Is It Possible to Become a Medical Doctor After Becoming a Commercial Pilot?

Life is full of wonderful surprises and sometimes these surprises can lead to entirely new career paths. Many individuals find themselves at a point in their lives where they explore and embrace a completely different profession than the one they initially chose. Is it possible to become a medical doctor after becoming a commercial pilot? The short answer is yes—many have successfully made this transition, and the idea of combining both careers can be incredibly rewarding.

Experience and Skills

The transition between commercial piloting and medicine can be intriguing, given the unique set of skills and experience involved. Commercial pilots often possess a keen understanding of navigation, safety, and the human psyche due to the pressure of flying high above the earth. These skills can be incredibly valuable in the medical field, particularly in fields like aviation medicine, where doctors specialize in healthcare for pilots, aircrew, and other individuals who travel by air.

Imagine the idea of flying a plane while a doctor is on board, providing medical care to those in need of healthcare while also navigating through air traffic. While it may sound like a dream, there are real-life examples of commercial pilots who have successfully transitioned to become medical doctors. For instance, if you were a commercial pilot in a location like Alaska or Australia, the idea of being a “flying doctor” could be incredibly appealing. These individuals can help their fellow travelers and gain the experience of providing immediate medical assistance in remote areas.

Age and Education

Another common concern is the age factor and the required education. Commercial pilots often start their training from an early age, with many requiring at least a minimum age of 30. If you joined the air force at age 18, completed flight training by 24, and began working as a commercial pilot at 26, it would be reasonable to expect you to be around 30 by the time you start thinking about transitioning to medical school.

Completing all the pre-medical classes typically requires about 12 years. If you have taken some pre-med type classes and subtract about 2 years, you could potentially begin medical practice at the age of 40. This idea may seem daunting, but positive examples exist. For instance, two students as old as 37 were admitted to medical school, indicating that age is not necessarily a barrier.

Practical Challenges

While it is possible to make this transition, it might be challenging to maintain a training schedule as a line pilot for an airline while pursuing medical studies. The time required for medical training, combined with the demanding hours of a commercial pilot, can be quite taxing. However, there are notable exceptions. One pilot I know is both a medical doctor and an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), and there are a few others in the industry with similar dual careers.

My good friend, for instance, retired after 30 years as a Coast Guard pilot and then became a medical doctor. This example demonstrates that while it is challenging, it is not impossible to lead a double life of flying and healthcare.

Conclusion

Life is full of endless opportunities, and changing careers can lead to numerous benefits and experiences. The idea of becoming a medical doctor after transitioning from a commercial pilot is not only feasible but also holds great potential. Whether it is for the unique experiences, the ability to serve a wider community, or simply for the personal fulfillment, the journey from a pilot to a doctor can be a rewarding one.

Regardless of your age or current professional path, the world of healthcare is always open to those willing to make the transition. The story of commercial pilots who have made this leap to medical careers is a testament to the endless possibilities that life can offer.