEDICAL EXAMINER (AME)

Basic Requirements

To become an FAA-designated AME, you must:

• Hold an unrestricted medical license (MD or DO)
• Be in active clinical practice
• Complete the FAA's Basic AME Seminar (a 5-day course)
• Apply through your Regional Flight Surgeon's office
• Pass a background check and maintain good standing

The Basic AME Seminar covers FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 67), examination techniques specific to aviation, aeromedical decision-making, and the MedXPress electronic application system. The course is intensive but well-structured, and you'll leave with a solid foundation for performing FAA medical examinations.

Senior AME Designation

After gaining experience as a basic AME, physicians can pursue Senior AME designation, which allows you to issue all classes of medical certificates and grants additional authority in certain aeromedical decisions. This requires additional training and a track record of quality examinations.

ADVANCED TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Aerospace Medicine Residency

For physicians seeking deeper expertise, several accredited aerospace medicine residency programs exist. The residency is typically a 2-year program that leads to board certification through the American Board of Preventive Medicine. Programs are available at Wright-Patterson AFB, the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), and other institutions. If you're a military physician, I've written extensively about the path to becoming a flight surgeon.

AsMA and Professional Organizations

The Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) is the premier professional organization for aviation medicine practitioners. Their annual meeting is an outstanding opportunity to network, present research, and stay current with the latest developments. The Civil Aviation Medical Association (CAMA) specifically caters to AMEs and offers excellent continuing education.

GETTING STARTED: PRACTICAL STEPS

1. Shadow an AME: Spend a day or two observing an experienced AME perform FAA medical exams. This gives you a realistic picture of the workflow.
2. Attend an AsMA Meeting: Even before committing to AME training, attending the annual Aerospace Medical Association conference exposes you to the breadth of the field.
3. Take the Basic AME Seminar: The FAA offers these courses several times per year at locations across the country. This is your entry point.
4. Consider a Mentor: Partnering with an experienced AME in your area can accelerate your learning curve tremendously. Our team at Go Flight Medicine regularly mentors new AMEs.

Aviation medicine needs more qualified, passionate physicians. Whether you're in family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, or any other specialty, your clinical skills are directly transferable. The pilots who depend on us deserve the best medical care we can provide.