Movies and television often paint a glamorous picture of doctors, from the witty Dr. Hawkeye Pierce to the boy genius Doogie Howser, M.D., and the enigmatic Dr. Greg House. These portrayals shape public perception, setting high expectations for what a doctor’s life should be. However, the reality, as U.S. Air Force Maj. Geoffrey Garst, a flight surgeon with the 31st Rescue Squadron, can attest, is far removed from the silver screen fantasy. If you’re looking for the real “Doctor Doctor Give Me The News” about life in military medicine, prepare for a dose of reality.
Unlike the idealized image, Maj. Garst’s experience highlights the demanding and often intense nature of being a military doctor. “It’s much different than people may picture,” Garst explains. “It is a lot of trauma, lots of sick people, and a lot of complicated patients.” His journey to becoming a flight surgeon was driven by a childhood dream that evolved over time. Initially, Garst, a Colorado native, aspired to be a pilot, captivated by the idea of soaring through the skies. This ambition led him to consider joining the Air Force.
However, a burgeoning interest in medicine during his 8th-grade year shifted his focus. Recognizing medical school as a strategic pathway to Air Force service, Garst enrolled in the Health Professions Scholarship Program. This decision marked a departure from a traditional enlistment directly after high school, setting him on a course that merged his passion for service with his growing fascination with healthcare.
Garst’s academic path was rigorous and diverse. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado-Boulder, followed by a master’s degree in public health from Columbia University in New York. He then returned to the University of Colorado-Denver for medical school. After completing his medical degrees, he pursued a residency to qualify as a surgeon, embarking on a demanding specialization.
“Combat search and rescue was on my radar early in the Air Force, since learning about it in officer training,” Garst recalls. Although he considered a flight surgeon tour during medical school, the extensive training required for surgery – five years of general surgery and an additional two-year fellowship in trauma and acute care surgery – led him to postpone that aspiration. He prioritized completing his surgical residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia.
Midway through his residency, about two and a half years in, Garst faced a series of personal challenges, including significant family illnesses and a death. These events, coupled with his introspection about whether surgery was the right long-term career path, prompted him to reassess his direction and step away from the residency program.
“I figured I could struggle through, maybe get through it, and be a mediocre surgeon,” Garst admits. “But I don’t do mediocre anything.” This pivotal decision marked a turning point, redirecting his path toward becoming a flight surgeon, a role where he could excel and make a significant impact.
Leaving his residency, Garst was assigned to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, where he practiced family medicine. While not immediately in a flight surgeon role, this assignment allowed him to broaden his medical skills and experience. The versatility of family medicine appealed to him, yet his interest in trauma and caring for acutely ill patients remained strong.
Wright-Patterson served as a strategic stepping stone. Garst pursued an overseas assignment, driven by his love for travel and desire to experience different parts of the world. This ambition aligned perfectly when an opportunity arose for him to leverage his expertise in a flight surgeon position.
After two years, Garst’s application for a flight surgeon role was accepted. He was assigned to Kadena Air Base with the 31st RQS. “When I got this assignment, I was beyond stoked,” Garst expresses. “It was like everything that I had done up to that point was preparing me for this assignment.” His journey, with its twists and turns, had ultimately led him to a position where his diverse medical background and commitment to service could converge.
As a flight surgeon, Garst’s responsibilities within the 31st RQS are multifaceted. His primary duty is to ensure the medical readiness of the Airmen, crucial for their demanding missions. “I’m responsible for their medical care, their medical readiness, and making sure they’re ready to get out the door,” Garst states. Beyond individual care, as the squadron’s medical director, he is also tasked with continuous medical education and enhancing the medical training of his team.
Garst emphasizes a collaborative approach. “I work with part of a team to deliver medical care, maximize medical training and human performance,” he explains. “I cannot accomplish my mission without my team.” This team-oriented philosophy is central to his effectiveness and the squadron’s overall capability.
Looking ahead, Garst is focused on elevating the skills of his Airmen. One key initiative is facilitating more hands-on patient care opportunities through the Pararescueman Special Operations Trauma Training Skills program at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. This program is highly regarded for its intensive training, essential for pararescue squadrons to refine life-saving techniques and ensure mission safety, priorities that resonate deeply with Garst.
The pararescue Airmen of the 31st RQS, embodying vigilance and honor, stand ready to protect Team Kadena, Okinawa, and their allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. When asked about his aspirations for his Air Force career, Garst’s response is clear and reassuring: “I want to get these guys to be the best medics in the Air Force.” For the 31st RQS, that’s certainly good news from their doctor.
