First Class Medical Recommendation DFW
 

New to the area and looking for recommendations for a drama-free First Class medical with a doc who won't freak out over issues that have already been cleared with the FAA, please.

TIA.

A lot of people will recommend Griffin in Roanoke. He's cheap, but with him, you get what you pay for. It's a Class I factory...in and out. I've heard horror stories about guys who had issues and went to Griffin.

Personally, I use Krass. He's a little more expensive, but he ONLY does medicals (not regular medicine for people with no health insurance). He's very good at what he does. Simple, low stress and a friendly environment. I like him a lot. Google William Krass and you'll get his info.

HUGE +1 to all of this. Griffin will sell you up the river if given the opportunity. I too have hear horror stories. Krass is awesome and will get you in and out just as quickly, if not quicker than Griffin. And he will also go to bat for you with the FAA if need be.

Everything they say is true. Griffin appeals to the cheap pilot in all of us, but Krass is worth the money if there is a problem.

I've been going to Griffin for 6 years. Drive through medical. If you have any doubts at all, go elsewhere.

I’ve heard all of the above about Griffin, and have for decades. I’ll throw a recommendation in for Dr. Russell Smith in Plano. If the drive is convenient for you, he’s been good to me for almost ten years.

Thanks, all. Krass it is. Cheers!

You can also try Howard Eliason. He's one of our own pilots and runs his practice out of his home. He's a good guy, and will take care of you.

Dr. Howard J Eliason, DO - Senior AME - Keller, TX

Would you recommend Dr. Smith as someone who can & will advocate effectively with the FAA in working through past issues toward the initial issuance of a First Class Medical?

Does anyone have any experience with Dr. Stephan Kramer (Frisco) in this same capacity?

I’m grateful for any insight you all may have, given AA’s significant presence in the DFW area.

Griffin is CHEAP!!! So plus one for pilots! However, I was at a dr’s last month so while waiting I called Griffin’s office and asked a question about a medication - and was told to call the FAA...

Uhhhhhhhhh, aren’t y’all my AME? Called MR at APA aeromedical (she should get paid way more) and she emailed me a list within 2 minutes - had it before the doc came back in the room.

Not sure I’m making the drive to Roanoke in two months [emoji52]


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You might want to shoot Dr chien an email first if it's gonna require advocating with the faa. His websites aeromedicaldoc.com I believe, he's the best there is and he'll email you back real quick and it's free to consult.

Many thanks and I absolutely plan to speak with Dr. Chien. If it ends up being beneficial, I may even travel up to Illinois and have Dr Chien do my actual exam (ie, function as the AME). However, I’ve also read that sometimes it’s of greater benefit to have Dr Chien remain in the role of my consultant with a local AME actually doing the exam; since the AME really represents the FAA at the end of the day, this framework lets Dr Chien be entirely my advocate. I plan to bring everything above the line in my situation (ie, full disclosure) and I’m still doing the research to figure out which option (Dr Chien as actual AME...OR local AME with Dr Chien consulting/advocating for me) will be my best option.

When it comes to a local AME, my current perception is that Dr. Kramer might be a better fit for my situation (although I’ve discovered no adverse info on Dr Jones at all). But, in many ways, I still don’t know what I don’t know and, frankly, that’s scary. Any input on either Dr Kramer or Dr Jones remains greatly appreciated!

Been seeing Dr Fried in Dallas for almost 30 years. He’s old (80s), expensive, and takes time off on occasion, but he’s the bomb!

Sounds like advice is all your gonna get according to his website he's "at capacity." anything you get from chien is gold I would definitely consult him and frankly depending on how serious your situation is I would want him to take on my case entirely even if it means flying up to chi he's worth it, guy knows how to cross the t's and dot the I's.

I'm sorry I missed your question! To be honest, I myself have not had to get Smith to go to bat for me, so I wouldn't feel good giving you a solid "yes" on that.

I believe APA Aeromedical might be your best first point of contact. They maintain lists of doctors like you describe, down to which doctor is an expert with which type of medical issue. That'd be my starting place.

Dr Kramer is very good. I have been using him for several years and highly recommend him.

Thank you
 

I can’t thank you all enough for the help!