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DOT Physicals Specialist

South Central Family Practice Clinic Our Services DOT Physicals

South Central Family Practice Clinic

Family Practice & Medical Esthetics Specialist located in Soldotna, AK

If you drive a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle, you know that the position can be stressful and taxing. In Soldotna, Alaska, Gladys Bailon, MD, provides regular DOT physical exams to men and women who hold commercial driver’s licenses at South Central Family Practice Clinic. To make sure you’re safe to take on the responsibility of driving a commercial or oversized vehicle, call the clinic today.

DOT Physicals Q & A

What are DOT physicals?

If you have a commercial driver’s license or plan to get one, you must get a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam to make sure you can safely operate a large commercial vehicle.

At a minimum, you must get this exam once every two years. However, if you have a chronic medical condition like high blood pressure, you may be required to get them more frequently.

You’ll need a DOT exam if you:

  • Drive a passenger bus
  • Drive a semi-truck
  • Operate any other vehicle over 10,000 pounds 
  • Transport hazardous materials


Jobs that require operating oversized vehicles can carry a fair amount of stress. The DOT physical exam ensures that you can physically handle job-related stress and the required hours for your position.

Who can perform a DOT physical?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) keeps a registry of licensed medical examiners qualified to administer DOT physical exams. Providers on this list hold at least one of these titles:

  • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
  • Chiropractic Doctor (DC)
  • Physician Assistant (PA)
  • Advanced Practice Nurse (APN)


At South Central Family Practice Clinic, Dr. Bailon is qualified to give you your DOT physical in the state of Alaska.

What is involved in a DOT physical?

A DOT physical exam tests components of your health and competence. You’ll begin by filling out a medical examination report form. On it, you must detail any current or past medical conditions. It’s important for you to be transparent during this step or risk failing your physical.

Next, Dr. Bailon performs some basic tests of your body’s state and functions. These include:

  • Blood pressure reading
  • Vision test
  • Hearing test
  • Coordination test
  • Drug screening
  • Urinary glucose test

They also listen to your heartbeat and breathing patterns to make sure your organs are working properly. The exam takes less than an hour.

What happens if I fail my DOT physical?

If you don’t pass your DOT physical, don’t panic. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to find a new line of work.

The FMCSA may allow you to continue driving as long as you’re being treated for your disqualifying condition. Dr. Bailon can help you begin treatment so you can pass your next exam.

Driving commercial vehicles is a big responsibility and requires a healthy and capable person to do the job. To be sure that you can continue driving safely, call South Central Family Practice Clinic to book your next DOT physical today.

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