Courtesy Photo | U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Geoff Garst and Maj. Ed Fenton complete a training handoff...... read more read more
With increasing demands for aeromedical support, the U.S. Air Force has introduced the 48O Aeromedical Physician designation, a role aimed at strengthening operational capabilities and addressing a critical shortage of flight surgeons. This initiative enhances mission support and reflects the adaptability and resilience of the modern Air Force Medical Service.
A solution to flight surgeon shortfalls
The aeromedical physician role, designated as Air Force Specialty Code 48O, is the Surgeon General’s response to growing readiness requirements under the Air Force Force Generation model. Unlike traditional flight surgeons, 48Os can come from various medical specialties, increasing the flexibility of Air Force medical personnel in operational environments. They maintain their primary AFSC and will fulfill surge capacity for flight surgeons as needed. The 48Os are not required to complete a flying class physical, allowing a wider pool of medical professionals to take on this role. They are not rated aviators and do not earn flight surgeon wings, but their training otherwise mirrors that of flight surgeons.
“We intend to train 48Os to have the capability to perform most duties of a flight surgeon,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Anthony Mitchell, 59th Medical Operations Group commander at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Mitchell, who helped develop the position as a former Air Force Surgeon General consultant, sees the 48O as a force multiplier in aeromedical operations.
This flexibility allows specialists - such as cardiologists or dermatologists - to contribute to operational readiness beyond their primary clinical roles. “Every medical corps officer should have baseline training in aerospace and operational support like what is provided in the aerospace medicine primary course,” Mitchell explained. “Even though I might be a specialist, I can be multi-capable and now support the operational mission. I can help with site visits, in-flight response, clear personnel for flight, and other various operational requirements.”
Training for a mission-ready medical force
“The training will teach skills that people don't realize they will need as a multi-capable Airman,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jaime Robey, associate director of the Medical Corps and chief of medical staff at Bolling Air Force Base. As a pediatrician with experience in military leadership, Robey chose to pursue 48O training to broaden her ability to support the flying mission. “It’s important for us to understand the operational mission requirements and how we can better support the mission,” she said. “This is invaluable training that will not go to waste.”
The versatility of the 48O role ensures that medical support remains uninterrupted, even when flight surgeons are forward deployed. “This role provides the capability for continued in-garrison operations if flight surgeons had to go forward and manage the mission,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Javier Nieves, chief aerospace medicine consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General. “The 48Os could easily fall in to support those positions that are left behind.”
Career growth and future impact
Beyond filling immediate readiness gaps, the 48O designation offers a new avenue for career progression in Air Force medicine.
“The 48O training will allow more medics to develop critical and necessary skills to take care of flyers and our rated members at a moment's notice,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Valerie Castle, director of the Air Force Medical Corps. “Additionally, anyone trained as a 48O could then choose to go on and complete their training as a residency-trained flight surgeon further integrating medical professionals into operational support.”
The 48O program exemplifies the Air Force's commitment to medical readiness, mission adaptability, and operational excellence. This initiative is a key component of AFMS transformation efforts, ensuring that Air Force medics are equipped to meet evolving operational demands while maintaining the highest standards of care. By equipping a broader range of physicians with aerospace medicine skills, the AFMS ensures its personnel remain prepared for the challenges of modern warfare - anytime, anywhere.
| Date Taken: | 04.05.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.07.2025 07:14 |
| Story ID: | 494569 |
| Location: | FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 754 |
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This work, 48O aeromedical physicians fill need for flight surgeons, enhances operational readiness, by Maristela Romero, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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