Active Duty Air Force Flight Surgeon – Physician Opportunities Nationwide
Job at a glance
Job description
Serve Those Who Serve.
The United States Air Force is seeking motivated physicians to serve as Flight Surgeons on Active Duty. In this unique role, you’ll combine clinical practice with aerospace medicine, caring for Airmen while working alongside pilots, aircrew, and special operators. Flight Surgeons are integral leaders in mission readiness—providing medical expertise both in the clinic and operational environments.
This is not just a job—it’s a calling to practice medicine at the highest level while directly impacting national defense.
**SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT LOCATION OF JOB**
While recruiting is based in Fairview Heights, IL, Flight Surgeons serve at bases across the US and worldwide, and you duty location will be assigned after commissioning, with no guarantee of being placed in the local area.
Job Responsibilities
• Provide medical care in clinics, deployed environments, and aerospace settings
• Collaborate with pilots, aircrew, and commanders on human performance and mission success
• Develop leadership skills as a commissioned Air Force officer
• Opportunities to teach, conduct research, and engage in aerospace medical advancements
Qualifications
• M.D. or D.O. degree from an accredited program
• Completion of an ACGME-accredited residency (any specialty considered; primary care and emergency medicine backgrounds strongly preferred)
• Current, unrestricted medical license
• Age: Must be between 18–48 years old at time of commissioning (waivers possible for prior service/critical skills)
• Ability to meet physical and security requirements for commissioning as an Air Force officer
Working Hours
• Standard clinic hours: Monday–Friday, ~40–50 hours per week when in garrison
• Additional responsibilities:
o Flight line duties, aerospace medicine evaluations, and deployment readiness activities
o On-call and after-hours coverage as required by mission needs
• Deployment/temporary duty assignments possible (typically 4–6 months)
• Generous leave: 30 days paid vacation annually, plus 10 federal holidays
Skills
• Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills in both clinical and operational environments
• Knowledge of preventive, occupational, and aerospace medicine principles (training provided)
• Ability to lead and collaborate within multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for patient care and leadership roles
• Physical and mental resilience for austere and high-stress environments
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
• Ability to adapt quickly and make sound decisions in dynamic situations