Primary medical care for pilots?

On 1/27/2014 12:34 AM, Dylan Caldwell wrote:
Moreover, we can provide a medical confidant with whom they can consult in person
and at length regarding aviation and health matters that they would not
feel
comfortable discussing with their AME and that their current primary
care provider
might not understand.

As an older pilot, I am finding the FAA's medical requirements
increasingly onerous, even though I maintain myself in pretty good
health. My most recent application for my 3rd class medical took about
the same effort and paperwork as my income tax return! The ironic thing
is that if I had ignored my health over the last two years and not seen
any medical professionals, the whole process would have been much easier
because there would have been so much less to put on the form!

My point is that the FAA's system actually works against pilot health by
providing a disincentive for preventative medicine. For example, I have
the option of ignoring my rising PSA and likely be fine for the next
decade (or a lifetime). Or I can pursue it in the hopes of living
longer, but with the disincentive of possibly receiving a diagnosis of
cancer (albeit a slow, common and possibly harmless cancer), which would
lead to massive FAA paperwork!

It would be great to have a physician to help me with these decisions
and to make sure I go to my AME with the proper paperwork.

On the other hand, the Business major in me wonders if the declining
(and I imagine aging) population of pilots in your area is sufficient to
base a practice on? Also remember that the 3rd class medical might go
away.

Perhaps most importantly, would your practice be near an airline hub?

Good luck!
Vaughn