Flight surgeons, medical techs kick it up a notch during Bulgaria exercise

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Eric Donner
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
GRAF IGNATIEVO AIR BASE, Bulgaria (USAFENS) --  While at home station or at a deployed location, the goal of a flight surgeon or independent duty medical technician is to keep Airmen healthy.

More than 200 Airmen from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, deployed here for a trilateral exercise Immediate Response 2006 and rely on the flight surgeon and IDMT to care for their injuries while they complete their mission. In order for a training exercise to run smoothly, all individuals involved must remain a fit force.

The job of the medical team while deployed differs from home base operations, but the standards of health care remains the same. Flight surgeons, or “flight docs,” take care of both fliers and nonfliers, and their families, at home station, whereas deployed their focus is on the Airmen launching the flying missions. 

“We try to build a rapport with Airmen and their families so they feel comfortable talking to us in case they need a doctor,” said Maj. Lee W. Janson, 492nd Fighter Squadron medical element flight surgeon.

When a squadron deploys, it does not leave home without its medical team. During temporary duty assignments, the medical team’s mission includes medical care and public health for deployed Airmen. 

The medical team conducts inspections at facilities used by Airmen at deployed locations. They also inspect hotels, restaurants and other facilities for sanitation and cleanliness. 

“The restaurants usually comply once we identify ourselves,” said Major Janson. “They know that our recommendation will bring in business from the TDY Airmen.”
Local restaurants that pass the inspection are put on a list and recommended to the deployed troops. 

At home, the flight surgeons and IDMTs spend time in a clinical environment seeing all dependent and direct flying support personnel. Along with the clinic work, they also conduct public health, hazardous material and work area inspections to ensure a healthy and safe work atmosphere. 

Flight surgeons, while typically not pilots because of their specialized mission, are required to meet minimal flying hours.
“Flying with the pilots gives us a feel for what they are going through,” said Major Janson. “It also makes it easier for the pilots and the weapons system officers to come to us with problems."