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AME Don Hedges
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Also do not use your primary physician if he is also an AME. I was hard pressed to find an AME that was not over a 6 month wait and made that mistake. He listed in his report that I was victim of covid which I though had no bearing on my physical. Problem is that the FAA records retain all from your first exam to your last and no need to give them more ammo if you ever have to grieve a cause.

Any of your bigger men out there needing a AME medical beware. My Last two medicals have been with a local AME but he has retired now. So I searched and asked around and Don Hedges was recommended.


I got a appointment and showed up on time to the office in Albuquerque, the staff was very pleasant and courteous by Old Doc was in a mood I guess. Started off with some unusual questions about my business and what I did for a living, which was fine but we talked for quite a while about it. And then the insults and inappropriate comments started. He asked my neck size which I honestly really don't know but he said it was over 16" and then asked if i have Sleep Apnea. I told him that I do not have sleep apnea. this is where it gets out of hand.


His exact words where as follows and I quote " Do you know what your problem is" I answered no sir " your problem is you need to keep your GD mouth closed and quit eating brisket" said I need to loose a hundred pounds.


I am 6'2" and weigh 265 and yes I need to lose some weight, I have been this size for years and don't have any health related problems and do not have sleep apnea, I was given a test 4 years ago that was inconclusive and my complaint at that time was hearth burn. I started taking a heart burn medication and I sleep well ever since.


He deferred me to the FAA and now I'm in the quagmire of waiting to prove my wellness.


So if you are a big fella take some ammunition with you and prepare to deal with the apnea diagnose from Doc Hedges. He was very combative and would not listen to me what so ever so, just be prepared.

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