How Do I Become an Aviation Medical Examiner?

In order to become an aviation medical examiner, you must have a medical license that is valid in your local jurisdiction and be actively practicing medicine with patients in the same area, all of which requires several years of higher education. You must submit an application to the issuing agency in your country along with, in most cases, references from colleagues who practice in the same jurisdiction as you. You may also need to provide the issuing agency with a statement from the board that issued your medical licenses stating that you are in good standing in order to become an aviation medical examiner. Once your application is approved, you will then need to obtain training through the issuing agency and prove that your medical office is equipped to perform the medical examinations for pilots and traffic control personnel.

To become an aviation medical examiner, you will need attend undergraduate school, medical school, and complete a residency. Depending on the country in which you live, your class load, the specialty you choose, and your prior education, this can take anywhere from six to 16 years. After completing your education, you will need to apply for and pass the exam for a medical license, and then maintain that license throughout your career.

Once you decide to become an aviation medical examiner, you will have to submit an application to the agency that issues certificates for this job. In most countries, including Europe and the United States, an aviation medical examiner does not typically work for the government. Rather, he or she performs his or her regular clinical medicine duties and does aviation medical exams as needed, or works for an airline or pilot training school.

Along with your application, you will typically need to obtain references from other doctors that you have worked with or who know you personally in the area in which you work. These references will include information on your personal character and your professional experiences. In most countries, a statement from the agency that issued your medical licenses is also required. It will state whether or not you are considered in good standing with the agency and if there are any restrictions on your license.

If the issuing agency approves you to become an aviation medical examiner, you will have to complete training. This typically only lasts for one to four weeks, depending on the country in which you live. The training will teach you the physical examination process and how to determine whether a pilot is eligible for a medical certification; while you will not be making this decision yourself, your opinion will be factored in to the issuing board’s determination on each patient. This training will also provide you with an equipment list that the agency requires you have in your office to perform the medical exams. You will need to prove to the agency that you have all of the necessary equipment before they will issue you a certificate.