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Careers in Aerospace MedicineAerospace Medicine, as a broad field of endeavor, offers dynamic challenges and opportunities for physicians, nurses, physiologists, human factors specialists, psychologists, bioenvironmental engineers, industrial hygienists, environmental health practitioners, and other professionals. Those in the field are dedicated to enhancing health, promoting safety, and improving performance of individuals who work or travel in unusual environments. Areas of interest range from space and atmospheric flight to undersea activities, and the environments that are studied cover a wide spectrum, extending from the microenvironments of space or diving suits to those of "spaceship Earth." Aerospace medical practitioners serve flyers, passengers, space travelers, air traffic controllers, patients transported by air, maintenance crews, and even mountain climbers and undersea workers. The problems and challenges these people face are quite different from those faced by individuals who live and work only on the surface of the Earth. The unusual nature of aerospace medicine's needs requires that practitioners have unique expertise. Specialized education in any of aerospace medicine's diverse facets enables professionals to develop and apply their capabilities. The diverse and expanding opportunities in the field make a career in aerospace medicine unusually attractive for health professionals.
Aerospace MedicineAerospace medicine concerns the determination and maintenance of the health, safety, and performance of persons involved in air and space travel. The environments of space and aviation provide significant challenges, such as microgravity, radiation exposure, G-forces, emergency ejection injuries, and hypoxic conditions, for those embarking in their exploration. Neither primary care nor surgical specialties address these issues with the depth needed to manage the health care of military and civilian aviators and space explorers. Aerospace physicians are trained in the physiological implications of exposure to these environments and appropriate medical management to ensure safe skies for all. Aerospace Medicine physicians can be found around the world. Since the discipline, by definition, finds its home within agencies and clinics that concern themselves with medical and safety issues related to transportation, aviation, and space travel, physicians completing training in this field do not generally practice in traditional hospital settings. They are employed in the military, commercial airline companies, regulatory agencies, space agencies, and the independent clinics for medical flight certification, or in academia. The operational role of these physicians can be quite diverse. In the military, both active duty and reserves, their contributions range from medical support to a particular flight squadron and their families to evaluating military medical facilities. The civilian aerospace medicine physicians are usually employed by commercial airline medical offices, in private practice offices with aviator medical certification/review officer privileges, with regulatory agencies, in general aviator education, in accident investigation research, or with space centers for spaceflight crew medical support and related research. Thus, their daily responsibilities can range dependent on their employment site as well, from establishing certification protocols for aviators afflicted with challenging medical conditions to providing medical ground support to a member of a spaceflight crew experiencing illness in space or effects of microgravity. Residency Programs and Other Related Courses There are currently four accredited U.S. residency programs for aerospace medicine. The military programs include the Air Force program at Brooks City-Base in San Antonio , TX , and the combined Army/Navy program in Pensacola , FL. The civilian programs are at Wright State University in Dayton , OH , and the University of Texas-Medical Branch in Galveston , TX . They all require completion of a MD or DO program and an internship year involving direct patient care for enrollment. Beyond this year, the programs diverge to prepare their residents for the challenges of aerospace medical support within their respective branches of military service or within civilian aerospace institutions. There are also a number of training programs in other countries in civil and military institutions. The U.S. military programs consist of 1 academic year and 1 practicum year after PGY-1. The first year is dedicated to the fulfillment of requirements for a Master's degree in public health at an accredited school of public health. Civilian residents at the Wright State University program complete a Master's program in aerospace studies with a Master's research project requirement. Training within the military programs is geared to prepare residents for the care of flight squadrons and their families, as well as crew at sea or remote locations. Thus, it can include a variety of generalist clinical activities to prepare them for the breadth of medical problems associated with the flying environment. The clinical experience for civilian aerospace residents largely involves the rotations geared to support commercial airline medical departments, related government agencies, and especially NASA centers. All of the programs have opportunities for dual residency accreditation, as well. In fact, the USAF School and UTMB program offer accreditation in Occupational and Preventive Medicine. Many aerospace physicians choose to train in more than one area of medicine, such as internal medicine, family practice, emergency medicine, ophthalmology, and otolaryngology, because this approach can provide a broader perspective in addressing the challenges of medicine in this special environment. In addition to the standard residency programs, there are numerous courses open to both military and civilian physicians and medical students. After completion of the PGY-1 year, military physicians can complete a fundamental short course in aerospace medicine. The course entitles these physicians to function as flight surgeons under the direction of supervising medical officers. Practicing civilian physicians are designated as aeromedical examiners ( AMEs ) for the FAA by regional air surgeons, after completion of a course in aeromedical certification administered by the Civil Aerospace Medicine Institute (CAMI) in Oklahoma City . The course provides comprehensive coverage of the flight environment and the implications of various disease states on pilot performance and overall air safety. It traditionally enrolls aviation medical physicians from around the world, thus facilitating guidance regarding aeromedical certification standard internationally. U.S. AMEs work closely with CAMI to medically certify civilian pilots, air traffic controllers, and various aviation support personnel. Through the University of Texas-Medical Branch aerospace residency program and the Johnson Space Center , residents and medical students can enroll for a formal short-course in aerospace medicine. It focuses on aerospace physiology and medical issues associated with mission support, training, and certification for spaceflight. The Kennedy Space Center offers a rotation for medical students that will expose the student to similar issues with a special emphasis on launch support and emergency procedures, astronaut post-flight assessment and care, and general environmental health for astronauts and support staff. They, also, conduct a one-day course for health personnel serving in support for mission emergency contingencies. In addition, there are opportunities internationally for training physicians and medical/graduate students at a variety of institutions including the International Space University in Strasbourg , France. Board Certification Specialty board certification for physicians in Aerospace Medicine is provided by the American Board of Preventive Medicine, Inc., after completion of an approved 2-year residency and passing the Board examination. Research Opportunities There are many research opportunities related to the field of aerospace medicine. Scientists in a variety of disciplines carry out programs of research related to aviation and spaceflight, including the man-machine interface, human performance, fatigue effects, space cabin safety and habitability, decompression sickness, radiation effects, spatial disorientation, and aircraft accident investigation. The broad spectrum of opportunities means that scientists may move into this field from a variety of training programs and academic backgrounds ranging from engineering to psychology. Many positions require doctoral degrees. Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine, the official journal of the Aerospace Medical Association offers comprehensive coverage of the issues confronting aerospace medicine specialists through peer-reviewed scientific studies. It features information from groups representing related disciplines like aerospace physiology, nursing, and human factors. The Aerospace Medical Association holds an annual scientific meeting which highlights international scientific and professional contributions to the field each May. Additional Information:Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) Contact Info Many associations are linked to the AsMA website on the Related Organizations page under Constituent and Affiliate Organizations. Others are available through the Related Sites section. There is now a Training and Research Programs database available (Microsoft Access; 764 KB; updated July 2009; will download to your computer). Alternatively, an Adobe pdf version is available through the following links:
CAMA Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (FAA-CAMI) Wright State University School of Medicine University of Texas Medical Branch The U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Naval Operational Medical Institute American College of Preventive Medicine NASA Headquarters Kennedy Space Center Aerospace NursingAerospace flight nursing is concerned with air evacuation/transport of critically-ill and acutely injured patients in military and civilian settings. Specialized training is needed since the sites of evacuation, variable stability of the patients, and the limitations of transport care present challenges. Flight nurses are involved in many phases of medical launch support for the space program, as well. Medical certification, post-landing assessment, and emergency procedures planning and execution, represent only a few of the functions for which their expertise is essential. They also contribute to the activities of hyperbaric support for wound care, toxic exposures, and decompression sickness in diving and flying communities. Most trained military flight nurses are in the Air Force, either on active duty or reserves, with the remainder employed with the Air National Guard. Though training requirements can vary, the Air Force generally requires the completion of an accredited nursing Bachelor's degree and their flight nursing program (6 weeks). Fulfillment of the requirements for a Class III Flight Physical and Commissioned Officers Training is required, as well. Military hyperbaric chamber facilities offer courses in medical indications, assessment, treatment, and supportive care of patient presentations ranging from non-healing wounds to carbon monoxide poisoning. Civilian flight nurse training can be even more variable, but there are several training experiences that should be included in preparation for work in this field. Certifications in basic, cardiac, and pediatric advanced life support are fundamental. The Neonatal Resuscitation Program, the Pre-Hospital Advanced Life Support Examination, a nationally recognized trauma course (i.e., the Transport Nurse Advanced Trauma Course), and the Certified Flight Registered Nurse Examination may be required in additional to substantial critical support care experience. Though clinic responsibilities can often be executed by nurses with occupational medicine backgrounds, the flight nurses involved specifically with space medical support generally have extensive critical care experience. Courses and brief training opportunities are available for specialization in space flight nursing can be found at the Kennedy Space Center . The annual conferences of the Aerospace Medical Association, Air Medical Transport, Critical Care Transport Medicine, The Emergency Nurses Association, and the Critical Care Transport Medicine, which is held simultaneously with the Air Medical Physicians Association Meeting, provide forums for the display of scientific advances and contributions to flight nursing. The Air Medical Crew National Standards Curriculum and similar documents provide insight into the fundamentals of flight nursing science, while the Air Medical Journal and Aviation Space, and Environmental Medicine introduce new, peer-reviewed studies pertinent to the field. Additional InformationAerospace Nursing Society Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (National Flight Nurse Association)
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Association of Air Medical Services Emergency Nurses Association Military Flight Nurse Training Aerospace PhysiologyAerospace physiologists study the changes in physiological parameters associated with the aerospace environment. Their expertise is employed in the training of aviators and support staff, to encourage the anticipation of the physical challenges associated with aviation and space travel challenges such as acceleration, ejection, spatial disorientation, and hypoxia. They are knowledgeable regarding life support systems, night vision goggles, flight suits, etc., and they train aviators regarding their proper use and limitations. These specialists also incorporate practical aspects of human factors into mission preparation to ensure that aviators and mission specific staff are aware of the impact of issues like fatigue, stress, nutrition, and circadian rhythms. Universities, the military, private industry, and government agencies use aerospace physiologists to conduct research, instruct pilots, and provide advice regarding the incorporation of human factors in system designs. They are represented in these settings with a range of educational backgrounds and practical experiences. Although there are opportunities for physiologists with Bachelor's degrees, higher levels of education are encouraged. AsMA has offered certification in this vital field since 1977 through a one-day written examination administered prior to the annual scientific meeting of the Association to candidates possessing at least a baccalaureate degree in physiology and substantial experience. To prepare for this examination, a combination of texts in general physiology, as well aerospace and diving medicine, is recommended. The applicant will need to demonstrate competency in the characteristics of the atmosphere, acceleration, spatial disorientation, and the physiology of decompression, thermo-regulation, hyperbarics, respiration, and cardiovascular function. Additionally, operational topics such as positive pressure breathing, noise, and LASER radiation are covered. The examination results are revealed during the annual meeting of AsMA. Each successful candidate receives a gold pO 2 pin along with their certificate and may use the trademark CAsP. Additional InformationAerospace Physiology Society (AsPS ) of the AsMA U. S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Aerospace Human FactorsThe field of aerospace human factors envelopes the principles of engineering and psychology in order to evaluate flight systems and how they interact with the pilot. These specialists are involved in the analysis and design of flight displays, ejection systems, etc., as well as the study of factors affecting aviator performance. Thus, such factors as task overload and fatigue which may lead to human error in the cockpit and flight deck are of particular interest to the human factors specialist. These issues are of primary concern for space agencies, civil aviation regulatory agencies, military researchers, aircraft manufacturers, and many private companies dedicated to the design of aerospace interfaces and systems for peak performance and safety. Reflecting the variety of skills necessary to evaluate aerospace systems, human factors specialists secure their necessary formal educational tools from many disciplines. International Space Station medical diagnostic equipment, upgrades in air traffic control systems, and airbus passenger capacity augmentations require contributions from several engineering disciplines ranging in focus from biology to computers. Evaluation of these systems and human performance mandates the participation of psychologists familiar with aerospace environments. Thus, aerospace human factors specialists generally train on a graduate and/or doctoral level in related areas of biomedical engineering, human factors, and psychology. Additional certification beyond degrees granted by accredited universities is not required for work in this exciting field. Additional InformationAerospace Human Factors Association American Psychological Association Human Factors & Ergonomics Society Human Performance in Extreme Environments Undersea & Hyperbaric MedicineUndersea and Hyperbaric Medicine addresses the health and safety of the diving community, as well as the range of illnesses which respond to hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). These include decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, gas embolism, osteoradionecrosis, and the healing of problem wounds. Daily responsibilities for professionals in this aerospace-related field of medicine vary significantly depending upon the geographical location of the hyperbaric chamber. Thus, hyperbaric specialists located in coastal regions generally treat a higher proportion of divers, as opposed to chambers more inland which may treat non-healing wounds more commonly. Numerous opportunities exist to gain experience in multiplace and monoplace chambers. Regardless, innovative applications for high pressure oxygen keep this field on the cutting edge of medicine. Formal training is usually obtained through a fellowship either within the military or in civilian chamber facilities. The US Air Force conducts a 1-year fellowship currently open to U.S./international military and active duty or reserve physicians who have completed at least one accredited residency program. This facility sponsors rotations and formal training programs for nurses, medical students, and technicians with similar U.S. and international military affiliations. The U.S. Navy provides hyperbaric medicine training to physicians at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City , Florida , certifying them as Hyperbaric Medicine Advisors. They offer a three-year residency in Undersea Medicine at the Naval Undersea Medical Institute in Groton , Connecticut . In addition, there are a host of civilian academic chambers which provide fellowship experiences and rotations for interested health professions from a variety of backgrounds. Focused courses addressing various applications of high pressure oxygen therapy are offered by several organizations listed below. Topics range from introductory courses in hyperbaric therapy to transcutaneous oxygen monitoring. Many list course offerings in the U.S. and abroad, and several qualify for continuing education accreditation. The American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) has recently reinstituted an accreditation examination for specialists in undersea and hyperbaric medicine. They offer refresher courses for this examination, as well as others under the auspices of Preventive Medicine. Currently, the examination is given annually, and qualified applicants can obtain more information by contacting the ABPM for further details. Additional Information:Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society Diving Alert Network (DAN) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |
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