PRIMARY CARE FOR ALL AGESThe first-rate healthcare the Air Force provides isn’t just for our Airmen; it’s also for their families. Responsible for continuing and comprehensive care, Family Physicians treat patients of all ages and sexes. From health maintenance and preventive services to behavioral and social needs, these specialists provide services that broadly encompass the treatment needs of their patients.REQUIREMENTSYou must meet several requirements before joining the Air Force. These concern your background, overall health and other standards set by the Air Force, Department of Defense and federal law.Minimum EducationDoctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from an approved school of medicine or osteopathic medicine QualificationsCompleted a residency in family practice or board certification by either the American Board of Family Practice or the Advisory Board of Osteopathic SpecialtiesCompletion of Officer Training School courseMust be between the ages of 18 and have not reached your 48thbirthday

CARING FOR THOSE WHO FLYThe stresses and conditions that result from working in extreme conditions require unique, specialized care. Aerospace Medicine Specialists/Flight Surgeons are primary care physicians for pilots and crew members traveling in air or space. These physicians discover, prevent and manage the various physiological responses that result from encountering exceptional environments, enabling our Airmen to stay in peak condition and continue their jobs in the air.REQUIREMENTSYou must meet several requirements before joining the Air Force. These concern your background, overall health and other standards set by the Air Force, Department of Defense and federal law.Minimum EducationM.D. or D.O. degree and completed an ACGME- or AOA-accredited program of postgraduate specialty trainingQualificationsCompletion of a primary course in aerospace medicineMust possess an aeronautical rating of Flight Surgeon, Senior Flight Surgeon or Chief Flight SurgeonCompletion of a residency at a fully accredited residency programMinimum 12 months of experience as a flight surgeon (Aerospace Medicine Specialist only)Board eligible in Aerospace Medicine (Aerospace Medicine Specialist only)Completion of Officer Training School courseMust be between the ages of 18 and have not reached your 48thbirthday

KEEPING US ON OUR FEETThe physical demands of the Air Force require Airmen to constantly be on their feet. When a foot or ankle problem occurs, Podiatric Surgeons provide the medical diagnosis and necessary treatment to the affected area. From calluses to broken bones, these specialists care for a wide range of problems and help their patients heal from their ailments and injuries.REQUIREMENTSYou must meet several requirements before joining the Air Force. These concern your background, overall health and other standards set by the Air Force, Department of Defense and federal law.Minimum EducationDoctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from an approved school of medicine or osteopathic medicineQualificationsMinimum 24 months’ podiatric surgical residency programMinimum of six months experience in podiatry assignmentsValid and current license to practice podiatric medicineCompletion of Officer Training School courseMust be between the ages of 18 and have not reached your 42ndbirthday

ENHANCING QUALITY HEALTHCAREKeeping our Airmen and their families healthy means providing them with effective and efficient healthcare. Physician Assistants are key members of Air Force healthcare teams all over the world. From providing comprehensive medical care to examining, diagnosing, and treating diseases and injuries to managing inpatient and outpatient care, they provide a broad range of services to help the Air Force family stay active and get healthy as quickly as possible.REQUIREMENTSYou must meet several requirements before joining the Air Force. These concern your background, overall health and other standards set by the Air Force, Department of Defense and federal law.Minimum EducationMaster of Science (MS) in Physician Assistant studies (or equivalent Master's degree/Doctorate) from an ARC-PA accredited institution QualificationsKnowledge of principles and practices of medical treatmentsGraduation from a Physician Assistant training program from an ARC-PA accredited institutionCompletion of Officer Training School courseMust be between the ages of 18 and have not reached your 42ndbirthday

getting bodies back in motionWhen Airmen suffer from illness or injury, their motor functions can be adversely compromised. Providing services that help restore function, improve mobility and relieve pain, Physical Therapists work closely with patients to help them heal and promote overall wellness. From identifying problems to developing and implementing a care plan, these specialists work with patients as long as necessary so that they can resume healthy, active lifestyles.REQUIREMENTSYou must meet several requirements before joining the Air Force. These concern your background, overall health and other standards set by the Air Force, Department of Defense and federal law.Minimum EducationMinimum education: entry-level doctorate (DPT) or transitional (e.g., post-professional) DPT.Qualifications Students in their final year of training may apply for physical therapy assignmentsState license to practice physical therapyCompletion of the Officer Training School courseMust be between the ages of 18 and have not reached your 42ndbirthday

THE PRACTICE OF PERFECTING VISIONIt’s crucial to ensure our Airmen are able to achieve ideal vision. Providing primary eye care, Optometrists examine and test people’s eyes for visual acuity and eye diseases. An integral part of the healthcare system, these practitioners do everything from prescribing correctional lenses to diagnosing conditions related to the ocular system.REQUIREMENTSYou must meet several requirements before joining the Air Force. These concern your background, overall health and other standards set by the Air Force, Department of Defense and federal law.Minimum EducationDoctor of Optometry from an accredited four-year college of optometryQualificationsAn unrestricted state license to practice optometry utilizing therapeutic pharmacologic agentsCompletion of Officer Training School courseMust be between the ages of 18 and have not reached your 42ndbirthday

CARING FOR OUR AIRMENPhysicians in the Air Force use their expertise in a variety of ways. From planning and administering medical services to a range of patients to creating policies and programs to help bolster the branch’s healthcare system, it’s evident they care deeply about their fellow Airmen.REQUIREMENTSYou must meet several requirements before joining the Air Force. These concern your background, overall health and other standards set by the Air Force, Department of Defense and federal law.Minimum EducationBachelor’s degree with a secured placement in medical school or medical degree with a secured placement in a residency program or have a Board Certification.QualificationsCompletionof Officer Training School (OTS), AirForce Academy (AFA) or AirForce Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC)Must be at least 17, but has not reached age 42 on the date of enlistment

MAKING A DIFFERENCE EVERY DAYKeeping our Airmen healthy is a top priority. General Practice Physicians in the Air Force are responsible for examining, diagnosing and treating a wide range of diseases and injuries. Within their general practice, they also prepare and review case histories to help obtain data for future patients.REQUIREMENTSYou must meet several requirements before joining the Air Force. These concern your background, overall health and other standards set by the Air Force, Department of Defense and federal law.Minimum EducationDoctor of Medicine degree or a doctor of osteopathy degree from an approved school of medicine or osteopathy, and completion of 1 year of graduate medical education in a clinical specialty at a hospital acceptable to the Surgeon General, HQ USAF, is mandatory.A passing score on the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) QualificationsCompletionof Officer Training School (OTS), AirForce Academy (AFA) or AirForce Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC)Must be at least 17, but has not reached age 42 on the date of enlistment