OUR TOP DOC
Aussie wins prestigious aviation medicine prize

By Corporal Simone Liebelt

SQNLDR Glenn Pascoe receives the Stewart Memorial Prize from the RAF’s Director-General Medical Services, AVM Simon Dougherty.

Photo provided by SQNLDR Glenn Pascoe

SQUADRON Leader Glenn Pascoe has become the fourth RAAF medical officer in 34 years to win aviation medicine’s prestigious Stewart Memorial Prize.

The last RAAF winner was Squadron Leader Dave Newman eight years ago.

Conducted by Kings College London and the RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine, the six-month course instructs medical practitioners in advanced aviation medicine and prepares them for examination in the Diploma in Aviation Medicine, awarded by the Royal College of Physicians of London.

Squadron Leader Pascoe topped the exams in competition with 15 other international participants, including doctors from Greece, Pakistan and Nigeria.

It was the first time in 20 years all course participants had passed the exams.

The father of three – who was dux of the USAF Flight Surgeon’s course last year – said it was the support of his wife, Kerryn, and his experience in working on several flying bases with different types of aircraft, that helped him succeed on course.

“I was surprised to win, as there were many deserving medical officers on course, including the other Australian, Captain Ian Housego. I was lucky enough to perform the best on the day in the exams,” he said.

Air Vice-Marshal Tony Austin, Head of Defence Health, congratulated him on his achievement in being top of the class.

“This prestigious course attracts candidates from military forces around the world, so competition among the students is always high,” he said.

“While acknowledging the challenges, I am not at all surprised that Squadron Leader Pascoe has done so well, as he has a proven track record in the sphere of military aviation medicine.

“This training will offer him an outstanding opportunity to expand his technical knowledge, observe the policies, procedures and practices of the RAF and develop a network of international colleagues.

“It is the regular injection of this knowledge and experience that helps keep the medical support given to ADF aviation right up there with the very best in the world.”

Squadron Leader Pascoe said highlights of the course were riding in the centrifuge, visiting the Martin Baker ejection seat factory, survival training in the English Channel and flying the British Airways 777 simulator.

“Doing a multinational course was a privilege, and greatly enhanced the learning opportunities,” he said. “The experience taught me that [by] learning from how other nations do something, you can often improve your knowledge of the subject, and ultimately, improve the outcome. In aviation, this hopefully results in improved flight safety.

“This training will greatly improve my ability to teach aviation medicine to our aircrew and doctors, and it should also help with the difficult decisions that sometimes need to be made about the risks associated with returning aircrew to flying status following injury or illness.

“Overall, I hope this will mean better support to flying operations in the ADF.”

He is currently on the Operational Aviation Medical course at the RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine, which involves more advanced practical application of aviation medicine in the military environment.

After completing the course, he will stay on at the centre as an instructor until the end of the year.
This achievement is just another in a long list for the doctor, who decided to join the Air Force more than 10 years ago.

“My father was a rural GP who owned his own aircraft to fly between clinics in outback Queensland, so I spent five years growing up on an airfield,” he said.

“I had difficulty choosing between flying training and medical school, so I decided that joining the Air Force would satisfy both interests.”

It’s easy to see why.

 

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