Doctors routinely save lives, but a local doctor is going the extra mile to do just that. Dr. Jonathan Beitler is going about 7,000 miles to help out our country. Beitler is an oncologist, and soon he'll be dodging bullets as he saves lives.
Beitler, with the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University, says it was a family friend who suggested he go into oncology. He says oncology is all about physics, and it's the only science in which he excels. If you ask patients Rick Lester, who Beitler treated in 2010 for stage four throat cancer, physics isn't his only skill.
"He's one of the most gifted people I've ever met. He took so much time with me," said Lester.
In the beginning, Beitler struggled with going to medical school or joining the Army. Both were his passions.
"I applied for the Army scholarship. Got it, and then my father said, ‘You're my only son, my oldest child. You got into medical school. You're going to medical school,'" said Beitler.
For the past 29 years, Beitler has been able to save lives in the office and in the field. He's been an active member of the Army National Guard as a pilot. At 55, he's going on his first overseas mission to Kuwait as a flight surgeon. Beitler says even with all of his medical training, he was all ears at his recent combat lifesaver training.
"One of the first things you have to think about is, what are the lines of sight? Who's watching you to shoot you and other rescuers while you're rendering aid? And it's a big deal to think about," said Beitler.
Beitler says he is looking forward to his new mission, saving lives and helping people. Savings lives is something he does every day, only this time it means putting his own life at risk.
"With your own hands, you can do something really neat and know you have made a difference," said Beitler.
In addition to serving in the Army National Guard, Beitler is also a pilot for Angel Flights, an organization that provides free flights for charitable and medical needs.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:03 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:03:16 GMT
A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see. The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see. The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:43 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:43:19 GMT
There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot!
There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot! This week, Sweet Auburn BBQ joined us for Food Truck Friday, and they got the holiday weekend started right with wings.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:11 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:11:19 GMT
Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend? Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill.
Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend? Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill. Lucky for you, our friends from Pike Nurseries have a ton of ideas for how you can get your outdoor space ready for the holiday festivities.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:58 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:58:06 GMT
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far.
Georgia residents interested in visiting a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon don't have to travel very far. Located just 150 miles from Atlanta, Providence Canyon may be the perfect summer day trip.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:12 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:12:38 GMT
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas.
Lots of college and high school graduates are celebrating their accomplishments as they receive hard-earned diplomas. So, we're going retro to see what our Good Day crew looked like back in the day (and maybe embarrass them just a little)!
Friday, May 24 2013 7:42 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:42:08 GMT
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose.
The Centers for Disease Control says that every 19 minutes, one person in the U.S. dies from a prescription drug overdose. The state of Georgia is trying to do something about the problem, so they've just launched an awareness campaign focused on education and prevention.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:41 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:41:05 GMT
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales.
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales. This weekend marks one of the biggest for sales amongst retailers, and no matter where you shop, there's a good chance they're offering a deal.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:09 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:09:40 GMT
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go.
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go. Does Someone Have to Go? is a new FOX reality show that lets employees take over for their bosses, and it premieres Thursday night!
