"The Making of a Flight Surgeon" tells the story of a young man during his first year of practice as an Aerospace Medicine physician, i.e. "Flight Surgeon", in the U. S. Air Force. Written in first-person, the author GREGG BENDRICK is immersed in military customs and courtesies, and soon identifies readily with the pilots under his care. He develops a strong friendship with his supervisor, RUSSELL BRAKEFIELD, who gradually assumes the role of mentor. Against this backdrop of Air Force life and culture, Bendrick falls in love with a nurse named LYDIA FUENTES. His relationship with her changes his outlook on medicine, and begins to positively affect his clinical practice. Lydia is likewise changed, and her relationship with Bendrick facilitates her recovery from a psychologically traumatizing divorce. The strength of this relationship is tested when tragedy suddenly be falls the two of them. Lydia and Bendrick are forced to move on with their lives, but both are significantly changed as a result of their love for each other, and the events surrounding their relationship.