News

Flight surgeons bring hope and healing

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Moody
  • 446th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS - MCCHORD, Wash. --  In countries fighting to build new futures, Reservists have an opportunity to help. Each day in a developing country is marked by challenges and setbacks, but the men and women from the 446th Aerospace Medicine Squadron here, are part of a remarkable medical team who help people reclaim their lives.

Flight surgeons are an important part of that team. They not only help aircrews by sustaining their health for flying squadrons, but being in a deployed environment allows them the opportunity to offer their medical expertise in combat hospitals and by moonlighting in the local communities, said Col. (Dr.) Paul Abson, commander, 446th AMDS.

"Caring for members in a flying squadron is only one advantage of being a flight surgeon in the Reserve," said Colonel Abson. "The opportunity to provide much-needed treatment and heal people throughout the world is the real reward."

Colonel Abson said while mobilized in Kandahar, Afghanistan from August through October 2009, he worked as a flight surgeon and volunteered much of his off-duty time at a multi-national hospital. The doctor said he performed facial reconstructive surgery for more than 25 patients and consulted on 40 more special cases during his two-month deployment.

A Reservist and flight surgeon for six years, Colonel Abson said the rewards of his job are gained from the dedication and commitment by everyone in the Air Force and especially the people at the 446th AMDS.

"I would have paid to go to Kandahar," said Colonel Abson. "I joined the Air Force Reserve to serve my country, but the opportunity to help outside the combat hospital was unbelievable."

Throughout the world, 446th AMDS flight surgeons support contingency and humanitarian operations, providing rapid global mobility and proven medical capability. Their support is vital, especially in areas lacking modern health care facilities.

"The medical infrastructure in developing countries isn't there, so even if they have well-trained doctors, they may not have the nurses and equipment to care for patients as well as we have in this country," said Col. (Dr.) Leah Brockway, a flight surgeon with the 446th AMDS.

"During a mission to Kyrgyzstan, there were surgical issues that came up and I visited the civilian hospital to get a first-hand view of the facilities," said Colonel Brockway. "It was very interesting and led to some changes in how they structured the medical plan for our military members."

Colonel Brockway said children have always stood out as the most memorable and rewarding part of humanitarian medical missions.

"During a mission to El Salvador we held medical screening clinics in schools," said Colonel Brockway. "The children were just adorable and every once in awhile you see one that's really, really sick and it's beyond the capabilities of their system," said Col. Brockway. "You wish you could bring American medical care to them 100 percent of the time."

Flight surgeons are part of the fighting force that not only provides crucial medical care to Airmen, but they are quick to lend a hand to our allies in devastated areas with vital support, winning the hearts and minds of people worldwide.

"You feel like you can never do enough when you're a Reservist," said Colonel Brockway. "Medical teams are real ambassadors for our country because they bring smiles and care, which goes a long way to turning something good for others."