Medical Advisor

About the role

The MedAire Doctor is responsible for medical decision-making and oversight of both pre-flight and in-flight cases reported by airline crew. The doctor will assess medical situations to determine passengers’ fitness to fly and provide guidance on any medical issues that arise during the flight. The role also serves as an escalation point for MedAire Nurses when a case falls outside the nurse’s clinical scope or requires higher-level medical expertise. This is a desk-based position that demands strong clinical judgment, rapid decision-making, and clear communication with non-medical aviation personnel.

Key responsibilities

A. Pre-Flight Medical Screening

Handle escalated calls from MedAire Nurses regarding passengers with medical conditions at check-in counters or airport gates.
Independently assess medical risk and determine fitness-to-fly in accordance with guidelines and aviation medical standards.
Identify conditions requiring denial of boarding, need for medical clearance/requirement for MEDA clearance.
Document all medical decisions and recommendations accurately and promptly.

B.  In-Flight Medical Support

Respond to in-flight medical calls initiated by airline crew, airline operations or acars messages.
Conduct structured remote assessment through information provided by the airlines
Make clinical decisions regarding passenger/crew management of In-Flight Medical Events
Determine whether flight diversion is medically indicated based on clinical risk, available onboard resources, time-to-care considerations, resources on the ground available prior to arrival at destination.
Provide clear instructions to cabin crew and/or pilots to support in-flight medical management.
Ensure complete documentation and handover to medical leadership as required.

Key Attributes

A. Clinical Oversight & Decision-Making Support
•    Serve as the escalation point for MedAire Nurses for pre-flight cases beyond their training or authorization level.
•    Promote effective teamwork and maintain a collaborative working relationship with the nursing team.
•    Provide medically appropriate case management direction and oversight in accordance with MedAire quality standards and medical/operational protocol for all case types including:
o    Crew Support / Gate screening / Passenger prescreening 
o    BGA / Luxury Yachts 

B. Communication & Coordination
•    Communicate complex medical information clearly and concisely to cabin crew, pilots, and operational teams with no medical background.
•    Provide calm, confident, and supportive guidance during high-pressure or time-critical situations.
•    Coordinate with airport medical teams, emergency responders, or ground medical services when required.
•    Support structured handovers and internal reporting for quality and follow-ups.

E. Compliance & Quality Assurance
•    Adhere to MedAire medical guidelines, aviation regulatory requirements, and established escalation pathways.
•    Maintain all client, crew, and/or passenger information that may be encountered either directly or indirectly while in the performance of the job in strict confidence in accordance with any/all pertinent confidentiality and privacy regulations.
•     Participate in clinical governance processes, case reviews, audits, and quality improvement initiatives. 
•    Engage in ongoing training, simulation exercises, and professional development relevant to aviation medicine and telemedicine. 
•    It is encouraged that MedAire doctors continue practicing as Emergency Room physicians outside their MedAire duty hours to maintain clinical sharpness and remain actively engaged in the management of medical emergencies.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

MBBS degree with full registration (Medical Council of India and Delhi Medical Council).
Minimum 5–7 years of clinical experience in Emergency Medicine.
Strong background in acute patient assessment (both adult and pediatric), rapid decision-making, and triage.
Excellent communication skills in English and Hindi.
Ability to make rapid, evidence-based medical decisions over the phone without direct patient examination.
 

Preferred

Experience in aviation medicine, telemedicine, or remote medical support.
Familiarity with airline medical guidelines, including fitness-to-fly criteria.
Proficiency in additional Indian languages.
Experience in working with multidisciplinary teams or operational environments such as EMS, disaster response, or aeromedical services.
Strong computer literacy and ability to manage digital documentation efficiently.

Soft Skills Required

Ability to remain calm and decisive during medical emergencies or time-sensitive inflight situations.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, especially when working with incomplete information.
Excellent communication tailored to non-medical personnel, with clear, actionable instructions.
Collaborative mindset and ability to support and guide nursing staff.
Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in a multilingual aviation environment.
High attention to detail, accuracy in documentation, and strong situational awareness.
Ability to balance passenger safety with operational considerations in diversion-related decisions.
Work within and positively represent MedAire and Intl. SOS policies and procedures.
Carry out other reasonable duties as requested by the MD or direct supervisor.
Work flexible hours as appropriate to the needs of the post, as and when required by consensus agreement with the MD.
Be responsible for own Continuing Professional Education.  MedAire and Intl. SOS will endeavour to support appropriate Continuing Professional Education requests.