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.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:00 AM EDT2013-05-20 15:00:34 GMT
When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water.
When the pools open on Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be hard to keep your kids away from the water. But before summer gets into full swing, we've got some tips to help you make sure your children stay safe at the pool.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:52 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:52:30 GMT
The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier.
The nasty divorce between Real Housewives of Atlanta star Portia Stewart and her husband, former NFL star Kordell Stewart, just got nastier. TMZ's Harvey Levin filled us in on the latest on Good Day!
Monday, May 20 2013 9:46 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:46:04 GMT
In case you don't know, we've got a bride-to-be in the house! Good Day's own Katie Beasley is getting married in FIVE SHORT DAYS.
In case you don't know, we've got a bride-to-be in the house! Good Day's own Katie Beasley is getting married in FIVE SHORT DAYS, so we're spending the week checking in with her on the last minute details of her big day!
Monday, May 20 2013 9:32 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:32:48 GMT
Sure, you know that Turner Field is THE place to watch the Braves in action, but did you know you can also take a walk through baseball history while you're there?
Sure, you know that Turner Field is THE place to watch the Braves in action, but did you know you can also take a walk through baseball history while you're there? Good Day's Paul Milliken-- a self-proclaimed Braves baseball addict-- takes you behind the scenes at the Braves Museum.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:25 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:25:27 GMT
It's the time of year when high school students are graduating and getting ready to begin their college years.
It's the time of year when high school students are graduating and getting ready to begin their college years. Twelve Gwinnett County seniors honored with the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship will go to college for free, and five of them are from Mountain View High School.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:55 PM EDT2013-05-19 23:55:43 GMT
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day!
Throughout the month of May, Good Day Atlanta will be featuring an app each day! FOX Consumer Reporter Steve Noviello thinks you will find these apps useful, and perhaps you'll even save a buck or two!
Friday, May 17 2013 6:31 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:31:42 GMT
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
For decades, Atlantans have woken up to Tom Sullivan on their radios. But you might not know that he's also somewhat of an expert eBay seller, and he's got quite a story to tell.
