Flight Physician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced era of modern aviation, the role of flight physicians is increasingly critical.

As aviation technology and medical knowledge continue to advance, the demand for skilled professionals capable of combining these fields grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a flight physician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the unique intersection of aviation and medicine,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable flight physician job description template, created for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Flight Physician Duties and Responsibilities

Flight Physicians are highly trained medical professionals who provide critical care to patients during air medical transport.

They are responsible for ensuring that patients receive the highest quality care while in transit, often in challenging and complex environments.

The duties and responsibilities of a Flight Physician include:

• Evaluating patients’ medical conditions and determining the need for air medical transport
• Providing emergency and critical care to patients during air transport
• Working closely with pilots, nurses, and paramedics to ensure a safe and efficient transport
• Implementing and adhering to the protocols for patient care during flight
• Coordinating with ground medical teams for patient handover
• Stabilizing and monitoring patients during transport
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of aviation medicine and critical care practices
• Documenting all patient interactions and care provided during flight
• Assisting in the training and education of flight nurses and paramedics

 

Flight Physician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Flight Physician to join our aeromedical team.

The Flight Physician will provide pre-hospital critical care, in-flight patient care, and post-flight patient care, ensuring the highest standards of medical assistance to patients during air transport.

Our ideal candidate is a licensed physician with experience in emergency medicine, critical care, and aviation medicine.

The ability to handle stressful situations, strong communication skills, and a commitment to patient care are essential.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to patients during air transport.
• Collaborate with flight nurses, paramedics, and pilots to ensure safe and effective patient care.
• Manage pre-flight and post-flight medical evaluations.
• Ensure compliance with aeromedical regulations and protocols.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development.
• Provide medical consultations and decision-making support to the flight crew.
• Conduct research to improve aeromedical practices.
• Participate in quality assurance activities related to aeromedical services.

 

Qualifications

• Valid medical license and board certification in Emergency Medicine or related field.
• Experience in critical care, emergency medicine, and aviation medicine.
• Ability to work under high-stress conditions and handle emergency situations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of aeromedical regulations and protocols.
• Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) certifications.
• Flight Physician certification is a plus.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Life insurance
• Travel allowance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Flight Physician
• Work Environment: Predominantly airborne with occasional office work for administrative tasks. The role involves significant travel and irregular working hours, including night shifts and weekends.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Medical Director or Chief Flight Physician.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $180,000 minimum to $230,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Flight Physician Do?

A Flight Physician is a medical professional who specializes in the health and wellness of individuals involved in aviation, including both commercial and military pilots, aircrew, and passengers.

They assess, diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries that may occur in the aviation environment, often working in challenging and fast-paced situations.

They are trained to provide immediate critical care in cases of in-flight medical emergencies.

Flight Physicians are also responsible for conducting regular health check-ups for aircrews to ensure their fitness for flight duties.

They assess their physical and mental health, vision, hearing, and cardiovascular health, among other aspects.

They have a deep understanding of the effects of atmospheric pressure changes, gravity forces, noise, vibration, and other flight-related factors on the human body.

They use this knowledge to develop appropriate medical procedures and regulations for the aviation industry.

They often work alongside other aviation professionals, such as flight nurses and paramedics, to ensure the overall safety and wellbeing of everyone on board an aircraft.

They might also coordinate with ground-based medical teams in case of emergencies that require hospitalization or specialized treatment.

Flight Physicians may also participate in research studies related to aerospace medicine, focusing on improving flight safety and health outcomes for aircrew and passengers.

 

Flight Physician Qualifications and Skills

A flight physician should possess a unique blend of medical expertise, aviation knowledge, and soft skills, such as:

• Medical knowledge and skills to provide emergency care in-flight and manage various medical conditions in an aviation environment.
• Understanding of aviation medicine principles and ability to apply them in real-life situations.
• Ability to work under pressure and make critical decisions quickly, since medical emergencies in-flight need immediate attention.
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with patients, crew members, and ground medical personnel.
• Physical stamina and ability to work in confined spaces and challenging environments that may include turbulence or extreme weather conditions.
• Knowledge of flight regulations and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of all passengers and crew.
• Ability to handle equipment and perform procedures in a zero-gravity environment, if working on air ambulances or space flights.
• Teamwork skills to work efficiently with paramedics, nurses, and other medical personnel in-flight.

 

Flight Physician Experience Requirements

Flight Physicians must typically hold a degree in medicine from an accredited institution and have specialized training in aerospace medicine.

Initial experience is usually gained through a residency or internship in a related field, such as emergency medicine or family medicine.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience may have gained this through roles in a clinical setting, providing emergency or primary care, or through military service.

Individuals with more than 3 years of experience are often preferred for flight physician roles, as this ensures they have the necessary medical expertise and are comfortable working in high-stress situations, often with limited resources.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have served in leadership roles in the medical field and are well-versed in emergency medical procedures, air evacuation protocols, and flight physiology.

Additionally, a Flight Physician must have a strong background in aviation medical evacuation procedures, medical protocols, and operating medical equipment on board an aircraft.

Advanced flight physician roles may require specialized training in aviation medicine, disaster medicine or similar fields.

A flight physician must also be able to maintain physical fitness requirements and be able to handle the physical and emotional stress of the job.

 

Flight Physician Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Flight Physician requires a significant amount of education and training.

Initially, a bachelor’s degree in a related science field, such as Biology or Chemistry, is required.

Following this, prospective Flight Physicians must complete medical school, earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

After obtaining their medical degree, individuals must go through a residency program, which typically lasts three to seven years, depending on the specialty.

During residency, they gain practical experience and knowledge about emergency care and aviation medicine.

Once residency is completed, a Flight Physician must become board certified, which includes passing the Aerospace Medicine Specialty certification exam administered by the American Board of Preventive Medicine.

Flight Physicians must also complete the necessary flight training and receive certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to be qualified as a pilot.

Continuous professional development and training in aerospace medicine and related areas are crucial, as this field is continuously evolving with the advancement of aviation technology and medical research.

In addition to the technical requirements, Flight Physicians must have excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, as they often work in high-pressure situations where rapid, accurate decisions can mean the difference between life and death.

 

Flight Physician Salary Expectations

A Flight Physician can expect to earn an average salary of $283,000 (USD) per year.

This figure can change depending on the individual’s level of experience, additional qualifications, and the region where they are employed.

Other factors can include the size and type of the employing organization.

 

Flight Physician Job Description FAQs

What skills does a flight physician need?

Flight physicians must possess excellent critical thinking and decision-making skills for emergency situations.

They should have a comprehensive understanding of aviation medicine, including handling conditions related to altitude, shock, and trauma.

They should also have proficient communication skills to liaise between pilots and medical personnel, and they must be capable of physical stamina and mental fortitude to handle stressful situations.

 

What are the educational requirements for a flight physician?

Becoming a flight physician requires a medical degree from an accredited institution and completion of a residency program.

Some flight physicians may choose to pursue additional specialized training in aerospace medicine.

All flight physicians must be board-certified and have a valid medical license.

 

What does a typical day look like for a flight physician?

A typical day for a flight physician would start with a pre-flight physical examination of the crew.

They also check all the medical equipment on board for functionality.

In-flight, they monitor the health of the crew and passengers, manage any medical emergencies, and provide medical advice as needed.

Post-flight, they document any medical issues encountered during the flight and provide necessary medical reports.

 

What qualities make a good flight physician?

A good flight physician has a high level of adaptability and can make quick, effective decisions under pressure.

They should have excellent attention to detail to identify potential health risks.

They are patient, empathetic, and have strong interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with patients and crew members.

Good flight physicians also value continued education to stay up-to-date with advancements in aerospace medicine.

 

Is it challenging to hire flight physicians?

Hiring flight physicians can be challenging as it requires finding candidates with specific medical expertise along with an understanding of aviation medicine.

To attract potential candidates, employers should offer competitive benefits, opportunities for career advancement, and a supportive working environment.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you an insider’s view of what it really means to be a flight physician.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about treating patients at 30,000 feet.

It’s about defining the future of in-flight medical care, one patient at a time.

With our ready-to-use flight physician job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why halt your journey here?

Soar higher with our job description generator. It’s your gateway to creating precise job listings or crafting an impeccable resume.

Bear in mind:

Every patient treated is part of a larger mission.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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