A preliminary study of U.S. Air Force pilot perceptions of the pilot-flight surgeon relationship

Abstract

Introduction: Flight surgeons play a vital role in U.S. Air Force aviation operations by ensuring thatpilots are medically prepared to meet the demands of military aviation. However, there is natural tension between pilotsand flight surgeons. A pilot may be reluctant to share medical information with a flight surgeon who could negativelyimpact the pilot's career or flight status. In this preliminary study, we sought to identify pilot-perceived strengths andweaknesses in the relationship between U.S. Air Force aviators and their flight surgeons. Materials and Methods: Anonline survey regarding pilot-flight surgeon confidence and perceived values was distributed electronically to a convenience sample of U.S. Air Force aviators. Participants included U.S. Air Force active duty and Air Reserve Component(Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard) military aviators in addition to U.S. Air Force Academy aviation cadets.Results: One hundred and seventy-three aviators participated in the survey. Respondents reported variable comfort inapproaching flight surgeons with medical concerns and suggested that they believed other pilots might be withholdingmedical information from flight surgeons or seeking care from civilian physicians for career protection. Conclusions:We sought to examine the pilot-flight surgeon relationship and its impact on daily flying operations. While limited,results suggest that there may be gaps in trust between pilots and their flight surgeons. These findings could present anopportunity to improve the pilot-flight surgeon relationship by identifying factors that contribute to closer pilot-flightsurgeon relationships.