Flight Medicine encompasses a number of programs. These include Aerospace Medicine and Flying Unit Operational Support, Occupational Health, and Public Health. In the Air Force Reserve, the single largest function that Flight Surgeons perform is maintenance of military medical standards. That is: ensuring that our airmen are able to deploy to austere environments without undue risk to themselves, others around them, or to the military mission. They conduct medical examinations and provide medical care for flyers, missile crews, and others with special standards of medical qualification. They evaluate living and working environments to detect and control health hazards and prevent disease and injury within the Air Force community. And an important component of their function is ensuring that members who no longer meet standards, due to a disability incurred in the line of duty, are appropriately evaluated and compensated.

Participation Requirements Reserve medical units typically meet a minimum of one weekend each month. Additionally, each unit performs a 15-day period of active duty (also called an annual tour).

• Be a graduate of a medical school or school of osteopathy approved by the Surgeon.
• General, HQ USAF, or be a graduate of a foreign medical school and have a permanent certification from the ECFMG or recognized by Fifth Pathway.
• Complete an approved residency or fellowship.
• Hold a current, permanent, unrestricted license to practice medicine in a state or territory of the United States or in the District of Columbia.
• Successfully complete a flying class medical examination.
• Pass a security investigation.
• Be accepted by the medical unit commander and Air Force Reserve Surgeon General.