Aeromedical Asia 2027 has officially confirmed five nominees for its Best Flight Nurse 2026 Award, representing the Philippines, Japan, Malaysia and Thailand.
The nominations were announced by the Selection Board on 11 November 2026, following a review of the professionals’ backgrounds and contributions to aeromedical nursing.
The shortlisted individuals bring experience in military casualty evacuation, international medical repatriation, critical care transport and specialised neonatal transfers.
Maria Victoria Juan – Philippines
A former Chief Nurse of the Philippine Army, Maria Victoria Juan played a significant role in establishing the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ first aeromedical evacuation system.
Her contribution to military nursing and emergency medical services earned international recognition when she received the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award in 2024.
Jacquelyn C. Cloma – Philippines
Jacquelyn C. Cloma has served in the Philippine Air Force Nursing Service, including aeromedical evacuation operations.
She was recognised by the DAISY Foundation in 2022 for providing in-flight nursing care to 80 wounded soldiers during an evacuation associated with the Marawi conflict.
Her experience highlights the demanding responsibilities of military flight nurses operating in challenging environments.
Rumi Yamamoto – Japan
Rumi Yamamoto is a pioneer in Japanese international medical escort nursing.
Among the early Japanese professionals to undertake flight escort assignments for multinational assistance organisations, she has contributed to the development of cross-border patient transport services.
She currently serves as Clinical Liaison and Medical Case Manager at EMA Global, supporting coordination between Japanese healthcare providers and international medical assistance teams.
Hemma Rajendra – Malaysia
Malaysian flight nurse Hemma Rajendra works with Singapore based EMA Global, undertaking international aeromedical evacuation and medical repatriation missions.
Before entering aeromedical nursing, she gained five years of intensive care experience in Kuala Lumpur.
Her work involves accompanying patients across international borders while maintaining continuity of medical care throughout their journey.
Sunisa Dissayasriroj – Thailand
Sunisa Dissayasriroj is the Medical Standards and Flight Nurse Manager at Medical Wings, operated by Siam Land Flying.
Her professional background includes aeromedical transport, clinical standards and specialised patient transfers.
She was listed as a presenter at the October 2026 Air Medical Transport Conference in the United States, with a session examining the clinical and operational challenges of transporting an extremely premature infant weighing just 490 grams.
The case highlights the complexities of neonatal aeromedical evacuation and the importance of specialised clinical preparation.
Recognising Excellence in Aeromedical Nursing
Flight nursing requires clinical knowledge, sound judgement and the ability to manage patients in an environment where medical resources, available space and operational conditions differ from those in a hospital.
The five nominees represent different areas of this profession, demonstrating how nursing expertise contributes to patient safety across military and civilian aeromedical operations.
The Selection Board has confirmed the shortlist, but the Best Flight Nurse 2026 recipient has not yet been announced.
The winner will be revealed following the completion of the selection process.
The recognition initiative is associated with Aeromedical Asia 2027, the International Aeromedical & Critical Care Transport Conference & Exhibition, scheduled for 17–18 February 2027 in Subang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Beyond the eventual award, the initiative seeks to bring greater attention to the nurses whose professional commitment supports the safe movement of patients across borders and healthcare systems.
