Preamble:

The Coast Guard Aviation Association and co-sponsor CAPT Arthur J. French III USPHS (Ret.) awards the Aviation Physician’s Assistant award for the Aviation Physician Assistant who best demonstrates commitment and service for aeromedical medicine and operational support to Coast Guard Aviation. This year the award is presented to LTJG Mikel Vartanian of Aviation Training Center Mobile.

Citation: 

“As ATC’s sole Designated Aviation Physician Assistant, LTJG Mikel Vartanian was crucial in the unit’s ability to maintain medically ready crews in support of the unit’s training and operational missions. LTJG Vartanian deployed for 30 days in support of the Joint Interagency Taskforce Southeast’s operation Vigilant Sentry amidst an unprecedented surge of illegal maritime migration in the Florida Straits, Windward Passage, and Mona Passage. As a Deployable Medical Officer, LTJG Vartanian served aboard multiple cutters working tirelessly to treat acute illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and screen over 100 migrants, including children. In addition, LTJG Vartanian utilized Flight Surgeon training to coordinate with the USCGC RESOLUTE and an Air Station Clearwater MH-60 for the medical evacuation of a patient experiencing seizures off the coast of Florida. An advocate for the advancement of Coast Guard healthcare professionals, LTJG Vartanian served as the ATC Clinic’s Training Officer and weekly training modules resulting in a two-fold increase in the number of ATC Health Service Technician’s eligible for the Service Wide Advancement Exam. Additionally, LTJG Vartanian mentored five members pursuing a career in Coast Guard medicine by sponsoring applications to the Interservice Physician Assistant Program and facilitating over 200 hours of clinical shadowing. LTJG Vartanian’s dedication, commitment, and service to the Coast Guard aviation community is commendable and a credit to the outstanding reputation of Coast Guard aeromedicine professionals.”