Blog
Meet the Speakers — NBAA 2022
I hope to see you there! When: Thursday, July 21, 2022 – Pre-conferences Thursday, July 21, 2022 – Meet and Greet Reception Friday, July 22, 2022 – Main Conference Saturday, July 23, 2022 – Main Conference Where: South Point Hotel, Casino and Resort 9777 Las Vegas...
Keynote Address Coming up July 21 – 23rd, 2022!
The NNBA Conference is just around the corner! When: Thursday, July 21, 2022 – Pre-conferences Thursday, July 21, 2022 – Meet and Greet Reception Friday, July 22, 2022 – Main Conference Saturday, July 23, 2022 – Main Conference Where: South Point Hotel, Casino and...
Mark Your Calendars!
Please join me at the Nurse Entrepreneurship & Career Alternatives Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada July 21 - 23, 2022, hosted by the National Nurses in Business Association (NNBA). I'll be the keynote speaker — what an honor! — and will discuss my own journey into...
NNBA 2022 Conference: “Empowering Nurses through Entrepreneurship”
Many thanks to the Digital Journal for sharing times and dates for the upcoming National Nurses In Business Association (NNBA) Conference. What an honor to be a keynote speaker for this vibrant group of nurse entrepreneurs, described as an Educational and Professional...
National Nurses In Business Association (NNBA) Conference — COMING SOON!
I'm excited to announce I'll be the keynote speaker at the upcoming National Nurses in Business Association this summer! The NBAA is “The Voice of Nurse Entrepreneurship” and a wonderful organization for: Nurses new to the idea of being an independent nurse or nurse...
A Real-time Example of an Inflight Medical Emergency: The Heba Tape
The Heba Video At my upcoming keynote address at the 33rd Annual Women in Aviation Conference, I'll reference the "Heba Tape" — a real-time transcript of an inflight medical emergency. Although the passengers aboard airplanes may not be aware of the words "MedAire" or...
I’m a Keynote Speaker at the WAI Conference — See You There!
Keynote Speaker at the 33rd Annual International Women in Aviation Conference It's a privilege and an honor to be featured as a keynote speaker at the upcoming 33rd Annual Women in Aviation conference at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center during the...
Book Signing Ahead!
Shaking Hands, Signing Books I look forward to shaking hands and signing books at the WAI conference in Nashville, Tennessee on March 17-19! My autobiography, One Life Lost, Millions Gained: The Story of a Flight Nurse Turned MedAire CEO, shares personal stories about...
See you at the WAI Conference — Nashville, Tennessee | March 17-19, 2022
An Exciting Conference at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville I'm really excited about the upcoming Women In Aviation Conference! March 17-19 will be busy and fun-filled days in Nashville, Tennessee at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. Keynote Speech I'll be the...
International Women’s Day
How wonderful to celebrate International Women's Day and recognize the hard work, sacrifice, and brilliance of women the world over. Today, March 8, 2022, I'm grateful to be acknowledged for my role as a pioneer in remote medicine and aviation safety, and many thanks...
Social Media
Although I'm not the typical "social media butterfly" (I have yet to make my Facebook page public or use Twitter), I do appreciate when people and organizations kindly mention me in their posts and tweets. Many thanks to the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) for...
The One and Only Harry Robertson
Harry Robertson's friendship meant so much to me throughout the years. He was a beta reader for my book, provided advance praise, and was a stalwart friend and supporter. We shared a passion for aviation and a passion for ranching. His company, Robertson Fuel Systems...
“Oscar Night” of Aviation… and Our Leather Flight Jackets
Not everyone has heard about the leather flight jackets given to International Air & Space Hall of Fame inductees. Here are some fun facts. If you've ever wondered if there is the equivalent of "Oscar Night" in the world of aviation — there is! The annual...
Great Article in Professional Pilot Magazine
It's always gratifying to re-read some of the coverage about MedAire. I capture various articles for posterity here on my blog and hope you enjoy them too. The following article titled "Handling Health Issues Aloft" In the September 2018 edition of Professional Pilot...
American Telemedicine Association Award
As I reminisce about MedAire's significant achievements, one special award comes to mind. There were very few "telemedicine" awards back in the day, especially nearly 20 years ago, so we were extremely honored to be the recipient of the American Telemedicine...
Excellent Article in FlyCorporate Magazine
What fun to revisit my interview in FlyCorporate Magazine which captures the very start of my interaction with the FAA in the 1980s. Excerpt In 1985, MedAire, Inc. was established as a global emergency response centre dedicated to providing immediate, real-time...
Happy New Year!
I can't wait to see what the new year will bring! Let's toast to our families, friends, and brand new opportunities. From my family to yours, have the happiest new year! Enjoy your copy of One Life Lost, Millions Gained for an inspirational start to 2022......
Merry Christmas
Nollaig shona daobih! (Merry Christmas) Frank and I feel incredibly blessed this holiday season with a new book on the market and a new year just around the corner. We wish you a very Merry Christmas — or better yet, a Very Irish Christmas! Most people are aware of...
NAHF and Boom Technologies Spotlight Six Record-Breaking Women
Many thanks to Flying Magazine for covering the collaborative article written by Boom in conjunction with the National Aviation Hall of Fame. It's a mindboggling honor to be included with the likes of Bessie Coleman, Harriett Quimby, Louise Thadden, Jackie...
“Way Back” Wednesday
Every once in a while I run across an "oldie but goodie" article from the earlier days of MedAire. In 1998, the Phoenix Business Journal published an excellent article that explains the adrenaline involved in taking emergency calls. Remote medicine bridges the gap of...
Alliance for Aviation Across America — Thank You!
A big "thank you" to the Alliance for Aviation Across America for a write up regarding my ceremonial enshrinement into the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) in November 2021. I was especially pleased that they mentioned my book! Garrett recently published her...
“Well-Known Joan”
Many thanks to Business Air News for their November 2019 article congratulating me on my nomination and induction into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame. I still smile at the article's rhyming title: Well-known Joan joins Hall of Fame. Garrett's founding...
Interesting Article by the Future Aerospace Aviation Workforce
Woman Executives in Aviation, Aerospace & Defense On January 3, 2021, Future Aerospace Aviation Workforce published an article that covers the progress women have achieved in breaking the aerospace and aviation "glass ceiling." According to the article, "While...
A Great YouTube Video
A Walk Down Memory Lane Wow! The NBAA did an excellent job putting together a video that chronicles my journey from flight nurse to entrepreneur — something they shared on Facebook and YouTube. I still get emotional when I talk about "Tommy," a pseudonym I used until...
Nice Social Media Post — the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA)
The Many thanks to the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA) for their shout-out on Facebook. about my book, One Life Lost, Millions Gained: The Story of a Flight Nurse Turned MedAire CEO. As a former flight nurse, I can't say enough good things about...
Book Reviews are Rolling In!
REVIEWS! It's gratifying to read the Amazon reviews on my book! Thank you to all who have left a rating, and I hope everyone will weigh in — including those who received autographed copies during my NBAA book signing in October. Below is some feedback: Get your...
A Great Mention During Women’s History Month
BOOM SUPERSONIC published a "Fly By" article on May 4, 2021 in collaboration with Amy Spowart of the National Aviation Hall of Fame to recognize six barrier-breaking aviators during Women’s History Month. I am one of the lucky six to be mentioned in the article "Women...
Upcoming WAI Conference Mentioned in Midwest Flyer Magazine
I'm happy to see some early buzz around the upcoming International Women in Aviation Conference coming up in March. Many thanks to the Dec 2021 /Jan 2022 issue of Midwest Flyer Magazine for including this event on its calendar (page 59). I'll be one of the keynote...
Nice Write Up by Power Yachts
It's always nice to be mentioned in the media, especially by a maritime publication. While most of my awards and inductions appear in aviation sector publications, Power Yachts, a maritime publication, has been great in covering MedAire's achievements as well. In this...
Nice Shout Out by Rotor Media
Many thanks to Rotor Media and Dan Sweet, the director of public relations and communications for the Helicopter Association International, for a recent write up on my autobiography, One Life Lost, Millions Gained: The Story of a Flight Nurse Turned MedAire CEO. “Joan...
“Your Medical Co-Pilot” — An Excellent Article About MedAire and MedLink
If you'd like a great overview of MedAire and its service arm, MedLink, take a look at an article in Aero Crews News titled "Your Medical Co-Pilot." MedAire compiled this comprehensive piece, complete with great images. In fact, I point journalists to this article...
An Excerpt from Chapter Two — My Bold Irish Roots
Chapter Two My Bold Irish Roots We have always found the Irish a bit odd. They refuse to be English. ~Winston Churchill I’ve alluded to my Irish heritage in the names of my dogs and references to Michael Flatley, my DNA, and potatoes. There is something special,...
Recognition as a Role Model
What a great write up in the JDA Journal! Read all about it here. I'm honored to be called a role model for girls and other women. Yes, I was a flight nurse when I launched my startup, MedAire, and my customer base was largely male. The aviation industry was...
Find Me On Google Books
It's a lot of fun rolling out a book. The internet has simplified the process for authors because the search engines do a lot of heavy lifting. In fact, I'm happy to announce that my autobiography, "One Life Lost, Millions Gained: The Story of a Flight Nurse Turned...
My Amazon Page — Kindle Edition
One Life Lost, Millions Gained: The Story of a Flight Nurse Turned MedAire CEO Enjoy the e-book version! I'm so pleased with my Amazon listing and hope you'll visit the page for a "look inside!" I'm featuring the e-book version here (which many download to their...
Enjoy this Women In Leadership Video Chat
What a fun morning I had with Anne Quiello and the Turknett Group's Women in Leadership podcast in October 2021. I can't help but get emotional when I talk about the inspiration behind MedAire. The passing of a young boy in the San Tan Mountains of Arizona after a...
NBAA’s Leadership Council Supports the Industry’s Future — 2019
It was a pleasure to describe how the National Business Aviation Association's Leadership Council works with the association to advocate for business aviation’s value and share how other NBAA members can be a part of the council’s efforts. I have always passionately...
360 Degree Tour of MedLink’s In-Flight Emergency Response Center — 2017
I very much enjoyed giving a tour of MedLink to better demonstrate the lifesaving services we offer to the aviation and maritime industries. I think you'll find it fascinating. Many thanks to our emergency physicians who take the calls. Here's the video....
Congratulations to the National Aviation Hall of Fame “Class of 2022”
I'm so happy to share an announcement about the newest inductees into the National Aviation Hall of Fame "Class of 2022." Congratulations to all the honorees!
My Latest Press Release
Media Contact: Name: Melanie Saxton Title: Media Director, SuburbanBuzz.com LLC Phone: 281-795-6420 Email: melanie@suburbanbuzz.com Joan Sullivan Garrett, Remote Emergency Medicine Pioneer, Announces the Launch of her Autobiography Medicine, technology, and...
Good Morning San Diego, KUSI News 2019
What fun to look back at Dave Scott's Good Morning San Diego coverage of the Air & Space Hall of Fame Legends of Flight Gala. At the 55 second mark, you'll see him introduce Jim Kidrick, President & CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum, who then...
My One Thing
Many thanks to the Turknett Leadership group for excerpting "My One Thing" from my presentation in October. See the entire YouTube video here (and a sample snippet below). Be the person that you want to be...nothing ventured, nothing gained. ...
2021 International Air & Space Hall of Fame Celebration
What a pleasure it was to spend time with Ed Bolen, president and CEO of the NBAA, and General Lloyd "FIG" Newton, former NBAA Chairman of the Board of Directors. Ed was inducted into the the International Air & Space Hall of Fame Class of 2021. He's a dear friend...
With Brian Moss, Former President of General Dynamic Corp (Gulfstream)
Congratulations to fellow inductee Brian Moss, former President and Executive Vice President of the aerospace group General Dynamics Corporation. In 2007, Brian was awarded the National Business Aviation Association’s Meritorious Service Aware, which is the...
Joan Sullivan Garrett, MedAire Founder and Chairman, Ceremoniously Enshrined into the National Aviation Hall of Fame
I appreciate this shout out by MedAire about my recent enshrinement into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. This enshrinement included being presented the NAHF's Medal of Honor. I'm pictured with Bill Dolny, MedAire CEO, during the National Business Aviation...
33rd Annual International Women in Aviation Conference
Women in Aviation International — Bound for Nashville in March! I've been invited to speak at the International Women in Aviation Conference on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2022 — what an honor! It's a joy to attend speaking engagements as lecturer or keynote speaker...
Nice Shout Out by 967 The Wolf Radio
Phoenix, AZ, Nov. 09, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MedAire Founder and Chairman Joan Sullivan Garrett was ceremoniously enshrined into the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) on October 13, 2021, during the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Conference and...
Amazon Reviews!
Greetings, readers! If you bought my book on Amazon, I hope you'll weigh in with a review! I appreciate your emails and notes very much — and there have been plenty — but reviews are nice too! If you received One Life Lost, Millions Gained at my recent book signing, I...
Available at Target
Christmas Gift Ideas The perfect gift for the holidays — a hardcover or paperback version of my book. If you know someone interested in medicine, aviation, entrepreneurship or medical emergencies at sea — or even ancestral stories of Ireland — then my book will make...
Available at Books•A•Million
Just in time for the holidays! If you want an inspirational stocking-stuffer filled with adventures in medicine and entrepreneurship, not to mention lessons learned and challenges overcome, then order your copies of my autobiography today! I'm excited to announce that...
Turknett 2021 Signature Series: Women in Leadership
What a fun time I had with Anne Quiello of Turknett Leadership Group this morning as part of the 2021 signature series — Women in Leadership. It was a back-and-forth interview with a Q & A from the listeners, as well as a chat box. I was asked some GREAT...
A Special Note
I recently received a very special message from an important contributor to my book, which I dedicated to "Ralphie." I mailed Glenda Summers, his mother, several autographed copies from the local post office, not knowing when it would be delivered. Two days ago, I...
Delivering Books!
I promised those who contributed to my book an autographed hard cover, and I'm also filling local orders for those who buy online. Boy, oh, boy, have I been busy following up on that promise! If possible, I hand deliver the books. Case in point, a delivery to Cherie...
The Verde Valley Sanctuary
I support various causes, including the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) coursework for girls. STEAM curriculum includes "the arts" in its definition. I encourage both. I found it challenging to build MedAire into the leading...
Join Me Online October 29!
Join Me! I'm excited about my upcoming Women in Leadership webinar with the Turknett Group! Join me October 29, 2021 as I share secrets for launching a successful entrepreneurial startup! This will be a fun webinar, and I look forward to...
The Amazing Amy Spowart
Thank you, Amy Spowart, for so many reasons! Amy is President and CEO of the National Aviation Hall of Fame, and I'm fortunate to know such an accomplished leader who cares deeply about the industry and its members. She also cares about the National...
Get In Touch With Joan
Journalists, event organizers, book clubs and more can contact me for details on my book, One Life Lost, Millions Gained, and the story of how this phenomenal journey into aeromedicine began. Every once in a while, an idea sparks global change. In the case of my...
Book Signing Moments
Here are a few special moments captured as I enjoyed the crowd at the NBAA-BACE convention. The book signing occurred over multiple days... but I found time to mingle with friends and meet some extraordinary people! Thanks again to the National Business Aviation...
A MedLink Interview — NBAA TV
I'm so proud of MedAire's ongoing innovations. This video was shot at the NBAA-BACE Convention in Las Vegas, October 14, 2021 by NBAA-TV. I show up at around 1:30 minutes to highlight our latest aviation medical technology. People are continually amazed when they...
A Bit of Media Coverage
Here's another "photo album" of some fun face time with coordinators and reporters covering the NBAA-BACE annual convention in Las Vegas. This was my very first book signing and a special event among industry friends, colleagues, and customers. Another "thank you" to...
Book Signing Photo Album
Wow, I'll treasure these images forever. I enjoyed a very successful first book signing, debuting One Life Lost, Millions Gained during the NBAA-BACE annual convention in Las Vegas. Let's just say October 12–14 were very busy days with about two hundred books signed,...
More on Joan’s National Aviation Hall of Fame Induction
I'm so very honored to be a National Aviation Hall of Fame Inductee. Thank you to Hemlock Films and the NBAA for creating this video which covers many decades of devotion to the aviation industry and its passengers. The transcript is shared below. ...
At Barnes & Noble
How can you find my book? It's available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble! I hope you enjoy this autobiography, so raw and poignant at times, and otherwise a whirlwind of challenges and adventures. I look back at how it all began, this entrepreneurial journey into the...
NBAA Press Release
Note from Joan — I'm so honored to have experienced such a high-energy book signing at the NBAA-BACE Convention in Las Vegas. I signed several hundred copies of my autobiography, One Life Lost, Millions Gained, and appreciate everyone who endured the long lines! Wow,...
Book Signing Tweets and Posts!
What fun to see the activity on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and blogs during my book signing at the National Business Aviation Association Convention October 12 – 14! Sharing the love! Coffee Social — Facebook Tuesday, Oct. 12 | 2-3 p.m. | NBAA Booth #4165 Whether...
National Aviation Hall of Fame Medal
What an honor! I'll be posting insights, videos, and photos from the NBAA convention throughout October 12 to 14, 2021. Contact: Mandy Eddington Director Marketing, MedAire M +1.480.262.6918 mandy.eddington@MedAire.com JOAN SULLIVAN GARRETT, MEDAIRE FOUNDER AND...
MedAire Founder & Chairman Launches Highly Anticipated Book at NBAA
I appreciate MedAire's announcement about my book! I founded MedAire in 1985, stepped down as CEO in 2008, and stepped up as chairman. What a terrific company — one that has stood the test of time and continues to innovate. The world of travel is safer because of...
A Fun Podcast
YourChron.com interview Host Scott Pitney with Joan Sullivan Garrett I really enjoyed speaking with the amazing Scott Pitney, host of YourChron.com. Scott's podcast is about "extraordinary people and their extraordinary journeys," and I think the backstory of MedAire...
The Backstory
To better understand the roots and expansion of the company Joan founded, enjoy this impressive video. This was filmed during MedAire's 30th anniversary and details the evolution of Joan's vision and her passion for saving lives — highly recommended! ...
Media Q & A
TIPS FOR STORY LINES See the AUDIENCES PAGE for story ideas. Joan's multi-faceted book has touched many lives already, and some of the untold stories will appeal to readers of many interests, passions, and career paths. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Q: What is significant...
About Siobhan Publishing — and the Irish Component
: This little Irish grandmother had a huge impact on Joan’s career trajectory. The Imprint Siobhan Publishing, LLC is Joan Sullivan Garrett's imprint for the personal works in her family library such as ancestry and legacy books, children's books, and the biography...
Book Details and Sell Sheet
Paperback Version Author — Joan Sullivan Garrett Editor Melanie Saxton Publisher — Siobhan Publishing, LLC Genre — Autobiography, Biographies of Medical Professionals, Medical Professional Biographies, Biographies & Memoirs of Women Price — $19.99 soft cover...
Book Overview
Synopsis California Childhood Although Joan is best known as an inventor and aviation hall of famer, her life has been enigmatic from the start. She endured a tough childhood and credits her third-generation Irish roots for surviving it. The better parts...
Awards and Honors — Images
Awards & Honors 1997 Flight Safety Foundation Business Aviation Meritorious Service Award 2001 Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2005 Arizona State University Spirit of Enterprise Award 2017 NBAA Meritorious Service to Aviation Award...
For the Love of Horses
I think I could write an entire book on the horses in my life from childhood onward. One of my two favorite horses were Papoose and Patches. Patches, especially, was an excellent listener who rotated her ears at the inflection in my voice and kept all my secrets (just...
Semi-retired But Still Busy!
I stepped down as CEO of MedAire in 2008 and am now semi-retired with the roles of chairman of the board and industry consultant. After such a fast-paced existence, it’s quite nice to sit on my deck in the Arizona mountains and appreciate the little things that mean...
Flight Nurse
You'll see in the "Taking Flight" chapter all the adrenaline and danger involved in flight nursing, especially in the most remote mountains and deserts of Arizona. I was a flight nurse through Air Evac of Samaritan Health System. I applied and was accepted into...
More on Telemedicine
MedLink is the service arm of MedAire — a revolutionary innovation back in the 1980s. How did MedLink connect flight crews in the air with ground-based emergency physicians back in the day? I developed a way to use communication channels such as high frequency radio,...
Motherhood
I'll admit that working two or three jobs consistently after obtaining my nursing license caused quite a bit of "working mother guilt." Still, I was home and not traveling during my two sons' formative years. While they were high school and college, however, I was...
Animal Lover
I have a great fondness for the many dogs who have been loyal companions through the years. Labradors retrievers, especially, have stolen my heart. Below are photos of Riley, Kady, and Guinness. Kady is Riley's mother and Guinness is Riley's uncle (from his paternal...
35 Years of Marriage
And Then Came Frank When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible. From the movie When Harry met Sally I met Frank Garrett, my husband of 35 years, at a restaurant among friends. New...
Outdoor Enthusiast
I used to run the forest paths while listening to the music of Michael Flatley, Lord of the Dance. It was a great place to dream out loud, make business decisions, practice presentations, and rehearse speeches. There’s that Irish reference again — Michael Flatley — an...
On Grandmotherhood
Gardening encompasses much more than time spend outdoors. It's become a generational hobby! A few years ago, I asked my grandchildren where certain food items come from. The reply was, “From the grocery store!” I received a similar reply from my granddaughter, four at...
More About Joan
Below I share links and shout-outs about my favorite roles, interests, and the books I recommend in my autobiography. Wife Mother Grandmother Former Flight Nurse Animal lover Equestrian Gardener Outdoor enthusiast Semi-retired but still busy! Recommended books...
MedAire’s History
In 1985, I founded MedAire to provide upgraded medical kits to the commercial aviation industry, and later the business and private jet sector. At that time, airlines were using first aid kits designed by Johnson & Johnson in 1924, updated in 1950s and nothing...
National Aviation Hall of Fame
My dear friend Michael Quiello, Vice President of Avelo Airlines, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the National Aviation Hall of Fame, and former Vice President of United Airlines exemplifies the “customer turned friend” that is so important to me. Michael has relied...
Ralphie, the Inspiration Behind MedAire
BOOK DEDICATION To Ralphie Lopez, the eight-year-old patient who died in 1984 after an accident on a remote road in the San Tan Mountains of Arizona. Your life and death had meaning and ultimately propelled me to found MedAire — a global company that saves lives on...
International Air & Space Hall of Fame Induction
https://storage.googleapis.com/hof-video/garrett.mp4 International Air & Space Hall of Fame Induction 2020 Being inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame was the honor of a lifetime. Above is a video presentation given just before I was...
Why Garden?
One of my outdoor passions is gardening, and this hobby has a large presence in the beginning and ending of my autobiography. Below I share some of my whimsical thoughts on planting, growing, and harvesting — so good for the soul and great exercise too! Decompression...