The Wide World of Aviation Medicine Careers
The ever-growing aviation industry continues to bring new and exciting careers to the fore via different specializations, and one such intriguing field is Aviation Medicine. But what exactly does having a career in Aviation Medicine entail? Let's delve into the career opportunities in aviation medicine, exploring the benefits and requirements, and helping you decide if it's the right path for your career goals.
What is Aviation Medicine?
Aviation Medicine, also known as Aerospace Medicine or Flight Medicine, is a medical specialty that focuses on the health, safety, and performance of people involved in air and space travel. This includes pilots, aircrew members, astronauts, and even passengers.
Role of Aviation Medicine Practitioners
Practitioners in the Aviation Medicine field have a crucial responsibility to ensure the physical and mental fitness of the people involved in aviation activities. Their primary roles include:
- Performing mandatory regular health checks for pilots and crew members.
- Advising on the physiological and psychological challenges faced by air and space travelers.
- Developing and conducting research on aviation safety and occupational hazards.
- Working on disease prevention and promoting a healthy lifestyle among aviation personnel.
- Assisting in the design and use of equipment and aircraft systems based on human capabilities and limitations.
Career Opportunities in Aviation Medicine
The field of Aviation Medicine offers a range of career opportunities for both medical and non-medical professionals. Here are some key roles you might consider:
Aviation Medical Examiner or AME
AMEs are physicians designated by national aviation authorities to conduct medical examinations and issue medical certificates for pilots, air traffic controllers, and crew members. They are responsible for assessing the fitness and capability of these aviation professionals to safely perform their jobs.
Flight Surgeon
Aircraft and space missions have unique physiological and psychological challenges. Flight Surgeons specifically trained in aerospace medicine to address these challenges, ensure the well-being and performance of the personnel throughout their mission, and minimize any potential risks or dangers.
Aeromedical Evacuation Specialist
This role is primarily responsible for the medical care and safety of patients during air transportation. The individual must be equipped with specific skills needed in handling high-stress emergency situations, as well as a strong understanding of human physiology under the effects of flying.
Aviation Medicine Researcher
Research plays an essential role in this field. These professionals conduct studies and provide insights into aviation health issues, improving safety and performance standards.
Aerospace Physiology Specialist
These individuals specialize in understanding and managing the physiological impacts of flying such as spatial disorientation, hypoxia, and high-altitude sickness. They train aircrews on the prevention and response to these situations.
Entering the Field of Aviation Medicine
Whether you're a professional physician looking to specialize or a medical student contemplating your area of specialization, the following steps can guide you in venturing into Aviation Medicine:
- Obtain a medical degree: This is a fundamental requirement to begin a career in aviation medicine, and typically involves 4 to 5 years of study.
- Complete a residency program: A residency program in Occupational Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Family Practice provides good groundwork. Add a minimum of 1-year fellowship training in Aerospace Medicine.
- Get Board Certified: This may not be necessary in all countries, but board certification by relevant bodies like the American Board of Preventive Medicine can certainly enhance your qualifications and career prospects.
- Obtain Designations: Depending on your intended role, you might need additional designations, like the FAA’s Aviation Medical Examiner designation for an AME.
What's the Outlook for Aviation Medicine Careers?
With the field closely tied to the aviation and aerospace industries, the demand for aviation medicine professionals continually mirrors growth in these sectors. From regional airlines and international companies to space research organizations like NASA, opportunities for healthcare practitioners in this specialization are diversely spread.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for physicians and surgeons, which includes Aviation Medicine specialists, was over $208,000 per year in May 2018. However, the pay varies significantly based on the role, aviation sector, and location of practice.
Not Just for Doctors
While physicians play a prominent role in aviation medicine, many other professionals are crucial to this area. Nurses, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, and Researchers all have roles to play in ensuring the safety and performance of aviators and space travelers.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a career in aviation medicine can be a fulfilling choice, enabling you to blend a passion for aviation or space with medical practice. It offers not just the excitement of working in a unique field but also the satisfaction of playing an integral part in aviation safety and progress. As the world anticipates even more rapid advancements in air and space travel, aviation medicine professionals are set to play increasingly vital roles in the years to come.
