Aviation Medical Examiner and Orthopaedic Surgeon: Dr. Justin Sybesma, MD

Being an Aviation Medical Examiner is the rare intersection of two high-performance worlds: medicine and aviation. It is about more than filling out forms. It is about translating physiological realities into practical safety for pilots who are earning ratings, chasing dreams, and carrying responsibility for every flight.

Why combine orthopaedics and aviation medicine?

Practicing orthopaedic surgery teaches precise decision making under pressure. Flying requires the same calm, attention to detail, and respect for human limits. Crossing between the operating room and the cockpit brings perspective: anatomy, physiology, and human performance matter at every altitude.

Serving as an Aviation Medical Examiner gives Southwest Michigan Center for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine’s Dr. Justin Sybesma the opportunity to meet pilots from all backgrounds — students, career hopefuls, and seasoned captains — and help them manage the medical requirements that stand between training and the freedom to fly. Dr. Sybesma holds advanced aviation certifications, including Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor–Instrument (CFII), and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI), allowing him to train and evaluate pilots at multiple levels.

What an Aviation Medical Examiner does

The role combines clinical evaluation with clear communication and mentorship. Key responsibilities include:

• Medical certification: Assessing whether a pilot meets the health standards required for their class of medical certificate.
• Recognizing flight physiology: Explaining and mitigating risks like hypoxia and decompression that can impair performance.
• Risk counseling: Helping pilots understand how medications, chronic conditions, or recent injuries affect fitness to fly.
• Reducing stress: Guiding applicants through a sometimes-anxious process so they can pursue ratings with confidence.

Lessons from a Safety Stand-down

Dr. Sybesma recently presented at Andrews University Aviation’s Annual Safety Stand-down. Leaders from across the industry — airline captains, designated pilot examiners, counselors, and program directors — came together for the event with one mission: strengthen safety culture through education and resilience.

Dr. Sybesma’s presentation on hypoxia and decompression translated textbook physiology into real scenarios students could recognize. The emphasis is practical: know your body, respect environmental stressors, and have the discipline to act when something feels wrong.

Practical advice for aspiring pilots

Preparing for a career in aviation means preparing your body and your paperwork. A few practical tips:

• Schedule your medical early so you know what, if any, documentation or treatment you need before training intensifies.
• Disclose medications honestly — some common drugs can be disqualifying or require grounding periods.
• Maintain fitness and sleep because fatigue and poor health are leading contributors to performance errors.
• Learn the signs of hypoxia and practice recognizing subtle changes in cognition and coordination.

How Aviation Medical Examiners support students and pilots

Beyond examination, an Aviation Medical Examiner is a coach and a translator of medical jargon. Pilots arrive stressed — medical certification can feel like make-or-break. A thoughtful AME, like Southwest Michigan Center for Orthoaedics & Sports Medicine’s Dr. Justin Sybesma, MD, helps applicants understand the steps to maintain or regain certification, reducing anxiety and keeping career goals on track.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is an Aviation Medical Examiner?

An Aviation Medical Examiner is a physician authorized to perform aviation medical certificates. They determine whether a pilot meets regulatory health standards and advise on conditions that could affect safety.

When should a student book their medical exam?

Book it early in training. Early evaluation identifies issues that may require documentation or treatment, preventing last-minute delays in achieving ratings.

What health issues commonly affect certification?

Cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled diabetes, certain neurological conditions, and some psychiatric medications are common concerns. Each case is individual and often manageable with proper care and documentation.

How can pilots manage anxiety around the medical process?

Work with an AME like Dr. Sybesma who explains the process clearly, asks for a checklist of required records, and addresses treatable conditions proactively. Good communication reduces uncertainty and keeps careers moving forward.

Medicine and aviation share a common truth: people are the critical system. When clinicians and aviators work together, safety improves, and dreams stay within reach. Whether treating a patient or advising a pilot, the goal is the same — keep people healthy, capable, and ready to perform at their best.