Podcast Overview:

What is a Flight Surgeon?

Essentially it is being a family practice physician to pilots, loadmasters (make sure weight is balanced in plane), flight engineers, missile operators, and all others who have a role in day-to-day air force flight operations. They are required to fly planes and know the ins-and outs of flying, so that if a patient comes with a problem, a Flight Surgeon will be able to determine if the patient needs to be grounded or has the all-clear to fly. Misconstrued a lot as performing surgery in sky. Flight Surgeons practice Aviation/Flight Medicine. 

Dr. Gray's Story: 

Dr. Gray did not get his desired match of Orthopedics in the military and the Air Force made him diverge from that path and go to a 1 year training program as a General Medical officer to become a Flight Surgeon. Matches are based on the needs of the military, so the more popular the residency the less spots there are to get it. Has to have pilot training, but aviation is another thing he loves so it wasn't a problem. Had to opportunity to fly an F-16. Keep open mind when it comes to matches and what to your residency in.  Dr. Gray was never put in a hostile situation. He flew into Afghanistan and other hot military areas, but never operated in combat. 

Civilian vs. Military Medicine?

The military members try not to visit Dr. Gray because they love their job and want to work and fly their planes and not be grounded if Dr. Gray finds something wrong with them. The concepts are the same such as treating the patient, but Flight Surgeons have to consider how anything can affect one's ability to carry out military jobs/ duties.