Have you ever wondered about Aerospace Medicine? This unique and exciting field cares for humans in extreme environments like aviation, extreme temperatures and pressures, isolated and confined locations, and space. The University of Texas Medical Branch Aerospace Medicine Seminar Series was developed as an introduction to the field and some of its key topics. Follow us monthly for each installment.

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Click here to go to the series on the UTMB website

 

2019-2020 Lectures

 

1. Aerospace Medicine: Sounds Cool, but what is it?
Have you ever wondered about Aerospace Medicine? The first lecture in the University of Texas Medical Branch Seminar Series introduces the ‘who, what, when, where and why’ of this unique and exciting career field.

 

2. Aerospace Medicine Environments
The second lecture in the University of Texas Medical Branch Seminar Series introduces some of the extreme environments in which humans work, necessitating aerospace medical expertise to ensure their safety.  You will learn about the layers of the atmosphere, extreme heat, extreme cold, and altitude related medical considerations.

 

3. Decompression Illness
The third lecture in the University of Texas Medical Branch Seminar Series introduces decompression illness. You will be exposed to the physiology involved in this complex issue, compare and contrast decompression illness in hyperbaric (dive medicine) and hypobaric (aviation and space medicine) exposures, and appreciate the need for aerospace medical expertise in caring for patients exposed to pressure changes.

 

4. Acceleration and Spatial Disorientation
The fourth lecture in the University of Texas Medical Branch Seminar Series introduces acceleration and spatial disorientation. You will learn about pulling Gs and common sensory illusions that can be deadly for the aviator, necessitating aerospace medical expertise in the care of pilots.

 

5. Accident Prevention, Aeromedical Disposition, & Toxicology
The fifth lecture in the University of Texas Medical Branch Seminar Series introduces the scope of aviation accidents in the United States and preventive measures. You will learn about the Federal Aviation Administration process for medical certification of civilian pilots in the United States and become aware of toxicologic considerations in aerospace medicine. This lecture will give you a better appreciation of the need for aerospace medical expertise in prevention and care of the aviator.

 

6. Space Physiology
The sixth lecture in the University of Texas Medical Branch Seminar Series introduces Space Physiology. The human body undergoes numerous physiologic adaptations when living and working in space. You will learn about these changes and mitigating factors employed to address negative effects of spaceflight. You will also learn about analog environments that simulate aspects of the space environment here on earth. This lecture highlights the necessity of aerospace medical expertise in caring for astronauts.

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2021-2022 Lectures

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7. Introduction to Space Radiation

This lecture is presented by Dr. William Valencia.  This presentation discusses the different types and sources of radiation relevant to the space environment, the standard units and measures for radiation, the acute and long-term health effects associated with radiation, and the mitigating strategies for radiation exposure.