Flight surgeons ensure Airmen with flying duties, Robins work force remain healthy for mission Published Nov. 19, 2020 By Holly Logan-Arrington Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- “The most challenging aspect of being a flight surgeon is that we are expected to be the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ for military medicine,” said Lt. Col. David Oldham, 78th Medical Group chief of Aerospace Medicine. Oldham, one of four flight surgeons at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, said for that reason, those in his career field are knowledgeable in many areas. “It is expected that we are at least familiar with all aspects of medicine and the interactions with health for those with special duties,” he said. “It is also expected that we have a working knowledge of public health, bioenvironmental issues, occupational medicine, preventive medicine and how these integrate with the line side of the military.” Despite the title, flight “surgeon,” Oldham said he does not perform surgery or surgical procedures while in flight. “The term originated during World War I when physicians began to help with the medical screening for aviators and the term has stuck ever since,” he said. There is no such thing as a typical work day for this flight surgeon, Oldham said. “As a flight surgeon, we are directed to spend 50% of our time outside of a normal physician’s clinic,” he said. “This includes flying, shop visits, providing briefings to units, and several other duties not typical of regular medical providers.” Oldham performs a myriad of duties that work together to keep Airmen healthy and safe for the mission. “A typical flight surgeon will perform physical examinations and make recommendations for aviators in the Air Force,” he said. “This includes not only pilots, but all individuals who perform flying duties. We are trained to evaluate the various stresses associated with flight and how medical conditions might affect an aviator while performing their duties.” In addition to caring for those with flying duties, flight surgeons are also required to perform shop visits throughout the base to ensure safety of at risk workers. Though flight surgeons are not pilots, Oldham said they are considered rated officers and are required to participate in regular flights with the crew. While the majority of a flight surgeon’s time is spent supporting aviators at Robins, the flight surgeon mission touches all Robins mission partners, Oldham said. “We oversee all the work restrictions and retention standards for active duty members,” he said. “We are also medical consultants for the wing and work with public health on making base wide health recommendations.” Although the career field has its challenges, Oldham said it’s all worth it. “The most rewarding part of being a flight surgeon is being able to be a physician, something I love, but also being able to integrate with the line-side mission of the Air Force,” he said. “I love being the liaison of sorts between those on the flight line and medical, and how that translates into furthering the Air Force’s goal to Fly-Fight-Win.”