3 answers
Keira
Student
New Waverly, Texas
1
Question
Updated
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Would it be wise, and what would be the best route to take if I am interested in pursuing a career in both aviation and medicine (possibly surgery), not to work in the USA alone, but to expand overseas and use as a mission endeavor?
I don't know if it is possible to blend the two, as they are both quite opposite on the career ladder. If it is, what do you see as being the pros and cons of trying to accomplish both, or just one or the other? Do you think it would be feasible to meld the two?
I don't want to be another mediocre leaf on the tree. I want to make a difference in the world.
Experience relating to each field and what challenges y'all face in day-to-day life would also be appreciated.
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3 answers
Tereon Dorsey
Aircraft mechanics
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Tereon’s Answer
You can possibly become a flight paramedic. If you join the Army there are position for flight medic. You have to work hard to get it, but that skill set can take you all over the world
Wayne Johnson
Maintenance Programs, FAA Part 121
102
Answers
Auburn, Washington
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
If you pursue a Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificate, then you could apply to medical flight companies and fly for them. If you pursue a career in Aviation, there is no aviation training that would crossover to a Medical occupation. If you were licensed to practice medicine, then you could probably get certified to become a Aviation Medical Examiner and issue the Class 1, 2 or 3 Medical certificates the pilots are required to have to be able to use their pilots license.
Here is a link for Air Methods which is a Medi-Flight company in Texas: https://www.airmethods.com/careers/
Additional information:
You haven't mentioned what part of aviation you want to pursue, aviation maintenance, pilot, management, etc. If you pursue aviation maintenance and have acquired your airframe and powerplant license (A&P) and want to work outside of the United States you will need to attend additional schooling. The A&P license is not worth much outside of the United States. You could possibly work for a United States Airline at a remote location. Example: Work for Delta in Europe.
The Foreign Airframe License is broken down to something like the following: Pressurized, unpressurized, non-turbojet aircraft under 19000 lbs max takeoff weight., etc. Here is a link to a further explanation of the ratings: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_maintenance_engineer_(Canada).
This will also give you an idea of what type of training you should get. At a minimum you will need to be EMT Certified.
Here is a link for Air Methods which is a Medi-Flight company in Texas: https://www.airmethods.com/careers/
Additional information:
You haven't mentioned what part of aviation you want to pursue, aviation maintenance, pilot, management, etc. If you pursue aviation maintenance and have acquired your airframe and powerplant license (A&P) and want to work outside of the United States you will need to attend additional schooling. The A&P license is not worth much outside of the United States. You could possibly work for a United States Airline at a remote location. Example: Work for Delta in Europe.
The Foreign Airframe License is broken down to something like the following: Pressurized, unpressurized, non-turbojet aircraft under 19000 lbs max takeoff weight., etc. Here is a link to a further explanation of the ratings: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_maintenance_engineer_(Canada).
This will also give you an idea of what type of training you should get. At a minimum you will need to be EMT Certified.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Keira,
You have interesting passions, but not everything you are interested in needs to be a career. One passion can be a hobby. Since you can't do surgery, or generally doctoring, as a hobby, I would suggest that you pursue medical training and become a hobby pilot.
Sure, there are flight medics in the military, there are "bush doctors" in remote areas, there are organizations like Doctors without Borders and other emergency relief organizations, but the ones doing the flying are not usually the ones doing the surgery. There might be situations where skills in both can come handy, but I wouldn't build a professional career on it.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
You have interesting passions, but not everything you are interested in needs to be a career. One passion can be a hobby. Since you can't do surgery, or generally doctoring, as a hobby, I would suggest that you pursue medical training and become a hobby pilot.
Sure, there are flight medics in the military, there are "bush doctors" in remote areas, there are organizations like Doctors without Borders and other emergency relief organizations, but the ones doing the flying are not usually the ones doing the surgery. There might be situations where skills in both can come handy, but I wouldn't build a professional career on it.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP