Name
#20 Virtual Flight Physicals: A Model for Army Occupational Telehealth Collaboration
Speakers
Content Presented On Behalf Of:
DHA
Session Type
Poster
Date
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Start Time
5:00 PM
End Time
7:00 PM
Location
Prince Georges Expo Hall E
Focus Areas/Topics
Clinical Care, Technology, Policy/Management/Administrative, Trending/Hot Topics or Other not listed
Learning Outcomes
1. Following this session, the attendee will be able to Summarize at least three benefits of utilizing virtual flight physicals, as a telehealth modality, to improve medical readiness within the Army or other federal healthcare organizations facing similar resource constraints and geographic challenges.
2. Following this session, the attendee will be able to Describe the key components of the Fort Rucker virtual flight physical pilot program, including the phased approach, and expansion plans, enabling them to Illustrate the feasibility of adapting a similar model to their own settings.
3. Following this session, the attendee will be able to Recognize the critical role of senior leadership support and advocacy within the Army, DHA, and Department of the Army (DOA) in successfully scaling and implementing virtual flight physicals, and Apply this knowledge to advocate for similar support in their own organizations.
2. Following this session, the attendee will be able to Describe the key components of the Fort Rucker virtual flight physical pilot program, including the phased approach, and expansion plans, enabling them to Illustrate the feasibility of adapting a similar model to their own settings.
3. Following this session, the attendee will be able to Recognize the critical role of senior leadership support and advocacy within the Army, DHA, and Department of the Army (DOA) in successfully scaling and implementing virtual flight physicals, and Apply this knowledge to advocate for similar support in their own organizations.
Session Currently Live
Description
Introduction: Army aviation medical readiness relies on timely flight physicals for pilots and aircrew. However, flight surgeon shortages and geographic dispersion, particularly in Reserve and National Guard units, create delays, impacting mission readiness and increasing non-mission capable rates. To address this, Lyster Army Health Clinic at Fort Rucker initiated a virtual flight physical pilot program, leveraging telehealth to improve access and efficiency. This initiative aligns with the wider trend toward virtual medicine within the Army, DHA, and civilian sector.
Methods: The Fort Rucker pilot program prioritizes safety and operational benefit. Phase I utilized qualified providers to conduct virtual annual physicals for low-risk aviators. These video encounters were used to conduct physicals for Aviators needing no in-person waivers. Phase II aims to expand geographically within MRC East, using on-site technicians and digital tools for hybrid evaluations coordinated with centralized flight surgeons. Providers retain the discretion to convert any virtual exams to in-person evaluations if required.
Results: Preliminary results indicate virtual flight physicals offer substantial improvements to Army readiness by: (1) Reaching remote and underserved units; (2) Reducing delays in crew certification; (3) Enhancing efficiency and conserving resources; (4) Allowing flight surgeons to support more units virtually. This program has shown to be safe, efficient, and scalable. The strategic benefits extend to maintaining readiness across the Total Force, enabling consistent support to National Guard and Reserve units, reducing strain on medical personnel, and aligning with the Army and DHA's virtual healthcare initiatives.
Challenges and Considerations: Successful program expansion and widespread adoption necessitate strong advocacy and support from senior leadership within the Army and the Defense Health Agency. Emphasis on the strategic benefits and proactive promotion of the program at all levels are crucial for achieving full buy-in and maximizing impact.
Conclusion: Virtual flight physicals represent a significant evolution in Army aviation medicine. The Fort Rucker pilot has demonstrated a safe, efficient, and scalable model that addresses flight surgeon shortages and readiness gaps. Widespread implementation has the potential to significantly enhance Army aviation medical readiness. Senior U.S. Army Aviation Medicine leaders have concluded that an Army-wide virtual flight physical capability is feasible and would improve both mission readiness and training readiness. The next phases will focus on geographic expansion, broadening eligibility, and inclusion of aeromedical providers outside of Fort Rucker. This approach could serve as a model for other federal healthcare agencies seeking to leverage telehealth to improve aerospace and occupational medicine access and efficiency.