The Undifferentiated Medical Student Ep 024 - Aerospace Medicine with Dr. Ryan Gray
Feb 24, 2017
Dr. Ryan Gray, former USAF flight surgeon and chief of aerospace medicine who now runs MedicalSchoolHQ and multiple podcasts. He talks about what aerospace medicine actually involves. He shares pilot trust issues and the stakes of grounding. He describes flight surgeon training, flying duties, civilian AME roles, NASA overlap, and why the specialty is uniquely rewarding.
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Pilot Physicians Bridge Flying And Medical Expertise
- Pilot physicians combine both careers to influence regulations, research, and technology, and the Air Force offers limited, sought-after pilot-physician slots.
- Those roles require completing aerospace medicine training after pilot selection.
Drones And Single Seat Fighters Will Reshape The Field
- Advances like remotely piloted aircraft and single-seat fighters will reduce traditional flight surgeon flying opportunities and change training appeal.
- Mental-health needs will rise for drone pilots who fight remotely then live at home, altering aerospace medicine focus.
Use ASMA And FAA AME Training For Civilian Paths
- Learn about aerospace medicine resources by visiting ASMA.org and consider FAA AME training for civilian aviation physicals.
- AME certification is a short FAA course and can be a cash-based practice doing pilot physicals.
